Inequalities show up whenever the SAT describes a limit: a budget, a capacity, a minimum grade. Translate the words first.
| Words | Sign |
|---|---|
| at least, no less than | |
| at most, no more than | |
| more than | |
| fewer than |
Work through it
You have $50. Shirts cost $12, and shipping is $5. What's the most shirts you can buy?
Model it.
Solve.
Whole shirts only. Round down.3
A class needs at least 80 on average over 3 tests. You have 75 and 82. What do you need?
Total needed.
Already scored.
Subtract.at least
Watch out for this
Rounding to because that's normal rounding.
Four shirts cost too much. In budget questions, round down. In "how many needed" questions, round up.
The short version
At least means . At most means . A negative multiplier or divider flips the sign.
At least means . At most means . A negative multiplier or divider flips the sign.
Your turn
Want help with this?
Book a free consultation, and we'll help you make a plan.