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)\"\" \"About 
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why it is necessary to reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number.
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\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
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\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
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\n" ); document.write( "Cheers,
\n" ); document.write( "Stan H.
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