Algebra I Recipe: Equations and Inequalities

By G Redden

Definitions

open sentences - equations or inequalities that contain variables and cannot be answered true or false.
- 2x – 3 = 5 cannot be answered true or false until a value is given for x.

equation - is formed when an "equal to" symbol is placed between two expressions.
- is means =

inequality - looks like an equation except there is an inequality symbol between two expressions.
- > represents is "greater than"
- < represents is "less than"
- ≥ represents is "greater than or equal to"
- ≤ represents is "less than or equal to"

solution – is a number that replaces the variable and makes the open sentence true.

Is a = 5 a solution to 2a + 1 = 11?

Is a = 5 a solution to 6a – 5 = 15?

Is a = 5 a solution to 5a + 4 = 26?

Is a = 5 a solution to 45 ÷ a = 9?

Is a = 5 a solution to a² + 2 = 27?

Is a = 5 a solution to 40/a = 8?

Is b = 8 a solution to 8 ≥ 64 ÷ b?

Is b = 8 a solution to 3b – 24 > 0?

Is b = 8 a solution to 16 ≤ b²?

Is b = 8 a solution to 60 > 7b + 3?

Is b = 8 a solution to 18 – b < 10?

Is b = 8 a solution to 37 ≥ 4b?