CBSE Class 11 Maths Revision Notes Chapter 5 Linear Inequalities
Linear Inequalities explains how algebraic expressions are compared using symbols such as <, >, ≤ and ≥. For CBSE Class 11 Maths 2026–27, this chapter covers solution sets, number line graphs, one-variable inequalities and two-variable inequalities.
Linear Inequalities is an important chapter in Class 11 Mathematics. In earlier classes, you solved equations where two expressions were equal. In this chapter, you study situations where one expression is greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to another expression.
For example, if a student needs at least 60 marks on average, or a buyer has a limited budget, the condition is not always written as an equation. It is often written as an inequality.
Use these CBSE Class 11 Maths Revision Notes Chapter 5 to revise types of inequalities, rules for solving inequalities, solution sets, graphical representation on the number line, linear inequalities in one variable and linear inequalities in two variables.
These Class 11 Maths Chapter 5 Notes are useful when you want quick revision of definitions, rules, examples and graph-based questions before practice.
Key Takeaways
- Inequality: An inequality compares two numbers or expressions using <, >, ≤ or ≥.
- Solution set: The set of all values that make an inequality true is called its solution set.
- Sign reversal rule: The inequality sign reverses when both sides are multiplied or divided by a negative number.
- Graphical representation: Solutions can be shown on a number line or as a region in the Cartesian plane.
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Class 11 Maths Chapter 5 Notes for Linear Inequalities Revision
These Class 11 mathematics revision notes chapter 5 are arranged for 30-minute revision, so you can revise the chapter in the same order you study it in class.
Start with the meaning of an inequality. Then revise strict inequalities, slack inequalities and double inequalities. After that, understand how to solve linear inequalities in one variable and represent the answer on a number line.
Once that is clear, move to linear inequalities in two variables and learn how to identify the solution region in the Cartesian plane.
| Topic | What You Revise |
| Inequality | Meaning of <, >, ≤ and ≥ |
| Strict inequality | Inequalities using < or > |
| Slack inequality | Inequalities using ≤ or ≥ |
| Double inequality | Inequality with two comparison signs |
| Solution set | All values satisfying the inequality |
| One-variable inequality | Inequality involving one variable |
| Number line graph | Graphical representation of solution set |
| Two-variable inequality | Inequality involving x and y |
| Half-plane | Region represented by a linear inequality |
| System of inequalities | Common solution of two or more inequalities |
What is an Inequality?
An inequality is formed when two real numbers or two algebraic expressions are related by one of these symbols:
<, >, ≤ or ≥
Examples:
3 < 5
7 > 4
x < 6
2x + 3 ≥ 9
x + y ≤ 10
An equation uses the equality sign “=”. An inequality uses comparison signs.
| Statement | Type |
| 2x + 3 = 9 | Equation |
| 2x + 3 < 9 | Inequality |
| x + y = 10 | Equation |
| x + y ≤ 10 | Inequality |
Types of Inequalities
Class 11 Maths Linear Inequalities Notes mainly cover strict inequalities, slack inequalities and double inequalities.
| Type | Symbol | Example |
| Strict inequality | < or > | x < 5, y > 2 |
| Slack inequality | ≤ or ≥ | x ≤ 5, y ≥ 2 |
| Double inequality | Two comparison signs | 2 < x < 7 |
A strict inequality does not include the boundary value.
A slack inequality includes the boundary value.
Example:
x < 5 means x can be any value less than 5, but not 5.
x ≤ 5 means x can be 5 or any value less than 5.
Numerical and Literal Inequalities
Inequalities can be numerical or literal.
| Type | Meaning | Example |
| Numerical inequality | Compares numbers | 3 < 5 |
| Literal inequality | Contains variables | x > 4 |
Examples of literal inequalities:
x < 5
y ≥ 2
3x + 4 ≤ 10
2x - 5 > 7
Linear Inequalities in One Variable
A linear inequality in one variable contains only one variable and its highest power is 1.
General forms:
ax + b < 0
ax + b > 0
ax + b ≤ 0
ax + b ≥ 0
Here, a and b are real numbers and a ≠ 0.
Examples:
2x + 3 < 7
5x - 1 ≥ 9
3 - x ≤ 6
These are linear inequalities in one variable because each has only x and the power of x is 1.
