Worked example
Solve the inequality -2x > -6.
Answer & why
Answer: x < 3
Divide both sides by -2. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < 3.
Grade 9 · Math
Solve an inequality with a negative coefficient
Solve a strict linear inequality by division by a negative coefficient.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Solve the inequality -4x > 8.
- x ≤ -2
- x > -2
- x < -2
- x ≥ -2
A hint
Reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number.
Answer & why
Answer: x < -2
Divide both sides by -4. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < -2.
Question 2
Solve the inequality -5x > -5.
- x ≥ 1
- x < 1
- x ≤ 1
- x > 1
A hint
Reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number.
Answer & why
Answer: x < 1
Divide both sides by -5. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < 1.
Question 3
Solve the inequality -6x > 18.
- x ≤ -3
- x ≥ -3
- x > -3
- x < -3
A hint
Reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number.
Answer & why
Answer: x < -3
Divide both sides by -6. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < -3.
Question 4
Solve the inequality -7x > -14.
- x ≤ 2
- x < 2
- x > 2
- x ≥ 2
A hint
Reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number.
Answer & why
Answer: x < 2
Divide both sides by -7. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < 2.
Question 5
Solve the inequality -2x > -6.
- x ≤ 3
- x < 3
- x > 3
- x ≥ 3
A hint
Reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number.
Answer & why
Answer: x < 3
Divide both sides by -2. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < 3.
Question 6
Solve the inequality -3x > -12.
- x ≤ 4
- x > 4
- x ≥ 4
- x < 4
A hint
Reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number.
Answer & why
Answer: x < 4
Divide both sides by -3. Dividing by a negative reverses the inequality, giving x < 4.