Question

Difficulty: MediumLinear Inequalities in One Variable

What is the complete set of solutions to the inequality 23(6x9)+4>12-\frac{2}{3}(6x - 9) + 4 > 12?

  1. A
    x>12x > -\frac{1}{2}
  2. x<12x < -\frac{1}{2}Answer
  3. C
    x<72x < -\frac{7}{2}
  4. D
    x<2x < -2

Answer

The inequality is satisfied for all values of xx such that x<12x < -\frac{1}{2}.
Distributing 23-\frac{2}{3} across (6x9)(6x - 9) yields 4x+6-4x + 6. Adding 4 gives 4x+10>12-4x + 10 > 12. Subtracting 10 from both sides results in 4x>2-4x > 2. Dividing by 4-4 and reversing the inequality sign yields x<12x < -\frac{1}{2}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distribute 23-\frac{2}{3} to both terms inside the parentheses: (6x9)(6x - 9).
4x+6+4>12-4x + 6 + 4 > 12, which simplifies to 4x+10>12-4x + 10 > 12.
Applying the distributive property removes the parentheses.
2
Subtract 10 from both sides of the inequality to isolate the term with xx.
4x>2-4x > 2
Subtracting 10 from both sides maintains the inequality while simplifying the constant terms.
3
Divide both sides by 4-4 and reverse the inequality sign.
x<12x < -\frac{1}{2}
Dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative number requires reversing the direction of the inequality symbol.

Key Concept

Solving linear inequalities in one variable requires distributing coefficient terms, combining constants, and reversing the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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