Writing Inequalities from Verbal Phrases
Writing inequalities from verbal phrases in Grade 6 means translating key words into inequality symbols: phrases like 'is less than' → <, 'is greater than or equal to' → ≥, 'no more than' → ≤, 'at least' → ≥. From enVision Mathematics, 'a number x is no more than 15' translates to x ≤ 15. Matching language precisely to the correct symbol prevents common sign-flip errors. This skill bridges real-world constraints — speed limits, minimum ages, budget caps — with formal mathematical inequality notation.
Key Concepts
To write an inequality from a verbal phrase, you match keywords to their corresponding inequality symbols.
Less than ($<$): "is less than", "is smaller than" Greater than ($ $): "is greater than", "is more than" Less than or equal to ($\leq$): "is at most", "is no more than", "maximum" Greater than or equal to ($\geq$): "is at least", "is no less than", "minimum".
Common Questions
How do you translate a verbal phrase into an inequality?
Identify key words: 'less than' → <, 'greater than' → >, 'at least' or 'no less than' → ≥, 'at most' or 'no more than' → ≤. Define a variable, then write the inequality.
What keywords signal each inequality symbol?
< : less than, fewer than, below. > : greater than, more than, above. ≤ : at most, no more than, maximum, up to. ≥ : at least, no less than, minimum.
How do you write 'a number is at least 5' as an inequality?
Let n = the number. 'At least 5' means n ≥ 5.
How do you write 'a speed limit of 60 mph' as an inequality?
Let s = speed. The constraint is s ≤ 60.
Where is writing inequalities from verbal phrases covered in enVision Mathematics?
This skill is introduced in enVision Mathematics, Grade 6, as part of expressions, equations, and inequalities.
How is an inequality different from an equation in a word problem?
An equation has one exact solution. An inequality allows a range of solutions. Word clues like 'at most,' 'at least,' or 'no more than' signal that an inequality is needed.
What is the most common mistake when writing inequalities from words?
Choosing the wrong symbol — especially confusing ≤ and < (forgetting whether 'at most' includes the boundary value). 'At most 15' means ≤ 15, not < 15.