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
A linear inequality in two variables contains two variables, usually x and y.
General forms:
ax + by < c
ax + by > c
ax + by ≤ c
ax + by ≥ c
Here, a, b and c are real numbers, and a and b are not both zero.
Examples:
2x + 3y < 5
x - y ≥ 4
3x + 2y ≤ 12
These are linear inequalities in two variables because they contain x and y with power 1.
Quadratic Inequalities Are Not Linear
An inequality is not linear if the variable has power 2 or more.
Examples:
x² + 3x + 2 > 0
2x² - 5x ≤ 8
These are quadratic inequalities, not linear inequalities.
In CBSE Class 11 Maths Notes Chapter 5, the main focus is on linear inequalities in one and two variables.
Solution and Solution Set of an Inequality
A solution of an inequality is a value of the variable that makes the inequality true.
The solution set is the set of all such values.
Example:
x < 5
Here, x = 1, x = 2 and x = 4 are solutions.
But x = 5 is not a solution.
The solution set is:
{x : x < 5}
In interval form:
(-∞, 5)
Rules for Solving Linear Inequalities
Solving an inequality is similar to solving an equation, but one rule is different.
| Rule | Effect on Inequality Sign |
| Add the same number on both sides | Sign does not change |
| Subtract the same number from both sides | Sign does not change |
| Multiply both sides by a positive number | Sign does not change |
| Divide both sides by a positive number | Sign does not change |
| Multiply both sides by a negative number | Sign reverses |
| Divide both sides by a negative number | Sign reverses |
The last rule is the most important.
Example:
-2x < 8
Divide both sides by -2.
Since we divide by a negative number, the sign reverses.
x > -4
Strict Inequality and Slack Inequality on Number Line
The number line helps students see the solution set clearly.
| Inequality | Point on Number Line | Meaning |
| x < a | Open circle at a | a is not included |
| x > a | Open circle at a | a is not included |
| x ≤ a | Filled circle at a | a is included |
| x ≥ a | Filled circle at a | a is included |
Example:
x < 3 means all real numbers less than 3.
On the number line, place an open circle at 3 and shade to the left.
x ≥ 2 means all real numbers greater than or equal to 2.
On the number line, place a filled circle at 2 and shade to the right.
Algebraic Solution of Linear Inequalities in One Variable
An algebraic solution means solving the inequality step by step using rules.
Example 1: Solve 5x - 3 < 7
Solution:
5x - 3 < 7
Add 3 on both sides:
5x < 10
Divide by 5:
x < 2
So, the solution set is:
(-∞, 2)
Example 2: Solve 4x + 3 < 6x + 7
Solution:
4x + 3 < 6x + 7
Subtract 6x from both sides:
-2x + 3 < 7
Subtract 3 from both sides:
-2x < 4
Divide by -2 and reverse the sign:
x > -2
So, the solution set is:
(-2, ∞)
Solving Double Inequalities
A double inequality has two comparison signs.
Example:
-8 ≤ 5x - 3 < 7
Solve it together.
-8 ≤ 5x - 3 < 7
Add 3 to all parts:
-5 ≤ 5x < 10
Divide all parts by 5:
-1 ≤ x < 2
So, the solution set is:
[-1, 2)
System of Linear Inequalities in One Variable
A system of inequalities has two or more inequalities that must be true at the same time.
Example:
3x - 7 < 5 + x
11 - 5x ≤ 1
Solve the first inequality:
3x - 7 < 5 + x
2x < 12
x < 6
Solve the second inequality:
11 - 5x ≤ 1
-5x ≤ -10
Divide by -5 and reverse the sign:
x ≥ 2
Common solution:
2 ≤ x < 6
So, the solution set is:
[2, 6)
Word Problems on Linear Inequalities
Many Linear Inequalities Class 11 Notes questions are based on real-life conditions such as minimum marks, maximum budget, temperature range and length restrictions.
Example: Marks Problem
A student scored 70 and 75 marks in two tests. Find the minimum marks needed in the third test to get an average of at least 60.
Let x be the marks in the third test.
Average ≥ 60
(70 + 75 + x)/3 ≥ 60
145 + x ≥ 180
x ≥ 35
So, the student needs at least 35 marks in the third test.
