Page 298 - Algebra 1

Example
2
Translating Inequalities into Words
Write each inequality as a sentence.
a. 6>x+8
Determine the words or phrases you want to use for each operation symbol
and the inequality symbol.
The symbol “+” indicates addition which can be written as “the sum of.”
The symbol “>” can be written as “greater than.” SOLUTION
6 is greater than the sum of a number and 8.
b. 2.5z < 15
Determine the words or phrases you want to use.
There is no operation symbol between the number and the variable, so multiplication is understood. Multiplication can be written as “the product of.”
The symbol “<” can be written as “less than.” SOLUTION
The product of a number and 2.5 is less than 15.
c. -2x+4≥-8
Determine the words or phrases you want to use.
There is no operation symbol between the number and the variable, so multiplication is understood. Multiplication can be written as “the product of.”
The symbol “+” indicates addition which can be written as “the sum of.” The symbol “≥” can be written as “at least.”
SOLUTION
The sum of the product of a number and -2 and 4 is at least -8.
d. 3x-6≤-30
Determine the words or phrases you want to use.
There is no operation symbol between the number and the variable, so multiplication is understood. Multiplication can be written as “times.”
The symbol “-” indicates subtraction, which can be written as “the difference of.”
The symbol “≤” can be written as “less than or equal to.” SOLUTION
The difference of 3 times a number and 6 is less than or equal to -30.
Reading Math
Phrases like “at least” and “at most” are sometimes confusing. “At least” means that the value
is the lowest possible, so the inequality to translate to is “greater than or equal to” (≥).
Math Reasoning
Analyze Write
3x - 6 ≤ -30 as a sentence using “at most.”
Lesson 45 283