Inequalities is a scoring and relatively simple topic in reasoning that frequently appears in major competitive exams like SSC, Banking, RRB, and State-level tests. In this blog, we have provided all the details from Inequality concepts and tricks to formulas and solved questions on Inequalities in reasoning from the 2024–25 exams.
What Is Inequalities in Reasoning?
In reasoning, Inequalities are statements that compare two elements using signs like >, <, ≥, ≤, and =. The task is to deduce the correct relation between two elements based on given statements.
These questions test your logical analysis, statement chaining, and decoding skills. Candidates are expected to apply transitive logic to deduce the answer quickly.
Why Is Inequalities Important in Competitive Exams?
Inequalities often come as one of the first few questions in reasoning sections because they’re fast to solve and easy to score. The questions are usually symbol-based and test your understanding of logical comparison.
Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
IBPS PO / SBI PO | 3-4 | Moderate |
RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Uses of Symbols in Inequalities Questions
There are various types of symbols used in inequalities. The details of the symbols used in inequalities questions are as follows:
Symbol | Meaning | Example |
> | Greater than | A > B means A is greater than B |
< | Less than | A < B means A is less than B |
≥ | Greater than or equal | A ≥ B means A is either greater or equal to B |
≤ | Less than or equal | A ≤ B means A is either less or equal to B |
= | Equal to | A = B means A and B are equal |
≠ | Not equal to | A ≠ B means A and B are not equal |
Concepts Used in Inequalities
There are various concepts used in inequalities questions. The details of the concepts used are as follows:
Concept | Details |
Basic Symbols | >, <, ≥, ≤, =, ≠ |
Opposite Relations | A > B → B < A |
Transitive Logic | If A > B and B > C → A > C |
Either-Or Case | When two conclusions are possible but only one is true |
Coded Inequalities | Symbols are replaced with @, #, $, etc. |
Definite vs Indefinite | Only statements with complete chain yield a definite answer |
What Are the Types of Inequalities Questions in Reasoning?
Inequalities questions appear in different formats across exams. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- Direct Inequality Statements – Straightforward comparison.
- Coded Inequality – Symbols like @, # used instead of >, <.
- Puzzle-Based Inequalities – Logic puzzle with multiple relations.
- Mixed Concept – Inequality embedded with direction sense or syllogism logic.
Inequalities Formulas
The formulas used to solve inequalities reasoning questions are as follows:
- If A > B and B > C ⇒ A > C
- If A ≥ B and B > C ⇒ A > C
- If A ≥ B and B ≥ C ⇒ A ≥ C
- If A = B and B = C ⇒ A = C
- A ≥ B and B ≤ A ⇒ A = B
Use chain-building logic and elimination to arrive at correct conclusions quickly.
Inequalities Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Here are some proven strategies to solve inequality questions efficiently:
- Draw chain diagrams to visualize relations.
- Start from individual statements, not conclusions.
- Combine statements logically, don’t jump to conclusions.
- Reverse symbols when flipping comparisons (A > B ⇒ B < A).
- For coded inequalities, decode each symbol first before solving.
- Eliminate wrong options using contradiction tests.
- Use “either-or” logic only when conclusions are mutually exclusive.
Solved Inequalities Questions from 2024–25 Exams
Memory-based questions from recent exams:
Q1. (SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Shift 2 – Memory-Based)
Statements: A > B = C ≥ D
Conclusion: A > D
Answer: True
Explanation: A > B = C ≥ D ⇒ A > D
Q2. (IBPS PO Prelims 2024 – Memory Based)
Statements: P ≥ Q > R, R = S
Conclusion: P > S
Answer: True
Explanation: Q > R = S ⇒ Q > S ⇒ P ≥ Q > S ⇒ P > S
Q3. (Memory Based Test)
Statements: M < N ≤ O, O > P
Conclusion: M < P
Answer: Cannot be determined
Explanation: M < N ≤ O and O > P ⇒ No direct relation between M and P
Inequalities Concepts for Bank Exams
Bank exams like IBPS PO, SBI Clerk often frame coded inequality questions with symbols like:
- @ → greater than
- → equal to
- $ → less than
- % → greater than or equal to
Example:
If A @ B means A > B, B # C means B = C
Then: What is the relation between A and C?
→ Decode first: A > B = C ⇒ A > C
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Inequality
While solving Inequality reasoning questions, candidates must keep these in mind:
- Not reversing the symbol when flipping statements.
- Assuming conclusions without full chain logic.
- Skipping decoding in coded questions.
- Treating “≥” and “>” as the same – they are not.
- Failing to check for “either-or” cases properly.
FAQs
Greater than (>), less than (<), equal to (=), greater than or equal to (≥), less than or equal to (≤).
Combine the statements logically to form a chain between the target elements.
It uses special symbols like @, #, $, % in place of standard inequality signs.
If A > B and B > C, then A > C — this is called transitive property.
Yes, sometimes combined with direction, blood relation, or seating logic.
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Hi, I’m Tripti, a senior content writer at Oliveboard, where I manage blog content along with community engagement across platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. With 3 years of experience in content and SEO optimization, I have led content for popular exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, and State Exams.