Solve an inequality with the same balancing steps as an equation, while keeping track of which values satisfy the comparison. Multiplying or dividing by a negative reverses the inequality sign.
Key Rules
Perform the same operation on both sides.
Reverse the sign only when multiplying or dividing by a negative quantity.
Check whether a boundary is included: ≤ and ≥ include equality; < and > do not.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reversing the sign when merely subtracting a number.
Reporting one boundary value when the question asks for the entire solution set.
SAT Strategy Tips
→Test a simple value on each side of the boundary.
→In context, apply extra constraints such as nonnegative or whole-number counts.
Example Question
Which inequality is equivalent to 3x + 5 ≤ 20?
Ready to practice?
Apply what you learned with real SAT questions on this topic.