Definition

An inequality is a mathematical statement which shows that two values are not equal.

a ≠ b means that a is not equal to b. It means that either a is less or greater than b.

There are special symbols that show how things are not equal.

a < b means that a is less than b

a > b means that a is greater than b

a ≤ b means that a is less than or equal to b

a ≥ b means that a is greater than or equal to b

To compare two numbers, we use the symbols, <, > or =.

Example

Use <, >, or = to compare the numbers given below

18

21

72

38

109

163

Solution

Step 1:

Since 18 is less than 21 we write 18 < 21

Step 2:

As 72 is greater than 38, we write 72 > 38

Step 3:

As 109 is less than 163, we write 109 < 163

Problem 1

Use <, >, or = to compare the numbers given below

15

23

67

41

127

199

336

153

Solution

Step 1:

Since 15 is less than 23 we write 15 < 23

Step 2:

As 67 is greater than 41, we write 67 > 41

Step 3:

As 127 is less than 199, we write 127 < 199

Step 4:

As 336 is greater than 153, we write 336 > 153

Problem 2

Use <, >, or = to compare the numbers given below

29

18

78

97

172

146

331

463

Solution

Step 1:

Since 29 is greater than 18, we write 29 > 18

Step 2:

As 78 is less than 97, we write 78 < 97

Step 3:

As 172 is greater than 146, we write 172 > 146

Step 4:

As 331 is less than 463, we write 331 > 463

This tutorial provides comprehensive coverage of ordering, rounding and order of operations in whole numbers based on Common Core CCSS and State Standards and its prerequisites. Students can navigate learning paths based on their level of readiness. Institutional users may customize the scope and sequence to meet curricular needs. This simple tutorial uses appropriate examples to help you understand ordering, rounding and order of operations in whole numbers in a general and quick way.

Audience

This tutorial has been prepared for beginners to help them understand the basics of ordering, rounding and order of operations in whole numbers. After completing this tutorial, you will find yourself at a moderate level of expertise in ordering, rounding and order of operations of numbers, from where you can advance further.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with this tutorial, you need a basic knowledge of elementary math concepts such number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparison of whole numbers and so on.