Solving 1 & 2-Step Inequalities

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions using inequality symbols (such as <, >, ≤, ≥) to show that one expression is not equal to the other.

The symbol ≤ means 'less than or equal to'. It indicates that the value on the left is either less than or equal to the value on the right.

The symbol ≥ means 'greater than or equal to'. It indicates that the value on the left is either greater than or equal to the value on the right.

Subtract 3 from both sides: 2x < 8. Then divide by 2: x < 4.

x ≥ -10.

An open dot is used to indicate that 5 is not included in the solution.

A closed dot is used to indicate that 3 is included in the solution.

n > 11.

Draw a number line, place a closed dot on 2, and shade to the left.

To isolate the variable means to manipulate the inequality so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the other side.