To write an inequality, you turn words like "at least" or "more than" into the symbols < and > — which builds on comparing numbers. Warm up comparing small numbers and those key phrases, and writing inequalities makes sense.
Answer these 3, then press Show my path. No grade — this just points you to the right level.
1. Which symbol makes it true? 5 ___ 8
2. "A number is more than 4." Which symbol fits?
3. The open end of > points to the…
An inequality compares two amounts that may not be equal. < means "less than" and > means "greater than." The wide open end points to the bigger number.
Your quick check picks one for you, but you can switch any time:
Level 0 Compare the small numbers.
A. Which symbol is true? 2 ___ 6
2 is smaller than 6, so 2 < 6.
B. Which symbol is true? 9 ___ 4
9 is bigger than 4, so 9 > 4.
C. Which symbol is true? 5 ___ 5
5 and 5 are the same amount, so 5 = 5.
Level 1 Match the words to the symbol.
A. "A number is less than 7." Which inequality?
"Less than" uses the < symbol: n < 7.
B. "A number is greater than 3." Which inequality?
"Greater than" uses the > symbol: n > 3.
Level 2 Trickier wording.
A. "You must be more than 8 years old." Which inequality (age = a)?
"More than 8" means bigger than 8: a > 8.
B. "The price is less than $10." Which inequality (price = p)?
"Less than 10" means smaller than 10: p < 10.
1. Which symbol makes it true? 3 ___ 8
3 is smaller than 8, so 3 < 8.
2. "A number is greater than 6." Which inequality?
"Greater than" uses >: n > 6.
You've practiced exactly what Lesson 7-4 uses. Time to dive in.
Start Lesson 7-4 →