Question

Difficulty: MediumSolving One-Variable Inequalities

What is the correct solution set for the inequality shown below?

4(x−1)−2(x+3)≥5x+24(x - 1) - 2(x + 3) \geq 5x + 2
  1. x≤−4x \leq -4Answer
  2. B
    x≥−4x \geq -4
  3. C
    x≤0x \leq 0
  4. D
    x≤4x \leq 4

Answer

The correct solution set is x≤−4x \leq -4.
The correct answer is derived by carefully distributing the coefficients, combining like terms, isolating the variable xx, and applying the rule to reverse the inequality symbol when dividing by a negative number.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distribute the values 44 and −2-2 into their respective parentheses on the left side.
4x−4−2x−6≥5x+24x - 4 - 2x - 6 \geq 5x + 2
This step removes the parentheses and prepares the terms for grouping.
2
Combine the like terms on the left side of the inequality.
2x−10≥5x+22x - 10 \geq 5x + 2
Simplifying expressions on each side makes it easier to isolate the variable.
3
Subtract 5x5x from both sides, and add 1010 to both sides.
−3x≥12-3x \geq 12
This moves all variable terms to the left side and all constant terms to the right side.
4
Divide both sides by −3-3 and reverse the direction of the inequality symbol.
x≤−4x \leq -4
When dividing or multiplying an inequality by a negative number, the relationship between the two sides inverses, so the sign must be flipped.

Key Concept

Solving one-variable linear inequalities requires isolating the variable using inverse operations, and reversing the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
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