16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardParameter that reverses an inequality's solution set

Algebra practice question

For which values of the constant k is the solution set of kx + 3 > 3 exactly the set of all x less than 0?

  1. A. k < 0Correct
  2. B. k > 0
  3. C. k = 0
  4. D. k > 3

Answer: A. k < 0

kx + 3 > 3 means kx > 0. That holds for exactly the negative x when k is negative (dividing by k flips the inequality).

Why the other answers are wrong

B. k > 0
For k > 0 the solutions are x > 0.
C. k = 0
For k = 0 the inequality is 3 > 3, never true.
D. k > 3
k > 3 is a subset of k > 0, which gives the wrong set.

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