SOLUTION: Explain why the solution to ax-1<3 is not x<4/a. Use solutions of the inequality with different values of 'a' to support your explanation.

Algebra ->  Inequalities -> SOLUTION: Explain why the solution to ax-1<3 is not x<4/a. Use solutions of the inequality with different values of 'a' to support your explanation.       Log On


   

Question 943365: Explain why the solution to ax-1<3 is not x<4/a. Use solutions of the inequality with different values of 'a' to support your explanation.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It would be x < 4/a IF 'a' were positive (so not negative and nonzero)

If 'a' were negative, then the inequality sign would flip to get x > 4/a

So because we don't know if 'a' is positive or negative, we can't determine the direction of the inequality sign.

Note: 'a' can NEVER equal zero (you cannot divide by zero)