CTunstall/Inequality Vocabulary.doc/8/10/12
Inequalities: Symbols and Vocabulary
Algebra rules / General Rules:
Isolate a positive x on the left side using algebra
Reverse the inequality sign when mult/divide by a negative
Less than: The symbol that: Looks like an L () for ess than
< ○ ) Points to the Left
● ] Caps the arrow pointing towards smaller numbers
on the number line
Points towards the smaller of two numbers (4 < 7)
> Greater than: The symbol that: Looks like the top of an R ( >)for GReater than
> ○ ( Points to the Right
● [ Caps the arrow pointing towards larger numbers on
the number line
Open end is by the larger number (7 > 4)
Compound inequalities: usually in the form -4 < x < 4
but can also be x > -4 and x < 4
