Expert: Bobby Soltani - 11/10/2005

Question
DESCRIBE THE STEPS NEEDED TO SOLVE EACH INEQUALITY

-3p+4<P-5

Answer
Hi Megan,

Solve the inequality just as you would if there was an equals sign instead of a "less than" sign, with one exception.  If you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number, you must change the sign from "less than" to "greater than" and vice versa.  Here are the steps.

-3p + 4 < p - 5

add 3p to both sides

4 < 4p - 5

add 5 to both sides

9 < 4p

divide both sides by 4

(9/4) < p

or, equivalently

p > (9/4)

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bobby