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Mathematics vocabulary · Algebra and Equations

Inequality

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/nounCore term

In mathematics, inequality means: A statement that compares two values using <, >, ≤ or ≥, such as 2x + 1 > 7, showing that one side is larger or smaller than the other.

In Turkish: eşitsizlik

How it is used

You solve an inequality and show its solution on a number line or in interval notation. Read the signs as 'is less than', 'is greater than', 'is less than or equal to' and 'is greater than or equal to'.

Example sentences

  1. Solve the inequality 3x − 5 < 10 and show the answer on a number line.

  2. When you divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, reverse the sign.

Common collocations

  • solve an inequality
  • linear inequality
  • reverse the inequality sign
  • strict inequality
  • equationA mathematical statement with an equals sign, showing that two expressions have the same value, such as 2x + 3 = 11.
  • solveTo find the value or values of an unknown that make an equation or inequality true, or to find the answer to a problem.
  • at leastNot less than a given number, so the true value may be equal to it or larger; 'at least 5' means 5 or more, written ≥ 5.
  • absolute valueThe distance of a number from zero on the number line, which is never negative; the absolute value of both −7 and 7 is 7.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Algebra and Equations

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