Inequality symbols , , , and communicate ordered relationships between quantities: whether one is less than, greater than, or possibly equal to another. In context, the learner identifies which values satisfy a constraint, including whether the boundary value is allowed, and represents the relationship with words, numerical comparisons, or a number line; this scope does not include solving complex inequality systems or applying advanced algebraic transformations.
Inequality symbols compare two quantities:
The line underneath or means the boundary value is allowed.
Example: A school backpack may weigh no more than 10 kilograms. What inequality describes the possible backpack weights?
Step 1: Choose a variable.
Let be the backpack’s weight in kilograms.
Step 2: Understand the words.
“No more than 10” means the weight can be 10 or less. The backpack may weigh exactly kilograms, so the boundary is included.
Step 3: Write the inequality.
This means the backpack can weigh kilograms or any amount less than kilograms. For example, , , and satisfy the inequality, but does not.
On a number line, use a closed dot at because is included, and shade to the left because the weights are less than .
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