Equations and inequalities are both mathematical sentences formed by relating two expressions to each other. In an equation, the two expressions are deemed equal which is shown by the symbol =.
x=y
x is equal to y
Where as in an inequality, the two expressions are not necessarily equal which is indicated by the symbols: >, <, ≤ or ≥.
x>y
x is greater than y
x≥y
x is greater than or equal to y
xx is less than y
x≤y
x is less than or equal to y
An equation or an inequality that contains at least one variable is called an open sentence.
When you substitute a number for the variable in an open sentence, the resulting statement is either true or false. If the statement is true, the number is a solution to the equation or inequality.
Example
Is 3 a solution to this equation?
5x+14=24
Substitute 3 for x
5⋅3+14
5+14=29≠24
FALSE!
Since 29 is not equal to 24, 3 is not a solution to the equation.