Solve x + 3 > 1 or 2x < 4

Step by step

The question

Question: solve x + 3 > 1 or 2x < 4.

"Or" means one of the parts is enough.

1 Solve the first part

First part: x + 3 > 1.

We want x by itself.

The + 3 is in the way.

To remove + 3, we take away 3.

We do it on both sides, so the sign stays true.

+ 3 and − 3 make zero.

Cross them out.

1 − 3 = −2.

So x is greater than −2.

2 Solve the second part

Second part: 2x < 4.

2x means 2 times x.

We want just x.

To remove times 2, we divide by 2.

We do it on both sides, so the sign stays true.

2 divided by 2 is 1.

So just x is left.

4 divided by 2 is 2.

So x is less than 2.

3 Show each part on a number line

4 Put the parts together

Every number is shaded on at least one line.

Every number is in one of the parts.

So every number works.

Let's look back.

First: solve the first part.

Then: solve the second part.

Then: show each part on a number line.

Last: put the parts together.