Meaning & use
inequality in math
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrasemathematics
a mathematical statement that compares two expressions and shows that one is larger or smaller than the other, using symbols like <, >, ≤, or ≥.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; you can say 'an inequality in math' or simply 'an inequality'.
Patterns
- solve an inequality in math
- graph an inequality in math
- an inequality in math is true/false
In math, an inequality like x > 5 means that x can be any number greater than 5.
The teacher asked us to solve the inequality in math class: 2x + 3 < 11.
When you multiply both sides of an inequality by a negative number, you must flip the inequality sign.
Common combinations
- linear inequality
- A linear inequality involves variables to the first power, like y ≤ 2x + 1.
- quadratic inequality
- Solving a quadratic inequality often involves finding the roots of the corresponding equation.
- solve an inequality
- To solve an inequality, you isolate the variable just like in an equation, but watch the sign.
- graph an inequality
- When you graph an inequality on a number line, an open circle shows the endpoint is not included.
Synonyms and how they differ
- inequation
- A less common technical term for an inequality; it is used in some advanced math contexts.
Opposites
Word family
- inequality noun
- A statement that two quantities are not equal, often used in math and social contexts.
- equal adjective
- Having the same value or amount.
Commonly confused: inequality in math or equation?
inequality in math vs equation
An equation says two things are equal (uses =), while an inequality says one is greater or less than the other (uses <, >, ≤, ≥).
Practice
Which symbol is used in a mathematical inequality?
Choose one answer.
The symbol '<' means 'less than' and is used in inequalities. The '=' sign is for equations, '+' is for addition, and '×' is for multiplication.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inequality in math”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.