Pretty simple ordered field question

  • Thread starter Thread starter jaqueh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Field
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that multiplying a negative number through an inequality changes the inequality. The original poster presents an inequality involving two variables and a negative constant, seeking to understand the implications of this operation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore definitions related to inequalities and the properties of negative numbers. There are attempts to manipulate the inequality by considering specific values and substitutions, such as defining a positive variable related to the negative constant.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the problem and explore different approaches. Some participants express confusion and seek hints, while one participant indicates they have resolved their understanding, suggesting a productive direction has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of difficulty with algebraic manipulations and a focus on definitions of inequality. The original poster and others express uncertainty about the next steps in their reasoning.

jaqueh
Messages
57
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


basically proving multiplying a negative number through an inequality changes the inequality


Homework Equations


if a > b, and c < 0,
then the following inequality holds: ac < bc.


The Attempt at a Solution


I am pretty stumped on this one, i tried to prove that C is a negative number, but i don't know where to go at all
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For the most part, it should be just unraveling definitions, and making use of the fact ad>bd for any positive d. (and picking a useful d)
 
i'm still stuck, all i can think of is making the d=-c which i define when c+(-c)=0
 
i'm still lost, i don't know why i am so bad at simple algebraic manipulations. can anyone offer more hints?
 
jaqueh said:
i'm still stuck, all i can think of is making the d=-c which i define when c+(-c)=0
So make the substitution. How is < defined? Apply the definition both to this case, and to the case you're trying to solve, so that you can see what you need to prove.
 
I actually ended up figuring it out, thanks tho!
 
jaqueh said:
I actually ended up figuring it out, thanks tho!

Ah good!
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K