An inequality is a statement that compares two values or expressions using symbols such as “” or “”. 

• The symbol “” means “is greater than.”
• The symbol “” means “is less than.”

For example, the inequality  tells us that -3 is greater than -7.

A solution to an equation is a number that can be used in place of the variable to make the equation true.

• The solution to the equation is 7, because it is true that .
• The solution to is not 9, because does not equal 8. 

A solution to an inequality is a number that can be used in place of the variable to make the inequality true.

• A solution to the inequality is 5, because it is true that .
• Some other solutions to this inequality are 9.9, 0, and -4.

A variable is a letter that represents a number. Different numbers can be chosen for the value of the variable.

In the expression  , the variable is .

• If the value of  is 3, then  , because  .
• If the value of  is 6, then  , because  .