Algebra 1 Foundational

One-Variable Inequalities

Solve linear inequalities in one variable, graph the solution on a number line, and write the solution in interval notation — step by step.

Live Calculator · Step-by-Step · Algebra 1
Input
Enter coefficients for ax + b ◇ c
a
x +
b
sign
c
Enter coefficients for ax + b ◇ cx + d
a
x +
b
sign
c
x +
d
Enter any linear inequality
Supports integer/decimal coefficients, +/−, and parentheses distribution.
Examples
Solution
Enter an inequality and press Solve to see the solution.
Step-by-Step Solution
Number Line
Solving Linear Inequalities

Solve inequalities the same way you solve equations — but with one critical rule:

  • Add or subtract any number from both sides — sign stays the same.
  • Multiply or divide both sides by a positive number — sign stays the same.
  • Multiply or divide both sides by a negative number — FLIP the inequality sign!
Example: −2x > 6 → divide both sides by −2 → x < −3 (sign flipped!)
Interval Notation Guide

Use parentheses for strict inequalities, brackets for inclusive:

InequalityIntervalDirection
x < a(-∞, a)← left
x ≤ a(-∞, a]← left
x > a(a, ∞)→ right
x ≥ a[a, ∞)→ right
Always use ( ) with −∞ and ∞ — infinity is never reached, so it's never included.

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