Question 313183
IF -2x<14, is x<-7? why or why not

-2x < 14

To find x, we need to divide both sides by -2.  Notice that we must divide by the coefficient of x, which in this case is a nagative number.  When we divide by a negative number, the sign of the inequality must be reversed.

In other words, < becomes >.

-2x < 14

x > 14/-2

x > -7

To make the above inequality a true statement, any value chosen for x must be GREATER THAN -7.  

Understand?