Negative flips the inequality: the SAT math trap

Short answer: Multiply or divide by a negative? Flip the sign. Test one number to confirm.

The trap, in one question

Tempting answer: x > −3  (forgot to flip)

Correct answer: x < −3  (−3x > 9, divide by −3, flip)

How to spot it in 3 seconds

Multiply or divide by a negative? Flip the sign. Test one number to confirm.

FAQ

What is the negative flips the inequality trap on the SAT?

Example: Which describes all solutions to −3x + 2 > 11? The tempting answer is x > −3 (forgot to flip); the correct answer is x < −3 (−3x > 9, divide by −3, flip).

How do you avoid the negative flips the inequality trap?

Multiply or divide by a negative? Flip the sign. Test one number to confirm.

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