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How to Use Inequality Notation to Describe the Set of Real Numbers

An inequality is a mathematical statement that identifies the relative size of a set or variable in comparison to another. There are three strict notations used for inequalities --- less than, greater than and not equal to. There are also nonstrict inequalities that include less than or equal to and greater than or equal to. Both strict and nonstrict inequalities allow for the representation of a large set of possible values for a variable by identifying bounded elements. Therefore, this notation can easily be used to describe a specific set of real numbers that correspond to a variable.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the set of real numbers and the particular bounded elements that correspond to the variable. The set of real numbers, denoted as R, contains any rational or irrational number that could potentially exist on a number line continuum. Essentially, imaginary numbers and both negative and positive infinity are the only values that are not real numbers. For example, assume that a variable, x, could describe any real number greater than 2.

    • 2

      Decide whether a strict or nonstrict inequality is needed. In the example, all real numbers greater than 2 need to be identified as possible values of x. Since 2 is not included, but every conceivable real number after 2 is (that is, 2.001, 10, 500, and so on), a strict inequality is needed. The greater than symbol, >, should then be used.

    • 3

      Write the set as an inequality signifying that a variable, x, is greater than 2 for all real numbers.

      x > 2, where x is a subset of R

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