Linear Inequalities in Two Variables and Cartesian Plane
A linear inequality in two variables represents a region in the Cartesian plane.
Example:
x + y ≤ 5
First replace the inequality sign with “=”.
x + y = 5
This gives the boundary line.
The inequality x + y ≤ 5 represents one side of that line.
The solution set contains all points (x, y) that satisfy the inequality.
Boundary Line in Linear Inequalities
A boundary line separates the Cartesian plane into two half-planes.
| Inequality | Boundary Line Type |
| ax + by < c | Dashed line |
| ax + by > c | Dashed line |
| ax + by ≤ c | Solid line |
| ax + by ≥ c | Solid line |
Use a solid line when the boundary points are included.
Use a dashed line when the boundary points are not included.
Half-Plane and Solution Region
A straight line divides the Cartesian plane into two half-planes.
For a linear inequality in two variables, one half-plane contains the solution region.
The solution region is the set of all points that satisfy the inequality.
Example:
x + y ≤ 5
The boundary line is:
x + y = 5
Now test a point, usually (0, 0).
0 + 0 ≤ 5
This is true.
So, the half-plane containing (0, 0) is the solution region.
Steps for Graphical Representation of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Follow these steps:
- Replace the inequality sign with “=” and draw the boundary line.
- Use a solid line for ≤ or ≥.
- Use a dashed line for < or >.
- Choose a test point not on the line.
- Substitute the test point in the inequality.
- If the point satisfies the inequality, shade that side.
- If it does not satisfy the inequality, shade the other side.
Graphical Solution of a System of Linear Inequalities
A system of linear inequalities has more than one inequality.
The solution is the common region that satisfies all inequalities.
Example:
x + y ≤ 5
x ≥ 0
y ≥ 0
The first inequality gives a half-plane below or on the line x + y = 5.
The inequalities x ≥ 0 and y ≥ 0 restrict the region to the first quadrant.
The common shaded region is the solution set.
Common Mistakes in Linear Inequalities
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
| Not reversing the sign when dividing by a negative number | Reverse the inequality sign |
| Treating < and ≤ the same way | Use open circle for < and filled circle for ≤ |
| Using a solid line for strict inequalities | Use dashed line for < and > |
| Forgetting real-life restrictions | Check if values must be natural numbers or positive |
| Shading the wrong side of a line | Test a point before shading |
Important Formulas and Rules for Linear Inequalities
| Concept | Formula or Rule |
| One-variable linear inequality | ax + b < 0, ax + b > 0, ax + b ≤ 0, ax + b ≥ 0 |
| Two-variable linear inequality | ax + by < c, ax + by > c, ax + by ≤ c, ax + by ≥ c |
| Sign reversal rule | Multiply or divide by negative number, reverse sign |
| Strict inequality | Boundary not included |
| Slack inequality | Boundary included |
| Solution set | All values satisfying inequality |
| Boundary line | Replace inequality sign by = |
| Test point | Usually (0, 0), if not on boundary line |
Solved Examples on Linear Inequalities
Example 1: Solve 7x + 3 < 5x + 9
Solution:
7x + 3 < 5x + 9
Subtract 5x from both sides:
2x + 3 < 9
Subtract 3 from both sides:
2x < 6
Divide by 2:
x < 3
So, the solution set is:
(-∞, 3)
Example 2: Solve 3x + 8 > 2
Solution:
3x + 8 > 2
Subtract 8 from both sides:
3x > -6
Divide by 3:
x > -2
So, the solution set is:
(-2, ∞)
Example 3: Solve -5 ≤ (5 - 3x)/2 ≤ 8
Solution:
-5 ≤ (5 - 3x)/2 ≤ 8
Multiply all parts by 2:
-10 ≤ 5 - 3x ≤ 16
Subtract 5 from all parts:
-15 ≤ -3x ≤ 11
Divide all parts by -3 and reverse signs:
5 ≥ x ≥ -11/3
Write in increasing order:
-11/3 ≤ x ≤ 5
So, the solution set is:
[-11/3, 5]
Example 4: Find the Solution Region
Find the solution region for:
x + 2y ≤ 6
Solution:
First draw the boundary line:
x + 2y = 6
Use a solid line because the inequality is ≤.
Test the point (0, 0):
0 + 2(0) ≤ 6
0 ≤ 6, which is true.
