6.EEI.8 - Inequalities Review and Practice
Reading Inequality Symbols
We use symbols to describe different types of inequalities.
How does the symbol for "greater than or equal to" differ from the symbol for "greater than?"
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The symbol for greater than or equal to has a line underneath the inequality symbol. This could represent half an equal sign (=) as x CAN be equal to the number on the other side of the symbol.
It is necessary to have different symbols because the idea of "greater than OR equal to" is much different than the idea of "greater than."
"Greater than or equal to" includes the number on the other side of the inequality whereas simply "greater than" excludes that number.
| Maths Language | English Language |
| 10 < 12 | 10 is less than 12 |
| 12 > 10 | 12 is greater than 10 |
| | 7 is less than or equal to 7 |
| | x is less than or equal to 7 |
| | 8 is greater than or equal to 8 |
| | x is greater than or equal to 8 |
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Practice Reading Inequality Symbols
Graphing the Solution Set for Inequalities Part One
After solving an inequality, you are often asked to graph it.
You use an open dot if the solution uses the symbol for "less than" or "greater than."
You use a filled in dot if the solution uses the symbol for "greater than or equal to" or "less than or equal to."
The filled in dot is representing that it can include this number, whereas the open dot is representing that this number itself should be excluded (the circle is surrounding this number but not including it).