An inequality shows that two amounts are not equal. x > 3 means x is greater than 3, and x ≤ 7 means x is less than or equal to 7. An inequality has many solutions, not just one.
Solve inequalities like equations. 5x < 25: divide both sides by 5 to get x < 5. On a number line, show x < 5 with an open circle at 5 and an arrow to the left. Use a filled circle for ≤ or ≥, because then the number itself is included.
Worked example
Solve x + 2 < 5
- Subtract 2 from both sides.
- x < 3.
Answer:x < 3
Key words
- inequality
- a statement using <, >, ≤ or ≥
- ≤
- less than or equal to
- solution set
- all the values that work
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 6.EE.B.8