The inequality sign is far more intimidating than it need be. In many cases, just think of the inequality sign as an equal sign. Which case that is will be described below \u2013 along with the instance in which you have to switch the sign. But with a little bit of practice, inequality should be the least of your worries on the GRE.<\/p>\n
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x – 3 < 0<\/p>\n
Note how the sign is tapered on the left side. The smaller side of the inequality corresponds to the smaller value. In this case, x – 3 is less than zero.<\/p>\n
The first step is to change the inequality sign into an equal sign.<\/p>\n
x – 3 = 0<\/p>\n
Next solve: x = 3<\/p>\n
Now place the inequality sign in the same place it was: x < 3.<\/p>\n
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See, that wasn\u2019t too bad. Now let\u2019s introduce a new sign: the less than equal sign.<\/p>\n
2x + 3 >= 4<\/p>\n
Again, replace sign with an equal sign and solve:<\/p>\n
2x + 3 = 4<\/p>\n
2x = 1<\/p>\n
x = 1\/2<\/p>\n
x >= 1\/2<\/p>\n
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To interpret this mathematically speaking, we need a number line. In this little video I will show you how the number line relates to inequalities.<\/p>\n