Graphing Inequalities

Front

What is an inequality?

Back

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

Front

What does the symbol < mean?

Back

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

Front

What does the symbol > mean?

Back

The symbol > means 'greater than'. For example, x > 3 means x is any number greater than 3.

Front

What does the symbol ≤ mean?

Back

The symbol ≤ means 'less than or equal to'. For example, x ≤ 3 means x can be any number less than or equal to 3.

Front

What does the symbol ≥ mean?

Back

The symbol ≥ means 'greater than or equal to'. For example, x ≥ 3 means x can be any number greater than or equal to 3.

Front

How do you graph the inequality x < 3?

Back

To graph x < 3, draw a number line, place an open circle at 3, and shade to the left.

Front

How do you graph the inequality x ≥ 3?

Back

To graph x ≥ 3, draw a number line, place a closed circle at 3, and shade to the right.

Front

What does a closed circle on a number line indicate?

Back

A closed circle indicates that the number is included in the solution (≤ or ≥).

Front

What does an open circle on a number line indicate?

Back

An open circle indicates that the number is not included in the solution (< or >).

Front

Write the inequality for the graph with a closed circle at -2 and shading to the right.

Back

The inequality is x ≥ -2.