How do you solve the inequality 9 > -3 (x - 1) ≥ -12?

1 Answer
Jun 24, 2018

-2 < x <= 5

Explanation:

Given: 9 > -3(x-1)>= -12

color(blue)("Manipulate the same way you do equation.")
color(blue)("but be mindful about the inequality sign")

Divide throughout by 3 (does not change the signs)

3 > -x+1 >= -4

Subtract 1 throughout

2 > -x >= -5

color(brown)("Consider the part: "-x >= -5)

Swap sides and change the negatives to positives. Keep the inequality the same way round.

Same thing as: add 5 to both sides and add x to both sides and keep the inequality the same way round.

Same thing as: multiply both sides by (-1) and turn the inequality sign the other way round.

5 >= x color(white)("ddd")larr This is the same thing as x <= 5

color(brown)("Consider the part: "2 > -x)

Swap sides and change the signs but keep the inequality the same way round.

x > -2

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color(brown)("Putting it all together")

-2 < x <= 5