Lesson: Basic Algebra - 12t01

Solving Inequalities on Standardized Tests, continued

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	Column A		Column B
	Z-2		-10
Column A is greater.    Column B is greater.    The columns are equal.    The relationship cannot be determined.

Solve the equation:

Don’t forget to reverse the inequality when multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative number. Since z is always less than –8, z – 2 will always be less than –10, and thus Column B is greater, and that's your answer. There’s a trap here: don’t forget that this is an inequality! The variable z will never actually be –8, but will always be less than –8, even if only by a hairsbreadth. Therefore, –10 is always the greater quantity. Back Next

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