Translating Equation and Inequality Word Problems

Front

What is an inequality?

Back

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions and shows that one is greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to the other.

Front

What does the symbol '>' mean in an inequality?

Back

The symbol '>' means 'greater than'. For example, x > 5 means x is greater than 5.

Front

What does the symbol '<' mean in an inequality?

Back

The symbol '<' means 'less than'. For example, x < 3 means x is less than 3.

Front

What does the symbol '≥' mean in an inequality?

Back

The symbol '≥' means 'greater than or equal to'. For example, x ≥ 4 means x is greater than or equal to 4.

Front

What does the symbol '≤' mean in an inequality?

Back

The symbol '≤' means 'less than or equal to'. For example, x ≤ 2 means x is less than or equal to 2.

Front

How do you write an inequality for a situation where a number must be at least a certain value?

Back

You use the '≥' symbol. For example, if a number must be at least 10, you write x ≥ 10.

Front

What is the first step in solving an inequality?

Back

The first step is to isolate the variable on one side of the inequality.

Front

How do you solve the inequality 5x + 10 ≥ 100?

Back

Subtract 10 from both sides to get 5x ≥ 90, then divide by 5 to find x ≥ 18.

Front

What is the solution to the inequality 16 - 4a > 8?

Back

Subtract 16 from both sides to get -4a > -8, then divide by -4 (remember to flip the inequality) to find a < 2.

Front

How do you represent a situation with an equation?

Back

You identify the quantities involved and their relationships, then write an equation that reflects those relationships.