The Negative Flip
Multiplying or dividing by a negative flips the symbol.
Practice: "Solve for \(x\): \( -3x + 4 \geq 19 \)"
Show Solution & Analysis
1. Subtract 4:
\( -3x \geq 15 \)
2. Divide by -3:
Flip symbol: \( x \leq -5 \)
Result: \( x \leq -5 \)
**Step 1:** Add \( 3x \) to the other side to make it positive.
\( 4 \geq 3x + 19 \implies -15 \geq 3x \).
**Step 2:** Divide by positive 3.
\( -5 \geq x \).
**Result: \( x \leq -5 \)**
Moving the variable prevents
"forgetting the flip".