Once Algebra and Pre-Algebra students in Los Alamitos have mastered solving and then graphing simple inequalities on a number line, the next step is solving compound inequalities and being able to graph these more complicated equations.

An outstanding Algebra tutor can explain that compound inequalities are two inequalities, graphed on the same number line, that are linked with “and” or “or.”

In Algebra, a compound inequality is a conjunction of two inequalities.  Some examples of algebraic expressions showing compound inequalities are:

 

3  <  x  <  7 (this is an “and” form of compound inequality.  The value for X has to be less than seven AND greater than three. Any value between three and seven will satisfy the equation.)

 

Here is another example for graphing compound inequalities in Algebra:

 

x <  -2 or x  >  6 (this is an “or” form of compound inequality.  The value for X can be less than negative two OR greater than 6. X cannot be any value between negative two and six.)

 

Compound inequalities can come in multiple forms.

This might be difficult for Los Alamitos Algebra students to understand, but a good Algebra tutor can provide multiple examples.

These algebraic expressions can occur when there are absolute value problems involving inequalities.  An Algebra tutor will also mention they occur when there are two conditions that need to be accounted for in a word problem (such as a minimum weight and maximum weight, a minimum speed and a maximum speed, or a lowest and highest elevation.)  In each of these, a good Algebra student should look for the words AND or OR to see which type of compound inequality it is.

 

Now, look the image at the top of the post.  The difference between AND and OR inequalities is quite clear.  AND inequalities go toward each other; that is, they form a line segment between two points.  OR inequalities, on the other hand, go away from each other.  They form two rays, with a space in between that cannot be satisfied by either algebraic equation in the inequality.

If your student is having a hard time understanding Algebra, A Plus In Home Tutors offers Algebra tutoring to increase understanding and improve grades.

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