OBJECTIVE 6 Write statements that change the direction of inequality
symbols. Any statement with can be converted to one with and any statement
with can be converted to one with We do this by reversing the order of the
numbers and the direction of the symbol.For example,
Interchange numbers.becomes
Reverse symbol.Converting between Inequality SymbolsParts (a) – (c) each show a statement written in two equally correct ways. In each in-
equality, the inequality symbol points toward the lesser number.
(a) , (b) , (c) ,
NOW TRYHere is a summary of the symbols discussed in this section.
57 2 26 5 3 ... 8 8 Ú 3 12 Ú 5 5 ... 12
EXAMPLE 6
6610 107 6.
7 6.
6 7 ,
SECTION 1.2 Exponents, Order of Operations, and Inequality 19
NOW TRY
EXERCISE 6
Write the statement as an-
other true statement with the
inequality symbol reversed.
869NOW TRY ANSWER
- 978
Symbol Meaning Example
Is equal to means 0.5 is equal to
Is not equal to means 3 is not equal to 7.
Is less than means 6 is less than 10.
Is greater than means 15 is greater than 14.
Is less than or equal to means 4 is less than or equal to 8.
» Is greater than or equal to 1 Ú 0 means 1 is greater than or equal to 0.◊ 4 ... 8> 15714< 6610 3 Z 71
0.5= 2.
1
2CAUTION Equality and inequality symbols are used to write mathematical
sentences,while operation symbols ( ) are used to write mathematical
expressionsthat represent a number. Compare the following.
Sentence: Gives the relationship between 4 and 10
Expression: 4 + 10 Tells how to operate on 4 and 10 to get 14
4610
+, -,#, and ,
Complete solution available
on the Video Resources on DVD
1.2 EXERCISES
Concept Check Decide whether each statement is trueorfalse.If it is false, explain why.
1.The expression means that 2 is used as a factor 6 times.
2.
3.
4.
5.When evaluated, is equal to 42.
6.When evaluated, 12 , 2 # 3 is equal to 2.