Question

How do you solve `32> -2y`?

Answer 1

Divide each side of the inequality by `-2` but ensure you follow the rule for inequalities when multiplying or dividing by negative numbers. See full explanation below.

Explanation:

Divide each side of the inequality by `color(red)(-2)` to solve for `y` and keep the equation balanced.

However, because this is an inequality and we are multiplying or dividing by a negative number we must reverse the inequality.

`32/color(red)(-2) color(blue)(<) (-2y)/color(red)(-2)`

`-16 < (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-2)))y)/cancel(color(red)(-2))`

`-16 < y`

And now, to solve in terms of `y` we can reverse or `flip` the inequality:

`y > -16`