Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency
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Graph the numbers on a number line.
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We can use a number line to help us determine which symbol should be used to complete the statement. Let's start by graphing 2 and 9 on a number line.
Numbers that lie further to the left on a number line are smaller, while numbers that lie toward the right are bigger. Since 2 lies to the left of 9, we can conclude that 2 is less than 9. 2 < 9
| Inequality Symbols | ||
|---|---|---|
| Symbol | Key Phrases | |
| < | is less than, is fewer than | |
| > | is greater than, is more than | |
| ≤ | is less than or equal to, is at most, is no more than | |
| ≥ | is greater than or equal to, is at least, is no less than | |
To write an inequality look for the key phrases to determine which inequality symbol you need to use. Let's see one example!
Four is fewer than twice a number xplus2
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4 < 2x+2