Solving an inequality

[psteele76]

In my problem that I have I came up with an answer that 0 = -38, what does this mean when i come up with this?

[stapel_eliz]

In my problem that I have I came up with an answer that 0 = -38, what does this mean when i come up with this?

Without being able to see what the original inequality was, what your steps were, or how the inequality became an equality (such as "0 = -38", with an "equals" sign instead of an inequality symbol), it is difficult to comment on accuracy or meaning.

Please reply showing your steps. Thank you!

[psteele76]

I am sorry it starts off as an equality not an inequality! My original problem is -11(8 - x) = x - 10(5 - x).
I did the problem this way: -11(8 - x) = x - 10(5 - x)
-88 + 11x = x - 50 + 10x
- 10x - 10x
-88 + x = x - 50
+50 + 50
-38 + x = x
-x -x
-38 = 0

I just would like to know what this means I don't understand; although, my professor says I am correct. Thank you!

[stapel_eliz]

I just would like to know what this means....

When you attempt to solve an equation, you are assuming that there is a solution. When you end up with garbage like what you got, then this means that the initial assumption (that there is a solution) was incorrect. In other words, your "solution" means that this equation has no solution.

For further explanation, try here.