Inequalities in MYP Year 5 Standard Maths
Master linear inequalities in MYP Year 5 Maths. Learn to solve, graph on a number line, and tackle compound inequalities with confidence.
What Are Linear Inequalities?
A linear inequality expresses a relationship between two expressions using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. Unlike equations, inequalities have a range of solutions rather than a single value. In MYP Year 5, students work with one-variable linear inequalities, solve them algebraically, and represent solutions on a number line.
Key Skills in This Topic
Solving Linear Inequalities
Students apply inverse operations to isolate the variable — the same process as solving equations, with one critical difference: multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number reverses the inequality sign. For example:
−2x > 6 → x < −3
Missing this reversal is the most common error at this level.
Number Line Representation
Solutions are shown on a number line using open circles (strict inequalities) or closed circles (inclusive inequalities). Students must read and draw these accurately in exam settings.
Compound Inequalities
Some problems involve two conditions joined by 'and' or 'or', producing solution sets such as −1 < x ≤ 4. Students interpret these both algebraically and graphically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to flip the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative
- Using an open circle when the inequality is ≤ or ≥ (should be closed)
- Misreading compound inequalities and including values outside the valid range
How Inequalities Appear in MYP Questions
Criterion A tasks often present multi-step inequalities where students must show clear working. Criterion D problems may embed inequalities in real-world scenarios — for example, finding a range of values satisfying a budget constraint or a physical measurement condition.
Practising This Topic
Work through problems that mix solving with graphing. Practise identifying whether a boundary value is included or excluded, and regularly attempt word problems to build fluency with applied inequality contexts.