The inequality sign is far more intimidating than it need be. In many cases, just think of the inequality sign as an equal sign. Which case that is will be described below - along with the instance in which you have to switch the sign. But with a little bit of practice, inequality should be the least of your worries on the GRE.
Note how the sign is tapered on the left side. The smaller side of the inequality corresponds to the smaller value. In this case,
The first step is to change the inequality sign into an equal sign.
Next solve:
Now place the inequality sign in the same place it was:
See, that wasn't too bad. Now let's introduce a new sign: the less than equal sign.
Again, replace sign with an equal sign and solve:
But things aren't always that straightforward. If the variable in an inequality is multiplied by a negative number (e.g.
Let's have a look:
Again repeat steps, but because we are dividing by a
It's always a good idea to test your answer. So let's plug in a value less than
Because
The inequalities you see on the GRE will be pretty basic. As long as you understand the above, you should be ready for the test.
Answer = (C)