Writing Inequalities

Front

What is an inequality?

Back

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions using inequality symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥.

Front

What does the symbol '≥' mean?

Back

The symbol '≥' means 'greater than or equal to'. It indicates that one value is either greater than or equal to another value.

Front

What does the symbol '≤' mean?

Back

The symbol '≤' means 'less than or equal to'. It indicates that one value is either less than or equal to another value.

Front

How do you represent a word problem as an inequality?

Back

Identify the key quantities and relationships in the problem, then translate them into a mathematical expression using inequality symbols.

Front

What is the first step in solving an inequality?

Back

The first step in solving an inequality is to isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign.

Front

What is the difference between an equation and an inequality?

Back

An equation states that two expressions are equal, while an inequality shows that one expression is greater than, less than, or not equal to another.

Front

How do you graph an inequality on a number line?

Back

To graph an inequality, use an open circle for < or > and a closed circle for ≤ or ≥, then shade the appropriate side of the number line.

Front

What does it mean to 'solve' an inequality?

Back

To solve an inequality means to find all values of the variable that make the inequality true.

Front

What is a compound inequality?

Back

A compound inequality consists of two or more inequalities joined by 'and' or 'or', representing a range of values.

Front

How do you solve a compound inequality?

Back

To solve a compound inequality, solve each inequality separately and then find the intersection (for 'and') or the union (for 'or') of the solutions.