LINEAR INEQUALITIES

IN ONE VARIABLE
• An inequality is a statement formed by placing an inequality symbol
between numeral and variable expression. An inequality containing a
variable is called an open sentence inequality. The solution set of such
inequality is the set of all values of the variables that make the
inequality a true statement.
• Just as with equations, we perform operation on inequalities that
produce a simplified equivalent inequality. We can perform essentially
the same operation on inequalities that we perform in equations. If
we multiply and divide a negative integer to both sides of the
inequality, however, we have to reverse the order of the inequality
symbol.
•  Example 1. Solve and graph
Solution
The solution includes all the points on the number line less than 5, but not including
5. The hollow point shows that 5 is not part of the solution.
•  Example 2. Solve and graph
Solution
The solution includes all the points less than 7 including 7 since the inequality
 
symbol is less than or equal to (
•  Solve each of the following inequalities and graph the solution set.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.