Linear Inequality
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
A linear inequality is a mathematical statement that compares a linear expression to a number using an inequality symbol. The general form of a linear inequality is:
ax + b < c, ax + b < c, ax + b > c or ax + b > c
where a and b are constants, x is a variable, and c is a constant number.
Linear inequalities represent a range of possible values for x rather than a single solution. The solutions to a linear inequality can be graphed on a number line or in a coordinate plane, where they typically form a region that is either above or below a boundary line, depending on the inequality. The boundary line is derived from the corresponding linear equation, and the shading indicates the set of all points that satisfy the inequality.