A Bracket on the Way

Part of the Inequalities & Absolute Value section of Coddy's Math journey. Lesson 20 of 64.

2(x - 3) >= 4: divide both sides by 2 first, which is the quickest when the other side divides cleanly, and the bracket falls away.

x - 3 >= 2

x >= 5

Or distribute first: 2x - 6 >= 4, add 6, divide by 2. Same place.

Brackets, fractions, added numbers, coefficients: each is a layer, and each is undone by the inverse move, outside in. The only thing that is new in this whole section is the flip, and it only comes when you multiply or divide by a negative.

Challenge

Solve the inequality (x - 2)/4 > 1 for x.

Try it yourself

(x - 2)/4 > 1

Solve for x

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Inequalities & Absolute Value

1What an Inequality Is

The Four Signs A Picture on a Line Closed or Open Reading It Backwards Recap: What an Inequality Is

4Two-Step Inequalities

Two Steps Subtract, Then Flip With a FractionA Bracket on the WayRecap: Two-Step Inequalities

7Between Two Numbers

Two Conditions at Once Solving a Chain Two Moves on All Parts When the Chain Flips Chains with Fractions Recap: Between Two Numbers

10Absolute Value Inequalities

Less Than: Between Between, Shifted Greater Than: Outside Outside, Shifted Isolate, Then Split Always or Never Recap: Absolute Inequalities

2Adding and Subtracting

Add to Both Sides Subtract from Both Sides Negatives in the Mix Solve, Then Draw Recap: Adding and Subtracting

5Variables on Both Sides

x on Both Sides Gather Toward the Larger Brackets First Always True, Never True Recap: Variables on Both Sides

8One or the Other

Either Works Solving Each Part And versus Or Recap: One or the Other

11From Words to Inequalities

At Least, At Most More Than A Budget That Shrinks Two Limits Recap: From Words