Essay

If a<ba < b, then a+c<b+ca + c < b + c for any number cc. Name this property and explain why the inequality symbol stays the same.

Question: If a<ba < b, then a+c<b+ca + c < b + c for any number cc. Name this property and explain why the inequality symbol stays the same.

Sample answer: This is the Addition Property of Inequality. Adding the same number to both sides of an inequality does not change its direction. Since aa and bb both increase or decrease by the same amount cc, their order stays the same, so a+c<b+ca + c < b + c.

Key points:

  • Names the property as the Addition Property of Inequality
  • States that adding the same number to both sides does not change the inequality symbol
  • Explains that both sides change by the same amount, so their order is preserved
  • Connects the explanation to the example a+c<b+ca + c < b + c

Rubric: Full credit: names the Addition Property of Inequality and correctly explains that adding the same value to both sides keeps the inequality symbol unchanged. Partial credit: names the property but gives a weak or missing explanation, or explains the rule without naming it. No credit: incorrect property name and no valid explanation.

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Updated 2026-07-11

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