Understanding the Inequality Symbols

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 53 views

Introduction

In mathematics, comparing numbers is a fundamental concept that helps us understand the relationships between different values. One way to compare numbers is by using inequality symbols, which include less than (<), greater than (>), less than or equal to (≤), and greater than or equal to (≥). In this article, we will focus on using these symbols to compare two specific numbers: -17 and -1.

Understanding the Inequality Symbols

Before we dive into the comparison, let's take a moment to review the inequality symbols:

Less than (<): This symbol indicates that the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right.
Greater than (>): This symbol indicates that the number on the left is larger than the number on the right.
Less than or equal to (≤): This symbol indicates that the number on the left is either smaller than or equal to the number on the right.
Greater than or equal to (≥): This symbol indicates that the number on the left is either larger than or equal to the number on the right.

Comparing -17 and -1

Now that we have reviewed the inequality symbols, let's compare -17 and -1. To do this, we need to determine which number is larger or smaller.

Option A: ≥: This option indicates that -17 is greater than or equal to -1. However, since -17 is actually smaller than -1, this option is incorrect.
Option B: =: This option indicates that -17 is equal to -1. However, since -17 and -1 are not equal, this option is also incorrect.
Option C: <: This option indicates that -17 is less than -1. Since -17 is indeed smaller than -1, this option is correct.
Option D: >: This option indicates that -17 is greater than -1. However, since -17 is actually smaller than -1, this option is incorrect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing -17 and -1, we can use the inequality symbols to determine that -17 is less than -1. Therefore, the correct answer is:

The best answer is C. <

Additional Examples

To further reinforce your understanding of the inequality symbols, let's consider a few more examples:

Comparing 5 and 3: Since 5 is greater than 3, the correct answer is Option D: >.
Comparing 2 and 2: Since 2 is equal to 2, the correct answer is Option B: =.
Comparing 0 and 10: Since 0 is less than 10, the correct answer is Option C: <.

Practice Problems

To help you practice using the inequality symbols, try the following problems:

Compare -5 and -3.
Compare 7 and 9.
Compare 0 and 0.

Answer Key

-5 and -3: The correct answer is Option C: <.
7 and 9: The correct answer is Option D: >.
0 and 0: The correct answer is Option B: =.

Conclusion

Q: What is the difference between < and ≤?

A: The main difference between < and ≤ is that < indicates that the number on the left is strictly smaller than the number on the right, while ≤ indicates that the number on the left is either smaller than or equal to the number on the right.

Q: How do I know which inequality symbol to use?

A: To determine which inequality symbol to use, you need to compare the two numbers. If the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right, use <. If the number on the left is larger than the number on the right, use >. If the number on the left is equal to the number on the right, use =. If the number on the left is either smaller than or equal to the number on the right, use ≤. If the number on the left is either larger than or equal to the number on the right, use ≥.

Q: Can I use inequality symbols with fractions?

A: Yes, you can use inequality symbols with fractions. For example, if you want to compare 1/2 and 3/4, you can use the following inequality symbols:

1/2 < 3/4
1/2 ≤ 3/4
1/2 = 3/4
1/2 ≥ 3/4

Q: Can I use inequality symbols with decimals?

A: Yes, you can use inequality symbols with decimals. For example, if you want to compare 0.5 and 0.75, you can use the following inequality symbols:

0.5 < 0.75
0.5 ≤ 0.75
0.5 = 0.75
0.5 ≥ 0.75

Q: Can I use inequality symbols with negative numbers?

A: Yes, you can use inequality symbols with negative numbers. For example, if you want to compare -5 and -3, you can use the following inequality symbols:

-5 < -3
-5 ≤ -3
-5 = -3
-5 ≥ -3

Q: Can I use inequality symbols with mixed numbers?

A: Yes, you can use inequality symbols with mixed numbers. For example, if you want to compare 2 1/2 and 3 1/4, you can use the following inequality symbols:

2 1/2 < 3 1/4
2 1/2 ≤ 3 1/4
2 1/2 = 3 1/4
2 1/2 ≥ 3 1/4

Q: Can I use inequality symbols with variables?

A: Yes, you can use inequality symbols with variables. For example, if you want to compare x and 5, you can use the following inequality symbols:

x < 5
x ≤ 5
x = 5
x ≥ 5

Conclusion

In conclusion, inequality symbols are a powerful tool in mathematics that helps us compare numbers and understand their relationships. By reviewing the inequality symbols and practicing with examples, you can become more confident in your ability to compare numbers and solve problems.