Solving by Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing

Pgs

 = is a symbol that means equal.  This symbol indicates an equation.  The information on each side of the = balance or have the same value.  = 8

 An inequality states that the values are not equal.  The symbols > and < indicate inequality.  8 > 5 or 3 < 12

 Sometimes the values in an inequality might also be equal.  ≥ means greater than or equal to;  ≤ means less than or equal to.

 A tank holds 15 gallons of gas. How much gas is in the tank?  You don’t know this answer without measuring, however you know the amount must be less than or equal to 15 gallons.  Gas in the tank ≤ 15 gallons.  X ≤ 15

 Sometimes you can use the text in an item to determine when to use the less than or equal to or greater than or equal to symbols.  “no more than” and “at most” indicate that ≤ should be used.  “at least” indicates that ≥ should be used.  Tim wants to run no more than 5 miles can be represented by x ≤ 5 miles.  Shauna wants to work at least 4 hours can be represented by x ≥ 4 hours.

 Write ≥ or ≤ on the line to complete the inequality. 1. In 1 year, Lana wants to save at least $500. Lana wants her savings to be __________ $ Jordan takes $20 to the mall. Using cash only, Jordan will spend __________ $ Luis wants to bike at least 20 miles today. Luis wants to bike __________ 20 miles. 4. Maria wants her plant to grow to at most 12 inches tall. Maria wants her plant to grow __________ 12 inches tall. ≥ ≤ ≥ ≤

5. Trudi plans to study no more than 2 hours. ≤ 6. There are at least 32 students that want to go to the museum. ≥