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SAT Prep / Algebra / Linear Inequalities
SAT Math · Algebra

Linear InequalitiesHow the SAT tests it — and how to beat it

Solving and interpreting inequalities in one or two variables, including flipping the inequality sign and identifying solution regions.

Practice Linear Inequalities FreeAll of Algebra

Linear Inequalities in Our Question Bank

38

Total questions

15

Easy

13

Medium

10

Hard

What the SAT Actually Tests

Inequality questions test the same solving skills as equations plus two extra ideas: the inequality sign flips when you multiply or divide by a negative, and solutions are regions rather than points. Two-variable versions ask which point satisfies an inequality (or a system of them), or how a shaded graph region corresponds to the algebra.

For one-variable questions, solve like an equation and watch the sign at every negative multiply/divide. For two-variable questions, the fastest reliable move is testing points — plug the candidate point into the inequality and check. For word problems ("at least," "no more than"), translate the phrase to the symbol before doing anything else.

Real Linear Inequalities Practice Questions

Straight from the Grind1600 question bank — try each one before revealing the answer.

Question 1easy
Which of the following ordered pairs (x, y) satisfies the inequality 7x - 4y < 10? I. (1, 2) II. (3, 6) III. (4, 3)
  • A)I only
  • B)II only
  • C)I and II only
  • D)I and III only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Choice C is correct. Substituting (1, 2) into the inequality gives 7(1) - 4(2) = 7 - 8 = -1, and -1 < 10 is a true statement. Substituting (3, 6) into the inequality gives 7(3) - 4(6) = 21 - 24 = -3, and -3 < 10 is a true statement. Substituting (4, 3) into the inequality gives 7(4) - 4(3) = 28 - 12 = 16, and 16 < 10 is not a true statement. Therefore, (1, 2) and (3, 6) are the only ordered pairs shown that satisfy the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect because the ordered pair (3, 6) also satisfies the inequality.

Choice B is incorrect because the ordered pair (1, 2) also satisfies the inequality.

Choice D is incorrect because the ordered pair (4, 3) does not satisfy the inequality since 16 is not less than 10.

Question 2medium
A van can carry a maximum weight of 3,200 pounds. During one trip, the van will transport a 450-pound generator as well as several crates. Some crates weigh 60 pounds each and the others weigh 80 pounds each. Which inequality represents the possible combinations of the number of 60-pound crates, x, and the number of 80-pound crates, y, the van can transport during one trip if only the generator and crates are being hauled?
  • A)60x + 80y ≤ 2,750
  • B)60x + 80y ≥ 2,750
  • C)60x + 80y ≤ 3,200
  • D)60x + 80y ≥ 3,200
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Choice A is correct. The van can carry at most 3,200 pounds. It will also carry a 450-pound generator. Therefore, the crates can weigh at most 3,200 - 450 = 2,750 pounds. Since x represents the number of 60-pound crates and y represents the number of 80-pound crates, the total weight of crates is 60x + 80y. This must be less than or equal to 2,750 pounds: 60x + 80y ≤ 2,750.

Choice B is incorrect. This represents hauling at least 2,750 pounds of crates.

Choice C is incorrect. This doesn't account for the 450-pound generator.

Choice D is incorrect. This represents hauling at least 3,200 pounds of crates without accounting for the generator.

Traps to Avoid

  • Forgetting to flip the inequality when dividing by a negative — the classic.
  • Translating "at least 50" as x > 50 instead of x ≥ 50; the boundary matters and answer choices exploit it.
  • On systems of inequalities, finding a point that satisfies one inequality but not checking the other.

More Algebra Skills

Linear Equations in One Variable

Solving equations of the form ax + b = c, including equations with variables on both sides, fractions, and no-solution or infinite-solution cases.

Linear Equations in Two Variables

Working with equations like y = mx + b: interpreting slope and intercepts, converting between forms, and connecting equations to their graphs.

Linear Functions

Modeling real situations with linear functions — constant rates of change, initial values, and evaluating or interpreting f(x) in context.

Systems of Linear Equations

Solving pairs of linear equations by substitution or elimination, and reasoning about when systems have one, none, or infinitely many solutions.

Master Linear Inequalities With Adaptive Practice

38 Linear Inequalities questions with step-by-step explanations, woven into a day-by-day study plan built for your test date.

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