Page 69 - Algebra

4. Linear Inequalities
Inequalities as the name suggests compare two values and tell us whether the two numbers are less than, equal to or greater than each other.
For example, 4 < 5
You compare two expressions, using an inequality symbol.
The common inequality symbols are: < is less than
> is greater than
≤ is less than or equal to
≥ is greater than or equal to
An algebraic inequality is an inequality comprised of variables. When the value of a variable makes the inequality true, it becomes the solution of the inequality.
Usually, an inequality has more than one solution.
For example,
x ≥ 4 or y < 5
Types of inequalities
Compound inequality
A compound inequality combines two inequalities. We use the word ‘and’ and ‘or’ to describe the compound inequality.
For example,
• x > 5 and x < –4
This means that x is greater than 5 and less than –4.
• x > –3 or x < 4
This means that x is greater than –3 or less than 4 or the value of x lies between –3 and 4.
Page 68 of 177
Algebra I & II