3.2
Solving Equations & Inequalities
July 9, 2025
Maryam Syed
1
Min Read
AI Summary
Solving equations and inequalities involves finding the value of a variable that makes the statement true by isolating the variable using inverse operations. This means doing the opposite operation (e.g., subtract instead of add) to both sides of the equation or inequality to keep it balanced. For example, in solving 2x + 3 = 11, you subtract 3 and divide by 2 to isolate x, resulting in x = 4.
Solving equations and Inequalities
Solving equations and inequalities means finding the value of a variable that makes the equation or inequality true. It’s basically just finding out what number the variable represents.
Inverse Operations Method
To solve equations and inequalities, you can use the method “Inverse operations.” Youre just doing the opposite, if its adding, subtract; if its multiplying, divide. And then Balance both sides, whatever you do on one side, do to the other.
Equations Example
Solve 2x + 3 = 11
Subtract 3 from both sides → 2x = 8
Divide both sides by 2 → x = 4. So, x = 4.
We subtracted by 3 to get rid of the 3 on the right side. Then you divide by 2 because the 2 is being multiplied by x. We just want x alone.
Inequality Example
Solve x - 5 > 3
Add 5 to both sides → x > 8
So, x > 8.
You just want x alone and since 5 is being subtracted, just add on both sides.