O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024 · Recognise equivalence and convert between Includes converting between recurring decimals · 2.6

Inequalities Notes and examples: past paper questions

9 real questionsasked in 5 of the last 10 exam series2020–2024usually: Solve, Write

Real questions on inequalities notes and examples

The newest 9 of 9 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

4024/12 · October/November 2024 · Q17a[2]
2-mark question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
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4024/12 · October/November 2023 · Q11[2]
2-mark “Solve” question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
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4024/11 · May/June 2023 · Q11[2]
2-mark “Solve” question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
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4024/12 · October/November 2022 · Q12a[1]
1-mark question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
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4024/12 · October/November 2022 · Q12b[2]
2-mark “Solve” question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
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4024/12 · October/November 2021 · Q16[2]
2-mark “Solve” question — its maths and diagrams are best seen on the paper.
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4024/12 · October/November 2021 · Q18[2]
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4024/11 · October/November 2020 · Q16a[2]
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4024/22 · October/November 2020 · Q6b[2]
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What examiners said

Candidates should be aware that when solving an inequality, they must write an inequality on the answer line. Although many correct answers were seen, it was common to see the final answer given as 3 or m = 3 rather than m 3. Some candidates reversed the inequality when dividing and gave the answer m 3.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 4024/12 Q11 (Cambridge)

Many candidates solved the inequality correctly. Most candidates correctly got as far as x – 3x > 5 + 7 or 3x – x < – 5 – 7. A common incorrect answer was x > – 6 following on from –2x > 12, omitting the step of reversing the inequality when dividing through by a negative number.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 4024/11 Q11 (Cambridge)

Many candidates were unfamiliar with the notation required to represent the inequality on the number line. The correct answer has a solid circle at –4, an open circle at 2, and a single line joining the two circles. Many diagrams showed a line with no circle at either end point, used a box to illustrate the inequality, or included arrows on the line thus indicating an open-ended inequality. Some c...
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 4024/12 Q12(a) (Cambridge)

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Practise inequalities notes and examples

In the syllabus

2.6 Inequalities Notes and examples

open circles should be used to represent strict inequalities (<, >)
closed circles should be used to represent inclusive inequalities (⩽, ⩾) e.g. – 3 ⩽ x < 1
3x < 2x + 4
–3 ⩽ 3x – 2 < 7 . 3 Represent and interpret linear inequalities in two The following conventions should be used: variables graphically. • broken lines should be used to represent strict inequalities (<, >)
solid lines should be used to represent inclusive inequalities (⩽, ⩾)
shading should be used to represent unwanted regions (unless otherwise directed in the question). e.g.

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