Equations and inequalities are both mathematical sentences
formed by relating two expressions to each other. In an equation,
the two expressions are deemed equal which is shown by the symbol
=.
x=y
x is equal to y
Where as in an inequality, the two expressions are not
necessarily equal which is indicated by the symbols: >, <, ≤
or ≥.
x>y
x is greater than y
x≥y
x is greater than or equal to y
x<y
x is less than y
x≤y
x is less than or equal to y
An equation or an inequality that contains at least one variable
is called an open sentence.
When you substitute a number for the variable in an open
sentence, the resulting statement is either true or false. If the
statement is true, the number is a solution to the equation or
inequality.
Example:
Is 3 a solution to this equation?
Substitute 3 for x
FALSE!
Since 29 is not equal to 24, 3 is
not a solution to the equation.
Example
Is the following inequality true or false?
Video lesson: Determine whether this inequality
is true or false for y = 7
