4.

3 Solving Inequalities using Multiplication or Division

Properties of inequalities with positive numbers

Vocabulary Multiplication Property of Division Property of

Inequalities Inequalities
Words When you multiply each side When you divide each side of
of an inequality by the same an inequality by the same
positive number, the positive number, the
inequality remains true inequality remains true
Numbers -4 < 6 4 > -6
2 *(-4) < 2 * 6 4/2 > -6/2
-8 < 12 2>-3
Algebra If a < b and c is positive, then If a < b and c is positive, then
a * c < b* c a/c < b/c
If a > b and c is positive, then If a > b and c is positive, then
a*c>b*c a/c > b/c

Examples: Solve the inequality and graph the solution.

x
1) <12 2) 5x ≥ 20
4

x
3) 7x > 21 4) ≤6
3
Properties of inequalities with negative numbers

Vocabulary Multiplication Property of Division Property of

Inequalities
Words When you multiply each side
of an inequality by the same
negative number, the
direction of the inequality
symbol must be reversed for
the inequality to remain true.
Numbers -4 < 6
-2 *(-4) < -2 * 6
8 > -12
Algebra If a < b and c is negative,
then a * c > b* c
If a > b and c is negative,
then a * c < b * c
Inequalities
When you divide each side of
an inequality by the same
negative number, the
direction of the inequality
symbol must be reversed for
the inequality to remain true.
4 > -6
4/-2 > -6/-2
-2 < 3
If a < b and c is positive, then
a/c > b/c
If a > b and c is negative,
then a/c < b/c

Examples: Solve the inequality and graph the solution

−x
5) <4 6) -6x ≥ 36
2

x
7) -9x > 27 8) - ≤6
3
Examples: Solve the inequality and graph the solution

9) You and 4 friends are planning to visit an amusement park. You want to keep the cost below
$80 per person. Write and solve an inequality that represents the total cost of visiting the
amusement park.

10) Matt has at least 3 Derek Jeter baseball cards. These cards represent ¼ of his total
number of cards. At least how many cards does Matt have? Write and solve an inequality that
represents the total number of baseball cards.

11) Ryan makes $8 an hour working at Target. How many hours does he have to work to make at
least $240? Write and solve an inequality that represents the total number of hours Ryan must
work.

12) Lilly has 5 American Flag stamps in her stamp collection. These stamps represent 1/3 of her
total number of stamps. How many stamps does Lilly have? Write and solve an inequality that
represents the total number of stamps.