CHAPTER 2 - Equations and Inequalities

Abstract

This chapter focuses on linear equations and inequalities. A linear equation in one unknown is a statement of equality containing one variable that has the exponent one. The solution to an equation is a numeric value of the variable that makes the statement true. Linear equations can be solved by adding a number or expression or subtracting the same number or expression from both sides of the equation, and/or by multiplying or dividing both sides of the equation by a number or expression. A linear equation is often called a first degree equation. “Applied” mathematics problems generally involve word, sentences, and numbers. Therefore, such problems need to be translated into mathematics. A linear inequality is an inequality containing a variable to the first power. The solution of a linear inequality is the set of all values of the variable that make the statement true. Procedures for solving an inequality are the same as those for solving equations, with an exception that multiplying or dividing by a negative number reverses the sense of the inequality.