Translating Translating InequalitiesInequalitiesTranslating Translating InequalitiesInequalities

Old Math Symbols

> Greater than

< Less than

New Math Symbols

Greater than or equal to

Less than or equal to

Identify Key Words

• Read the mathematical problem and identify key terms or phrases that can be translated into an inequality symbol.

Key VocabularyPhrase Meaning Mathematical

Symbol

At most •No more than•Less than or equal to

At least •No greater than•Greater than or equal

to

ExamplesVerbal Expression

You can spend at most $20

Meaning You can spend $20 or any amount less than $20

Math Expression

Verbal Expression

A person must be at least 18 to vote

Meaning A person who is 18 years old or any age older than 18 may vote

Math Expression

Additional Key Phrases

Phrase Symbol

Exceeds

Is more than

Is at least

Is at most

Practice Problems1) More than 18,000 fans attended the

Kings’ opening hockey game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

2) Your height is greater than 40 inches.

3) The sum of two numbers is at most 6.

Memory StrategyVocabulary Word Translation

At Most and no More than

Less than or equal to

At Least and no Less than

Greater than or equal to

Reference Info1. Chapter 7 of the math textbook

2. Inequalities Symbols link

3. Inequalities Study Guide