9th grade · Math · Unit 11 of 17
Linear Inequalities
Solve and write inequalities
What your child practices
Solving linear inequalities (flipping the sign when dividing by a negative), checking a solution, and writing inequalities from budgets and limits.
Maine Learning Results learning standard: HSA.REI.B.3; HSA.CED.A.1 · creating and solving linear inequalities in context
How we explain it
Children can open this short lesson before they practice.
- Solve an inequality like an equation.
- If you multiply or divide by a negative number, flip the sign.
- Check with a number from your answer.
Example: Solve −2x + 3 > 11. Subtract 3: −2x > 8. Divide by −2 and flip: x < −4. Answer: x < −4
Linear Inequalities in Maine
In the Maine Learning Results, this is unit 11 of 17 in 9th grade Math, after Function Notation and before Solving Systems.
Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.
Source: Maine Department of Education
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
You have $90. Shirts cost $7 each and shipping is $8. Which inequality shows how many shirts, s, you can buy?
- 7s + 8 ≥ 90
- 7 + 8s ≤ 90
- 7s + 8 ≤ 90
- 7s ≤ 90 + 8
7s + 8 ≤ 90
Hint: The total cost (price × shirts + shipping) must be at most your budget.
Question 2
Is x = 3 a solution of 5x − 5 < 19?
- No
- Yes
Yes
Hint: Substitute: 5 × 3 − 5 = 10. Is that less than 19?
Question 3
Tickets cost $8 each plus a $7 fee. You can spend at most $90. What is the greatest number of tickets you can buy?
- 9
- 11
- 13
- 10
10
Hint: 8t + 7 ≤ 90, so t ≤ 10.375. Round down.
Question 4
Solve 3x − 3 < 0.
- x < −1
- x < 1
- x > 1
- x < 2
x < 1
Hint: Undo the steps as with an equation.
Question 5
Tickets cost $7 each plus a $8 fee. You can spend at most $40. What is the greatest number of tickets you can buy?
- 5
- 1
- 4
- 2
4
Hint: 7t + 8 ≤ 40, so t ≤ 4.571. Round down.
Question 6
Solve x − 9 ≥ −10.
- x ≥ −1
- x ≥ 0
- x ≤ −1
- x ≥ 1
x ≥ −1
Hint: Undo the steps as with an equation.