Final answer:
The most important step in solving a 2-step inequality is to isolate the variable on one side. Remember to reverse the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, and systematically add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides as needed to solve the inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important step to remember when solving a 2-step inequality in mathematics is a) Isolate the variable on one side of the inequality. This crucial step allows you to simplify the inequality and address the variable directly. By doing so, you ensure that the inequality is in a more manageable form which allows for simpler manipulation and solving. Once this is achieved, you can use operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to further simplify and solve the inequality.
It's also essential to remember that when you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, the direction of the inequality symbol (<, >, ≤, or ≥) must be reversed. This differs from equalities, where multiplying or dividing by any non-zero number does not change the direction of the equation.
To successfully solve an inequality, one must also identify the inequality symbol, add the same number to both sides of the inequality if necessary, and simplify and solve the inequality from left to right. This systematic approach follows mathematical operations and ensures the integrity of the inequality is maintained throughout the solving process.