StudySquare
Inequalities for OCR GCSE Maths
This page covers the following topics:
1. Basics of inequalities
2. Number lines
3. Linear inequalities
4. Direction of inequalities
While in an equation the "=" sign indicates that the sides are identical, inequalities are used when they aren't. Different inequalities represent different relationships between the two sides. The definitions of the different symbols that can be used in inequalities are given in the diagram.
Inequalities can be represented on number lines, where a hollow dot represents < or >, and a solid dot represents ≤ or ≥. To draw a number line, draw a circle over the relevant number, either hollow or solid as appropriate, then draw an arrow in the direction that makes the inequality true, ie. to the left if it is less than or to the right if it is more than.
Linear inequalities can be solved just as linear equations using inverse operations, with the only difference being that the inequality sign is kept throughout rather than the "=".
When solving inequalities, if it is required to multiply or divide by a negative number, the direction of the inequality sign must be reversed. When there is an expression in terms of the variable that is being solved in the denominator, multiply every term by the square of the expression, so that there is no need to reverse the inequality sign, as this will guarantee that the number that the terms are being multiplied by is positive.
1
If y > 11, what are the possible values of y? Assume that y is an integer.
y > 11 means that y is greater than 11; therefore, the possible values of y are 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, … .
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, …
2
Harry needs a minimum grade of 86 to pass into the next year. If Harry doubles his current grade, he will pass. Given that maximum grade Harry can achieve is 100, draw a number line to show the set of values for Harry's grade.
image
3
Draw a number line for the inequality x ≤ −2.
A dot is drawn over −2.
Since the inequality is not strict (ie. Less than or equal to), the dot will be solid.
Since the inequality is less than, the arrow starting from the dot will be facing to the left.
image
4
A square of side 2x + 5 has a perimeter less than 30. Find the range of possible values of x.
Since the perimeter of the square is less than 30, 4(2x + 5) < 30.
Expanding the left side gives 8x + 20 < 30.
Subtracting both sides by 20 gives 8x < 10.
Dividing both sides by 8 gives x < 1.25.
Since the sides of the square cannot be negative, 2x + 5 > 0.
Subtracting 5 from both sides gives 2x > −5.
Dividing both sides by 2 gives x > −5/2.
Putting the two inequalities together gives −5/2 < x < 5/4.
−2.5 < x < 1.25
5
Solve 3(2x − 7) < x − 1 and show the range of possible values of x on a number line.
image
End of page