Question

Solve the inequality. Graph the solution. \(\frac{n}{3}+6>1\)

Short answer

The solution to the inequality \(\frac{n}{3} + 6 > 1\) is \(n > -15\). This is represented on a number line by an open circle at -15 and an arrow pointing to the right to indicate greater values.

Step-by-step solution

Subtract 6 from both sides

To isolate the variable, subtract 6 from both sides of the equation. This gives \(\frac{n}{3} > -5\).

Multiply both sides by 3

To eliminate the fraction, multiply both sides of the equation by 3. This results in \(n > -15\).

Graph the solution

The solution \(n>-15\) means n can be any values greater than -15. On a number line, this would be represented by a circle at -15 (not filled in, because -15 is not included in the solution set) and an arrow pointing to the right, indicating greater values.

Answer interpretation

The inequality \(n>-15\) means n can be any number greater than -15. So any number greater than -15 is a solution to the inequality \(\frac{n}{3} + 6 > 1\).

Key concepts

Graphing Inequalities

Graphing inequalities is a visual method to represent the solutions of an inequality on a number line. This technique can greatly enhance understanding of the results and provides a way to check the solutions quickly.

In the given exercise, we started with the inequality \(\frac{n}{3} + 6 > 1\). After using algebraic manipulation (subtracting 6 from both sides, followed by multiplying each term by 3), we found that \(n > -15\) is the solution. To graph this inequality, a number line is drawn and the point -15 is marked with an open circle to signify that -15 itself is not included in the solution set. Then, an arrow is drawn to the right of -15, pointing towards larger numbers, which illustrates that any number greater than -15 is part of the solution set.

Improvement Advice: It's useful to note that if the inequality had a \(\geq\) or \(\leq\) sign, the circle on the graph would be filled in, indicating the number itself is included in the solution set. Visualizing inequalities with graphs reinforces the concept and aids students in quickly identifying solution sets.

Linear Inequalities

Linear inequalities are relations between two expressions that are not necessarily equal, but have a linear relationship. These expressions include a variable (like \(n\)) and can be solved to find a range of values that make the inequality true.

In the context of our exercise, \(\frac{n}{3}+6 > 1\), the linear inequality is initially presented with a fraction and constant term. The steps to solve for \(n\) are examples of the necessary algebraic manipulation to isolate the variable. In the end, the solution \(n > -15\) indicates that any real number greater than -15 satisfies the inequality.

This contrasts with a linear equation where we would seek a single value for \(n\). Instead, a linear inequality like this one yields a continuum of possibilities, which broadens the understanding of solutions in algebra.

Algebraic Manipulation

Algebraic manipulation is the process of rearranging and simplifying expressions and equations to solve for unknown variables. This often involves performing the same operations on both sides of an equation or inequality to maintain the balance.

In our exercise, we utilized algebraic manipulation when we first subtracted 6 from both sides, converting \(\frac{n}{3} + 6 > 1\) into \(\frac{n}{3} > -5\). Subsequently, multiplying both sides by 3 removed the fraction and simplified the inequality to \(n > -15\), which is much easier to interpret and graph.

It's crucial for students to understand each step of algebraic manipulation, as it ensures the integrity of the inequality's balance. This process is foundational, not just for solving simple inequalities, but also for more complex algebraic expressions encountered in higher levels of mathematics.