Question 222429
The solution to an EQUATION is actually the endpoint of an interval that would be the solution for a corresponding INEQUALITY.


If you are asking if you can solve an inequality by solving an EQUATION and then just replace the equal sign with the inequality sign, the answer is NO!  Definitely NO!  The rules for solving inequalities are similar to the rules for solving equations, but definitely NOT the same.  For more explanation on this, please see my own website.  Do a "Bing" search for my last name "Rapalje".  Look for "Rapalje Homepage" near the top of the search list.  


On my Homepage near the top, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time."  Choose "Basic Algebra", and look in Chapter 1 for Section 1.11 Inequalities.  In this section, you will find my own non-traditional explanations, that my own students all said were a LOT easier to understand than traditional textbooks.  See also the corresponding "MATH IN LIVING COLOR" pages in which problems are solved IN COLOR!  


If I misunderstood your question, please send me an Email, and I'll be glad to try again.


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus