Learn Before
Example

Translating Inequalities Between Algebra and English

Algebraic inequality statements can be converted into English words by reading each symbol according to its name:

  • $17 \leq 26$ is read as "17 is less than or equal to 26."
  • $8 \neq 17 - 3$ is read as "8 is not equal to 17 minus 3."
  • $12 > 27 \div 3$ is read as "12 is greater than 27 divided by 3."
  • y+7<19y + 7 < 19 is read as "yy plus 7 is less than 19."

This translation skill works in both directions: given an English comparison statement, students should be able to write the corresponding algebraic inequality, and vice versa.

0

1

Updated 2026-04-23

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.2 Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Ch.3 Math Models - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.4 Graphs - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Prealgebra

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.2 Solving Linear Equations - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Related
Learn After