Solving & Graphing One & Two Step Inequalities

Where might I see inequalities in real life?

If it’s any smaller, you’ve got to throw him back!

An inequality states that two quantities either are not equal or may not be equal.

Symbol Meaning Word Phrases

<

>

≤

≥

is less than

is greater than

is greater than or equal to

is less than or equal to

Fewer than, below

More than, above

At most, no more than

At least, no less than

Course 2

Writing Inequalities

◼ There are at least 15 people here.

◼ No more than 20 people can ride this elevator at one time.

◼ You need to make more than $30 to pay for that broken window.

Graphing Inequalities – what do you see?

a > 5

b ≤ 3

Versus

How to Graph: Make sure your variable is listed first.

◼

Now does this make more sense?

a > 5

b ≤ 3

Versus

Solving Inequalities

*There are only two reasons you should flip the inequality symbol:

1) You multiply or divide by a negative number.

2) You flip then entire phrase.