How Do You Use Subtraction to Solve an Inequality Word Problem?

How Do You Use Subtraction to Solve an Inequality Word Problem?

Note:

Word problems allow you to see the real world uses of math! In this tutorial, learn how to translate a word problem into an inequality. Then see how to solve the inequality and understand the meaning of the answer.

Keywords:

  • problem
  • word problem
  • word
  • translate words to algebra
  • inequality
  • solve
  • solve by subtraction
  • subtraction
  • subtraction property of inequality
  • single variable
  • 1 variable
  • 1 step
  • single step

Background Tutorials

  • Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.

      • How Do You Subtract Decimals?How Do You Subtract Decimals?

      How Do You Subtract Decimals?

      Doing math with paper and pencil can come in real handy, so make sure you're comfortable subtracting decimals by hand. After all, you don't want the calculator to be a crutch!

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

Further Exploration

  • Solve word problems leading to inequalities of the form px + q > r or px + q < r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Graph the solution set of the inequality and interpret it in the context of the problem.

      • How Do You Solve a Word Problem Using a Multi-Step Inequality?How Do You Solve a Word Problem Using a Multi-Step Inequality?

      How Do You Solve a Word Problem Using a Multi-Step Inequality?

      This tutorial provides a great real world application of math. See how to turn a word problem into an inequality. Then solve the inequality by performing the order of operations in reverse. Don't forget that if you multiply or divide by a negative number, you MUST flip the sign of the inequality! That's one of the big differences between solving equalities and solving inequalities.