document.write( "Question 142561: why it is necessary to reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number. \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #103769 by stanbon(75887)![]() ![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! why it is necessary to reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number. \n" ); document.write( "------------- \n" ); document.write( "Draw a number line. \n" ); document.write( "Plot the points x = -2 and x = +3 \n" ); document.write( "Notice that -2 is to the left of +3, so -2 < +3 \n" ); document.write( "--------------------------------- \n" ); document.write( "Now multiply both numbers by -5 and see what happens: \n" ); document.write( "The -2 becomes +10 and the +3 becomes -15 \n" ); document.write( "Plot those points on the number line. Notice \n" ); document.write( "that the -15 is to the left of +10 so -5*+3 < -5*-2: \n" ); document.write( "the order has switched because you multiplied by a negative.\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "--------------- \n" ); document.write( "Cheers, \n" ); document.write( "Stan H. \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |