Question

For the inequality, decide whether the solution is represented by x <2.5 OR x >2.5. -25 > -5(x+2.5)

Answer 1

To solve the inequality -25 > -5(x + 2.5), first multiply -5 by the number and variable in the parentheses.

-25 > -5x - 12.5

Now add 12.5 to both sides of the equation.

-25 + 12.5 > -5x - 12.5 + 12.5

-12.5 > -5x

Now divide -12.5 by -5 to get the answer.

-12.5 ÷ -5 is 2.5

You would think the final answer is 2.5 > x, but that is not true because -5 is negative and when a negative number is divided to both sides of an inequality, the sign gets flipped.

So, the real answer is 2.5 < x, or x > 2.5.