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The Daily Insight

What is inequality in math

Author

Christopher Lucas

Published Mar 19, 2026

inequality, In mathematics, a statement of an order relationship—greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, or less than or equal to—between two numbers or algebraic expressions.

How do you write inequalities in an equation form?

Write the solution in inequality notation or interval notation. If the quadratic inequality is in the form: (x – a) (x – b) ≥ 0, then a ≤ x ≤ b, and if it is in the form :(x – a) (x – b) ≤ 0, when a < b then a ≤ x or x ≥ b.

What is inequality example?

IntervalRandom NumberChecking the Inequality(2, 5)332 – 7(3) + 10 < 0 -2 < 0, true(5, ∞)662 – 7(6) + 10 < 0 4 < 0, false

How do you solve inequalities on a number line?

To plot an inequality, such as x>3, on a number line, first draw a circle over the number (e.g., 3). Then if the sign includes equal to (≥ or ≤), fill in the circle. If the sign does not include equal to (> or <), leave the circle unfilled in.

How do you solve an inequality with more than one variable?

To graph the solution set of an inequality with two variables, first graph the boundary with a dashed or solid line depending on the inequality. If given a strict inequality, use a dashed line for the boundary. If given an inclusive inequality, use a solid line. Next, choose a test point not on the boundary.

How do you isolate a variable in an inequality?

To isolate the variable, subtract from both sides of the inequality. Then multiply by 3 so that the coefficient in front of the parentheses is 1. Then subtract 3 from both sides.

How many solutions does an inequality have?

The solution set of an inequality is the set of all solutions. Typically an inequality has infinitely many solutions and the solution set is easily described using interval notation. The solution set of example 1 is the set of all x <= 7.