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Multiply by a Positive

Part of the Inequalities & Absolute Value section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 9 of 61.

To solve x2>3\frac{x}{2} > 3, multiply both sides by 2. Half of xx is more than 3, so xx itself is more than 6:

x>6x > 6

Multiplying both sides of an inequality by a positive number keeps the sign as well. For example, 3<53 < 5 is true. Multiply both sides by 2 and you get 6<106 < 10, which is also true.

You undo a fraction the same way as in an equation. To undo x5\frac{x}{5}, multiply by 5. To undo 2x3\frac{2x}{3}, multiply by 3 and then divide by 2, or multiply by 32\frac{3}{2} in one step. All of these numbers are positive, so the sign stays the same whichever way you do it.

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Challenge

Easy

Solve the inequality x5≤2\frac{x}{5} \le 2 for xx.

Try it yourself

x5≤2\frac{x}{5} \le 2

Get xx alone on one side

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