Question

Mei wants to solve the inequality -1/2w < 12. How can she isolate the variable w?

Answer 1

To solve the inequality -1/2w < 12, Mei needs to multiply both sides by -2 and reverse the inequality sign, resulting in w > -24.

Step-by-step explanation:

To isolate the variable w in the inequality -1/2w < 12, Mei should follow these steps:

1. First, to get rid of the fraction, multiply both sides of the inequality by -2, remembering to reverse the inequality sign because we are multiplying by a negative number. The inequality now becomes w > -24.
2. Mei has successfully isolated the variable w, and the solution to the inequality is all numbers greater than -24.

This process involves understanding how to deal with inequalities, fractions, and the rules for multiplying or dividing by negatives.