Inequalities Word Problems

Front

What is an inequality?

Back

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions, showing that one is greater than, less than, or equal to the other.

Front

What does the symbol '>' represent in inequalities?

Back

'>' means 'greater than'. For example, x > 5 means x is greater than 5.

Front

What does the symbol '<' represent in inequalities?

Back

'<'' means 'less than'. For example, x < 10 means x is less than 10.

Front

What does the symbol '≥' represent in inequalities?

Back

'≥' means 'greater than or equal to'. For example, x ≥ 3 means x is greater than or equal to 3.

Front

What does the symbol '≤' represent in inequalities?

Back

'≤' means 'less than or equal to'. For example, x ≤ 7 means x is less than or equal to 7.

Front

How do you write an inequality for a situation where a number must be at least a certain value?

Back

You use '≥'. For example, if a score must be at least 50, you write x ≥ 50.

Front

How do you write an inequality for a situation where a number must be less than a certain value?

Back

You use '<'. For example, if a temperature must be less than 30 degrees, you write x < 30.

Front

What is the first step in solving an inequality?

Back

Identify the inequality symbol and isolate the variable on one side of the inequality.

Front

If you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, what happens to the inequality sign?

Back

The inequality sign flips. For example, if -2x > 6, dividing by -2 gives x < -3.

Front

How do you represent a word problem involving savings with an inequality?

Back

Identify the variable, the rate of saving, and the target amount. For example, if saving $25 a week to exceed $500, write 25x > 500.