Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power among individuals or groups in society. This can manifest in various forms, such as economic inequality, social inequality, and political inequality. But our concentration will be only on the mathematical symbol and concept of Inequality questions asked in logical reasoning.
In this article, some symbols are used to frame a question. One needs to understand the meaning of the symbols and solve the questions.
What is the meaning of Inequality?
The meaning of the word means which is not equal. Whenever any two articles/objects are compared and found that these two are not equal, then the meaning of not equal arise a question –
Say A is not equal to B, so mathematically A B,
A is greater than B, A > B
A is Smaller than B, A < B
Sometimes you may face a situation where you cannot establish inequality between any two articles. So, for all the above conditions or possibilities we use different mathematical symbols.
In the examination, one will face a statement which will have a relation and from that statement one has to establish a relation between the articles or objects. Let’s understand/deduce the conclusion through some patterns.
| SL. No | Statement | Conclusion |
| 1 | A > B > C | A > C |
| 2 | A > BC | |
| 3 | A B > C | |
| 4 | A = B > C | |
| 5 | A > B = C | |
| 6 | A B = C | A = BC |
| 7 | A = B C | |
| 8 | A B C | |
| 9 | A < B < C | A < C |
| 10 | A < BC | |
| 11 | A B < C | |
| 12 | A < B = C | |
| 13 | A = B < C | |
| 14 | A B C | A < C OR A = C |
| 15 | A B = C | |
| 16 | A = BC | |
| 17 | A < B > C | NO CONCLUSION |
| 18 | A < B C | |
| 19 | A B > C | |
| 20 | A B C |
Example 01:
In this question, the relationship between different elements is shown in the statements. The statements are followed by two conclusions. Study the conclusions based on the given statements and select the appropriate answer.
[ IBPS PO ( pre) 2017 ]
Statement : B O = L D; P C A = L
Conclusion I : P = B
II: B < P
a) If only conclusion I is true
b) If only conclusion II is true
c) If either conclusion I or II is true
d) If neither conclusion I or II is true
e) If both conclusions are true
Solution:
The following steps will help you to understand the process:
Step 1: Merge the statements and arrange them in a single line
B O = L = A C P
Step 2: Mark the letters and observe the symbols (all are in the same direction)
B O = L = A C P
Hence, B P
Either conclusion I or II is true.
Read More: What is Verbal Series? Questions – Answers
Example 02:
In the following question, the symbols (*, $, #, % and @) are used with the following meanings as illustrated below:
‘X%Y’ means ‘X’ is greater than ‘Y’.
‘X#Y’ means ‘X’ is smaller than ‘Y’.
‘X$Y’ means ‘X’ is either greater than or equal ‘Y’.
‘X*Y’ means ‘X’ is either smaller than or equal to ‘Y’.
‘X@Y’ means ‘X’ is equal to ‘Y’.
Statement: A * N; S $ N ; S * W ; W @ R
Conclusion:
I. R $ A
II. S * R
III. S *A
IV. W @ A
a) Only I and II are true
b) Only II, III and IV are true
c) None is true
d) All are true
e) None of the above
Solution:
The above example is the example of coded inequality. So the very first step is step zero must be decoded this one
A * N : A N
S $ N : S N
S * W : S W
W @ R: W = R
Step 1: Arrange in a straight line
A N S W = R
Step 2: Decoding the conclusions
Conclusion:
I. R A correct
II. S R correct
III. S A Not correct
IV. W = A Not correct
Hence, option (a) is correct.
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