Writing and

Graphing
Inequalities
An inequality is a mathematical sentence that
compares expressions
They are like an equation, but instead of an equal
sign (=) it has one of these signs:


< is less than
> is greater than
is less than or equal to
is greater than or equal to
< >
less than
fewer than
greater than
more than
exceeds
less than or
equal to
no more
than
at most
greater than
or equal to
no less than
at least
Inequality symbols and Key phrases
"Solving'' an inequality means finding all of its solutions. A "solution'' of an inequality is a
number which when substituted for the variable makes the inequality a true statement.
Graphing Inequalities

x < c

When x is less than a constant, you darken in the part of the number line that is to the left of the
constant. Also, because there is no equal line, we are not including where x is equal to the constant. That
means we are not including the endpoint. One way to notate that is to use an open hole at that point.
x > c

When x is greater than a constant, you darken in the part of the number line that is to the right of the
constant. Also, because there is no equal line, we are not including where x is equal to the constant. That
means we are not including the endpoint. One way to notate that is to use an open hole at that point.
x < c

When x is less than or equal to a constant, you darken in the part of the number line that is to the left of
the constant. Also, because there is an equal line, we are including where x is equal to the constant. That
means we are including the endpoint. One way to notate that is to use an closed hole at that point.
x > c

When x is greater than or equal to a constant, you darken in the part of the number line that is to the right
of the constant. Also, because there is an equal line, we are including where x is equal to the
constant. That means we are including the endpoint. One way to notate that is to use a closed hole at
that point.
Graph each of these inequalities.
Graphing Inequalities.
1) l 3

2) m < 2

3) j 10

4) 3 y

5) k > 6

6) 10 x

7) j > 5
8. State the inequality represented
on the number line below.
x 1
k > 7
k 2
Anthony is shopping for a birthday gift for his cousin Robert. He has $25 dollars
in his wallet. Write an inequality that shows how many dollars he can spend on
the gift.
a 25

Teresa is only allowed to swim outside if the temperature outside is at least 85 F.
Write an inequality that shows the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at which
Teresa is allowed to swim.
t 85
In order to achieve an A in math, Ivy needs to score more than 95% on her next
test. Write an inequality that shows the test score Ivy needs to achieve in
order to earn her A in math.
i > 95
Applications
Addition/Subtraction Property for Inequalities

If a < b, then a + c < b + c
If a < b, then a - c < b c

In other words, adding or subtracting the same expression to both sides of an inequality does not
change the inequality.
Ex. A Solve and graph the solution of x 2 > 5
on a number line.
Solve:

x 2 > 5

x 2 > 5
+2 +2

Using addition
property of
inequalities

x > 7

Graph:

7 0 7
3x 6 + 2x
-2x -2x

Ex. B Solve and then graph the solution of 3x 6 + 2x
on a number line.
Solve:

Subtraction
property of
inequalities

x 6

Graph:

1 1 4 0 2 3 5 6
Practice
Solve and graph each inequality.

1)x + 2 < 8 x < 6



2) j + 2 3 j 5




3) 4x 3 < 3x x < 3



4) 2t + 1 t 10 t 11



5) 6(x 1) 5(x + 2) x 16


Stephen needs to buy a new uniform for soccer. He already has $25, but the uniform
costs $55. He participates in car washes to help pay for the uniform.

Write an inequality to represent the amount of money, x, that Stephen needs to earn
from the car washes in order to be able to afford the new uniform.
Use this inequality to find the minimum amount of money he needs to earn.


x 30; minimum = $30
An art gallery sells Peters paintings for $x, and keeps $100 commission. This means
Peter is paid $(x 100) for each painting. If Peter wants to make at least $750 for a
particular painting, write an inequality to represent the amount, x, that the gallery
needs to sell that painting for.

Use this inequality to find the minimum price of the painting.


x 850 minimum = $850
Applications






Multiplication/Division Properties for Inequalities

when multiplying/dividing by a positive value If a < b AND c is positive, then ac < bc
If a < b AND c is positive, then a/c < b/c

In other words, multiplying or dividing the same POSITIVE number to both sides of an inequality does
not change the inequality.

Solve


Solution

Given Inequality


Multiplication Property



1
2
5
x
1
(5) 2(5)
5
x
x > 10
1
2
5
x
Solve


Solution
Given Inequality
___ ___
3 3 Division Property


x < 4


3 12 x
3 12 x
Multiplication/Division Properties for Inequalities with NEGATIVE Numbers

Given real numbers a, b, and c, if a > b and c < 0 then ac < bc.
Given real numbers a, b, and c, if a > b and c < 0 then <

In other words, multiplying or dividing the same NEGATIVE number to both sides of an inequality
REVERSES the direction of the inequality, otherwise the inequality statement will be false.
a
c
b
c
Solve:


Solution:





1
2
2
x
1
2
2
x
1
( 2) 2( 2)
2
x
Remember the sign
needs to change.

x < 4
Solve:


Solution:





13 39 y
13 39 y
13 39
13 13
y


Remember the sign
needs to change.

Practice
1) 6) 2(x 3) 3(2 x) > 8



2) 7) 4(3 2x) > 5x + 9



3) 8) 7 2(m 4) 2m + 11



4) 9) 0.5(x 1) 0.75(1 x) < 0.65(2x 1)
x > 12


5) 10) 3(2x + 6) 5(x + 8) 2x 22


9 36 x
2
10
5
y
4 x
25 y
6 48 y 8 y
72 8 x
1
9
y
1
7
7
g

49 g
x > 4
x > 7
m 1
x 0
Laura has $5.30 to spend on her lunch. She wants to buy a chicken salad costing
$4.20 and decides to spend the rest on fruit. Each piece of fruit costs 45.
Write an inequality to represent this situation, and then solve it to find how many
pieces of fruit Laura can buy.



4.20 + 0.45x 5.30
x 2.44
Laura can buy 2 pieces of fruit
Audrey is selling magazine subscriptions to raise money for the school library. The library
will get $2.50 for every magazine subscription she sells. Audrey wants to raise at least $250
for the library.
Write and solve an inequality to represent the number of magazine subscriptions, x, Audrey
needs to sell to reach her goal.



2.50x 250
x 100
Audrey must sell at least 100
magazine subscriptions
Applications