HiSET: Math : Solve equations and inequalities in one variable

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HiSET: Math

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Solve Equations And Inequalities In One Variable

Solve. 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to solve for the variable, , we need to isolate it on the left side of the equation. We will do this by reversing the operations done to the variable by performing the opposite of each operation on both sides of the equation. 

Let's begin by rewriting the given equation.

Subtract  from both sides of the equation.

Simplify.

Multiply both sides of the equation by .

Solve.

Example Question #231 : Hi Set: High School Equivalency Test: Math

Give the solution set of the inequality

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

can be rewritten as the compound inequality

.

The solution set will be the union of the two individual solution sets. Find the solution set of the first inequality as follows:

Isolate by first subtracting from both sides:

Divide both sides by , reversing the direction of the inequality symbol, since you are dividing by a negative number:

.

In interval notation, this is the set .

Find the solution set of the other inequality similarly:

In interval notation, this is the set .

The union of these sets is the solution set: .

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors