Solve 5 + n >= 2

Step by step

The question

Question: solve 5 + n ≥ 2.

This is an inequality.

The sign means greater than or equal to.

1 Remove the 5

We want n by itself.

The 5 is in the way.

To remove 5, we take away 5.

We do it on both sides.

Why both sides?

The sign compares the two sides.

If we change only one side, the answer can change.

5 and − 5 make zero.

Cross them out.

2 − 5 = −3.

So n is greater than or equal to −3.

2 Show it on a number line

Books also write the answer like this.

It is called interval notation.

A square bracket means the end is in, like the filled circle.

∞ means it goes on for ever.

3 Check

Let's test one number from the answer: −2.

We put it in place of n.

First the left side.

Now the right side.

3 is greater than or equal to 2.

True!

So the answer works.

Let's look back.

First: remove the 5.

Then: show it on a number line.

Last: check.