Less Than

If x is zero, is the following true?

2x - 4 < 4x + 4 < 2x + 2

In the back of your books write down at least 10 values of x which satisfy this inequality statement.

"<" means "is less than"


Topics: Starter | Algebra

  • Transum,
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  • This quite an advanced mathematical statement but sometimes it is effective for pupils to learn about a concept by unpicking a more complex problem rather than starting with the very simplest examples. A little 'trial and improvement' is expected though of course those with experience of solving inequalities may choose to solve the problem in the way the answer is presented below.
  • John Tranter,
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  • Never smile at a crocodile,
    Beware its welcome grin,
    Don't stand too close to its open mouth
    in case you topple in!
    If the open mouth faces to the left,
    Remember this you might,
    The number there is bigger than
    the number to the right.
    If the open mouth faces to the right,
    Learn this fact by heart,
    The number there is bigger than
    the number at the start.
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Previous Day | This starter is for 10 May | Next Day

 

Answers

2x - 4 < 4x + 4
-8 < 2x
x > -4
4x + 4 < 2x + 2
2x < -2
x < -1

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Laptops In Lessons

Teacher, do your students have access to computers?
Do they have iPads or Laptops in Lessons?

Whether your students each have a TabletPC, a Surface or a Mac, this activity lends itself to eLearning (Engaged Learning).

Laptops In Lessons

Here a concise URL for a version of this page without the comments.

Transum.org/go/?Start=May10

Here is the URL which will take them to a related student activity.

Transum.org/go/?to=Inequalities

Student Activity

Try Level 7

 


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