Question

Why must you flip the inequality symbol when you divide by a negative number?

this is the problem that goes along with the question: -x + 3 > 7

Answer 1

this is how i remember it

-x + 3 > 7
subtract 3 from both sides
-x > 4

now if i add x to both sides i have
0 > 4 + x

now if i subtract 4 from both sides i get

-4 > x

or in other perspective x < -4

let's try it the traditional way
-x + 3 > 7
subtract 3
-x > 4
divide by -1
x> -4
flip the sign
x<-4

Answer 2

does that help?

Answer 3

yes omg thank u sooooooo much!! i understand it much better now!!

Answer 4

welcome ^_^

Answer 5

Here is the example:

Suppose:

5 > 3

Now flip the signs:

-5 > -3 ( No not correct)


So here we have to change the inequality sign:

-5 < -3..