Some of the questions on the TASC Math exam may ask you to solve an inequality. Of course, an inequality won't necessarily involve a 'does not equal' sign; there are actually five symbols that can be classified as inequalities:

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Solving an inequality involves following the same steps you use for solving an equation except for one crucial detail: When you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must flip the inequality symbol. Just like with equations, you can still check your answers by substituting them back into the original.

It's important to note that < or > results in an open circle

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on a number line because that value is not included as a solution;

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The following examples illustrate some of the different types of inequality problems that you may encounter.

Example 1: Linear inequality

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Check: You want to pick a value in the solution set. Because your answer is x > 3, you have to pick a value greater than 3. For this example, you use 5.

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Example 2: Linear inequality with negative coefficient

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Check:

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Example 3: Does not equal

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Check: For this type of problem, you can pick any number except 1/2. So for this example, you can pick 1 to check your solution.

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About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Stuart Donnelly, PhD, was awarded a PhD in mathematics from Oxford University. He has prepared students for the TASC test and GED Test for the past two decades.

Stuart Donnelly, PhD, earned his doctorate in mathe-matics from Oxford University at the age of 25. Since then, he has established successful tutoring services in both Hong Kong and the United States and is considered by leading educators to be one of the most experienced and qualified private tutors in the country.

Stuart Donnelly, PhD, was awarded a PhD in mathematics from Oxford University. He has prepared students for the TASC test and GED Test for the past two decades.

Stuart Donnelly, PhD, was awarded a PhD in mathematics from Oxford University. He has prepared students for the TASC test and GED Test for the past two decades.

Sandra Luna McCune, PhD, is professor emeritus and a former Regents professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. She's now a full-time author. Shannon Reed, MA, MFA, is a visiting lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh, where she teaches composition, creative writing, and business writing.

Stuart Donnelly, PhD, was awarded a PhD in mathematics from Oxford University. He has prepared students for the TASC test and GED Test for the past two decades.

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