Inequality – Definition with Examples

In mathematics, a relationship between two expressions or values that are not equal to each other is called ‘inequality.’ So, a lack of balance results in inequality. For example, if you want to buy a new bicycle that costs $250, but you have $225. It is also an inequality as you are comparing two numbers that aren’t equal.

We use ‘=’ when two quantities are equal and when they are not equal we use the symbol ≠ to denote not equal. If two things are not equal, the first value can be either greater than (>) or lesser than (<) or greater than equal to (≥) or less than equal to (≤) the second value. So, as per the above example, $250  > $225.

In Mathematics,

Origin of the Term: Inequality

The term ‘inequality’ comes from the Old French word inequalité and the Latin word inequalitas, meaning ‘unequal, unlike, different’ and changeable. This term is used to compare the magnitude, number, and intensity of two values or expressions.

Let’s Look at the Rules of Inequalities

Rule 1: When inequalities are linked, you can jump across them. So, if a is greater than b, and b is greater than c, a will also be greater than c.

If a > b > c, a > c, we can jump over b to find out the relation between a and c directly.

Example: If you (5) have more pens than Mia (3), and Mia (3) has more pens than Benj (1), then you (5) automatically have more pens than Benj (1).

Rule 2:  If you exchange the values, the sign also reverses.

• If p > q, then q < p
• If p < q, then q > p

Example: If Mia is taller than Ben, then Ben will be shorter than Mia.

Rule 3: An inequality can either be > or < but never both at the same time.

• If x > y, then it is impossible to have an equation x < y at the same time
• If x < y, then it is impossible to have an equation x > y at the same time

Either x will be greater than y or less than y but not both.

Example: If Weight of Ball 1 > Weight of a Ball 2, then it is not possible that Weight of Ball 1 < Weight of Ball 2 at the same time.

Rule 4: Multiplying both sides of the inequality by a negative sign, reverses the sign.

• If p > q, then −p < −q 
• If p < q, then −p > −q

Example: 3 > 2, but −3 < −2 in mathematics.

Rule 5: Taking a reciprocal also changes the direction of the inequality.

• If p > q, then $\frac{1}{p}$ < $\frac{1}{q}$
• If p < q, then $\frac{1}{p}$ > $\frac{1}{q}$

Example: 5 > 3 but, $\frac{1}{5}$ < $\frac{1}{3}$ in mathematics.

Rule 6: Adding or subtracting the same quantity to each side of the inequality, does not change the inequality sign. 

• If p > q, then p + r > q + r 
• If p < q, then p – r  < q – r

Rule 7: Dividing or multiplying by a positive quantity on each side of the inequality, does not change the inequality sign. 

• If p > q, then pr > qr 
• If p < q, then  pr < qr

Example: 5 > 3 but, $\frac{1}{5}$ < $\frac{1}{3}$ in mathematics.

Rule 8: Dividing by a negative quantity on each side of the inequality, reverses the sign.

• If p > q, then $\frac{p}{-r}$ < $\frac{q}{-r}$  
• If p < q, then $\frac{p}{-r}$ > $\frac{q}{-r}$  

These rules of inequalities help us find the solutions of the inequalities.

Graphical representation of inequalities

We use an empty circle to show that the limit value is not the solution to the given inequality.

Filled circle is used to show that the limit value is the solution of the given inequality.

Extending an arrow to the right end (if greater than) or left (if less than) signifies all the values the variable can take.

Real life Example of Inequality

• Speed limit on the road is 30 mph which can be expressed by the inequality:

Speed ≤ 30 mph

• Maximum capacity of a container is 5 liters.

Volume ≤ 5 l

• Children should not be less than 4 feet to ride the roller coaster.

Child’s height > 4 feet

• Plane has to fly at 500 m above sea level or higher.

Plane flying level $\ge$500 m

• Credit card limit per month is $5,000. 

Money that can be spent in month ≤ $5,000

Solved Examples

• Given the conditions X > 30 and Y > X; which is the largest quantity?

Solution:

Y is the largest quantity as Y > X > 30.

2. Determine the relation of $\frac{1}{x}$ and $\frac{1}{y}$ if x > y.

Solution:

Since signs change in reciprocals, the equation will be $\frac{1}{x}$  < $\frac{1}{y}$.

3. Determine the relation of −a and −b if a ＜ b.

Multiplying by a negative number (-1 in this case) reverses the sign.

So, −a > −b

Practice Problems

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s do it!

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