Write down several inequalities for the students to solve. For this example, we will use "3x + 1= 7."
Explain that "x" is what you are solving the problem for. Letters in inequalities are simply missing numbers. In addition to solving for "x," the students need to understand that when the letter comes directly after a number, they must multiply the number by the letter to solve the inequality.
Apply simpler equations to both sides of the equation to show the students how to solve for "x." For example, with the inequality show in Step one, subtract 1 from the left side of the equation to make that side only the integer and letter. Explain to the students that what you do to one side, you must do to the other side of the equation so that the problem you are left with is "3x=6."
Tell the students to use their knowledge of multiplication to solve this inequality for "x." You can phrase the question, "what multiplied by 3 would give you a product of 6?" The correct answer is 2. So the solution for this inequality is "x=2," so the entire problem would read "3(2) +1 = 7."
Come up with several more inequalities like the example we used here, and you can even make them simpler, such as "x + 4 = 15." Provide homework and other worksheets that you can give your students after you have explained the concepts. Go over the inequalities in class and make sure everyone understands.