So, shade the region containing (0, 0).
This shaded region is the solution set.
Example 5: Minimum Marks Problem
A student scored 62 and 48 marks in two exams. Find the minimum marks needed in the annual exam to get an average of at least 60.
Let x be the marks in the annual exam.
(62 + 48 + x)/3 ≥ 60
110 + x ≥ 180
x ≥ 70
So, the student must score at least 70 marks.
Quick Highlights of CBSE Class 11 Maths Notes Chapter 5
| Topic | Quick Revision Point |
| Inequality | Comparison using <, >, ≤ or ≥ |
| Strict inequality | Uses < or > |
| Slack inequality | Uses ≤ or ≥ |
| Double inequality | Contains two comparison signs |
| Solution | Value that satisfies the inequality |
| Solution set | Set of all possible solutions |
| One-variable inequality | Contains one variable |
| Two-variable inequality | Contains x and y |
| Number line | Used for one-variable solutions |
| Boundary line | Line formed by replacing inequality with = |
| Half-plane | One side of a boundary line |
| Solution region | Region satisfying the inequality |
| System of inequalities | Two or more inequalities solved together |
Important Terms from CBSE Class 11 Maths Revision Notes Chapter 5
The terms below cover the main definitions students need while revising this chapter.
| Term | Meaning |
| Inequality | Statement comparing two expressions |
| Numerical inequality | Inequality involving numbers |
| Literal inequality | Inequality involving variables |
| Strict inequality | Inequality using < or > |
| Slack inequality | Inequality using ≤ or ≥ |
| Double inequality | Inequality with two comparison signs |
| Solution | Value that makes an inequality true |
| Solution set | Set of all solutions |
| Linear inequality | Inequality with variables of degree 1 |
| Algebraic solution | Solving using algebraic rules |
| Graphical representation | Showing solution on number line or plane |
| Number line | Line used to show one-variable solutions |
| Cartesian plane | Plane used for two-variable graphs |
| Boundary line | Line separating two half-planes |
| Half-plane | One of the two regions formed by a line |
| Solution region | Region containing all solutions |
Useful Links for Class 11 Maths
| Section | Useful Links |
| Syllabus | CBSE Class 11 Maths Syllabus |
| Revision Notes | CBSE Class 11 Maths Revision Notes |
| Maths Notes | CBSE Class 11 Maths Revision Notes Chapter 1 |
| Maths Notes | CBSE Class 11 Maths Revision Notes Chapter 2 |
| NCERT Solutions | NCERT Solutions Class 11 Maths |
| Sample Papers | CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 Maths |
| Important Questions | Important Questions Class 11 Maths |
| NCERT Books | NCERT Books for Class 11 Maths |
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Q.12 Find the multiplicative inverse of 2 + 3i.
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Q.13 If 2x + i (x – y) = 5, where x and y are real numbers, find the values of x and y.
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We have 2x+ i(x – y) = 5
or 2x+ i(x – y) = 5 + 0.i
Comparing the real and imaginary parts, we get
2x = 5 and x – y = 0
⇒ x = 5/2 and x = y
Thus x = y = 5/2.
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Q.17 Find the multiplicative inverse of 3 + 2i.
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Q.20 Solve the equation 25x2 + 9 = 0.
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Q.22 Write the additive inverse of –3 + 4i.
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The additive inverse of –3 + 4i is 3 – 4i.
Q.23 Write the conjugate of complex number –5 + 3i.
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The conjugate of complex number –5 + 3i is –5 – 3i.
Q.24 Write the multiplicative inverse of i.
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Q.28 Find the square root of complex number 5 + 12i.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A linear inequality is an inequality in which the highest power of the variable is 1. Examples include 2x + 3 < 7 and x + y ≤ 5.
A strict inequality uses < or > and does not include the boundary value. A slack inequality uses ≤ or ≥ and includes the boundary value.
The inequality sign is reversed when both sides are multiplied or divided by a negative number. For example, -2x < 8 becomes x > -4.
A solution set is the set of all values that make an inequality true. For x < 5, the solution set is all real numbers less than 5.
First draw the boundary line by replacing the inequality sign with “=”. Then test a point. If the point satisfies the inequality, shade that side. Otherwise, shade the other side.
