Writing Equations and Inequalities

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

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, or not equal to the other.

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Back

To solve an equation means to find the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the equation true.

Front

What does it mean to solve an inequality?

Back

To solve an inequality means to find the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the inequality true.

Front

What is a variable in mathematics?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation or inequality.

Front

What is the difference between a linear equation and a linear inequality?

Back

A linear equation represents a straight line and has an equal sign, while a linear inequality represents a region of the graph and uses inequality symbols (>, <, ≥, ≤).

Front

What is the solution set of an equation?

Back

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

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

How do you graph a linear equation?

Back

To graph a linear equation, you can find two or more points that satisfy the equation and then connect them with a straight line.

Front

How do you graph a linear inequality?

Back

To graph a linear inequality, first graph the corresponding linear equation as a dashed or solid line, then shade the region that satisfies the inequality.