Solving a Two-Step Linear Inequality with Whole Numbers

Solving inequalities is similar to solving equations. What we do on one side of an inequality, we do the same on the other side to maintain the “balance” of the inequality. The Properties of Inequality help us add, subtract, multiply, or divide within an inequality.

As with one-step inequalities, we solve two-step inequalities by manipulating the inequality so as to isolate the variable.

Similarly, we always substitute values into the original inequality to check the answer. We plug in the solutions obtained into the original equation and see if it works.

Inequalities model problems that have a range of answers. They can be mapped along a number line, and they can be manipulated to simplify or solve them. When solving inequalities, it is important to follow the Properties of Inequality −

Solve the following two-step linear inequality with whole numbers.

5y + 1 > 11

Solution

Step 1:

Given 5y + 1 > 11; Subtracting 1 from both sides

5y + 1 −1 > 11 – 1; 5y > 10

Step 2:

Dividing both sides by 5

5y/5 > 10/5; y > 2

Step 3:

So, solution for the given two-step linear inequality is

y > 2

Solve the following two-step linear inequality with whole numbers.

$\frac{−x}{2}$ − 5 > 2

Solution

Step 1:

Given $\frac{−x}{2}$ − 5 > 2;

Adding 5 to both sides

$\frac{−x}{2}$ − 5 + 5 > 2 + 5; $\frac{−x}{2}$ > 7

Step 2:

Multiplying both sides by 2

−x/2 × 2 > 7 × 2; −x > 14; x < −14

Step 3:

So, solution for the given two-step linear inequality is x < −14