Solving inequalities

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 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 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 or less than 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 circle.

Front

What is the solution set of an inequality?

Back

The solution set of an inequality is the set of all values that satisfy the inequality.

Front

What does the symbol '≥' mean?

Back

The symbol '≥' means 'greater than or equal to'.

Front

What does the symbol '≤' mean?

Back

The symbol '≤' means 'less than or equal to'.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an inequality?

Back

To isolate a variable in an inequality, perform the same operations on both sides of the inequality, just like in an equation.

Front

What happens to the inequality sign when you multiply or divide by a negative number?

Back

When you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality sign.

Front

Solve the inequality: 2x - 3 ≥ 4x - 1.

Back

x ≤ -1.