Symbols
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The rules of inequalities
These are the same as for equations i.e that whatever you do to one side of the equation(add/subtract, multiply/divide by quantities) you must do to the other.
However, their are two exceptions to these rules.
When you multiply each side by a negative quantity
'<' becomes '>', or '>' becomes '<' .
That is, the inequality sign is reversed.
Similarly, when you divide each side by a negative quantity
< becomes >, or > becomes< .
That is, the inequality sign is reversed.
Examples
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Inequalities with one variable
Example #1 - Find all the integral values of x where,
The values of x lie equal to and less than 6 but greater than -5, but not equal to it.
The integral(whole numbers + or - or zero) values of x are therefore:
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, -1, -2, -3, -4
Example #2 - What is the range of values of x where,
Since the square root of 144 is +12 or -12(remember two negatives multiplied make a positive), x can have values between 12 and -12.
In other words the value of x is less than or equal to 12 and more than or equal to -12. This is written:
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Inequalities with two variables - Solution is by arranging the equation into the form
Ax + By = C
Then, above the line of the equation, Ax + By < C
and below the line, Ax + By > C
Consider the graph of -2x + y = -2
note - the first term A must be made positive by multiplying the whole equation by -1
The equation -2x + y = -2 becomes 2x - y =2
look at the points(red) and the value of 2x - y for each. The table below summarises the result.
point(x,y) |
2x - y |
value |
more than 2 ? |
above/below curve |
(1,1) |
2(1)-(1) |
1 |
no - less |
above |
(1,4) |
2(1)-(4) |
-2 |
no - less |
above |
(2,3) |
2(2)-(3) |
1 |
no - less |
above |
(3,3) |
2(3)-(3) |
3 |
yes - more |
below |
(2,1) |
2(2)-(1) |
3 |
yes - more |
below |
(4,2) |
2(4)-(2) |
6 |
yes - more |
below |
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