Final answer:
We flip inequality signs when we multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number. The reason is that multiplying by a negative reverses the inequality direction. This applies only when dealing with negative numbers, not positive ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
We flip the inequality signs when we multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number. This rule is crucial because multiplying or dividing by a negative reverses the direction of the inequality. It's important to remember that this does not apply when multiplying or dividing by positive numbers. Let's review why this is the case with examples:
When two positive numbers multiply, such as 2x3, the result is positive; thus, 2x3 = 6.
Similarly, when two negative numbers multiply, like (-4) x (-3), the result is also positive; hence, (-4) x (-3) = 12.
However, when a positive and a negative number multiply, for example, (-3) x 2 or 4 x (-4), the result is negative; thus, (-3) x 2 = -6 and 4 x (-4) = -16.
The division follows the same sign rules as multiplication.
If we have an inequality, for instance, -T < A (assuming T is positive) and we multiply both sides by -T, we get T² > -AT. Notice how the inequality sign flipped after multiplying by a negative number.
Remembering these rules when solving inequalities will ensure accurate solutions.