Definition
Inequality
An inequality is a statement that compares values using signs such as <, >, ≤, ≥, or ≠.
What it means
An equation balances two equal values. An inequality tells which side is smaller or larger, or that the sides are not equal. Because many values can pass the same comparison, an inequality often describes a whole group of possible answers.
Remember it
An inequality is a comparison, not usually one single answer.
Example
The inequality p ≥ 6 includes 6, 7, 8, and every larger value. It does not include 5. The “or equal to” bar is why 6 itself is included.
Watch for
p = 6 is an equation; p ≥ 6 is an inequality and allows many values.
Common mix-up
When multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number, reverse <, >, ≤, or ≥ so the comparison stays true.
Exact meaning
An inequality is a mathematical statement that one value or expression is less than, greater than, less than or equal to, greater than or equal to, or not equal to another. With variables, it can describe a set of values that make the comparison true.