Problem Solving

Hello, we all know that 1 < 2. If we multiply each side by -1 then the sign flips. So -1 > -2, which is correct. Now 1/2 < 1 then if we multiple each side by -1 then the sign flips. So we get -1/2 > -1, which is incorrect. So am I misunderstanding the multiply by -1 concept?

sanjib.saha wrote:Hello, we all know that 1 < 2. If we multiply each side by -1 then the sign flips. So -1 > -2, which is correct. Now 1/2 < 1 then if we multiple each side by -1 then the sign flips. So we get -1/2 > -1, which is incorrect. So am I misunderstanding the multiply by -1 concept?

You are not misunderstanding the multiply (or divide) by a negative number you flip the sign. What are you missunderstand, however, is that -1/2 is > -1 For a visual representation look at the line:

______-2___A__-1___B__0_____1______2_____ <-- Where would -1/2 be at A or B? at B or course! That means that -1/2 > -1.

Let me know if this helps

Yes it does help