## Inequalities

Theory
• For any positive real number, x+$$\frac{1}{x} \geq$$ 2

• For any real number x > 1, 2 < $$(1+\frac{1}{x})^{x}$$ < 2.8. As x increases, the function tends to an irrational number called 'e' which is approximately equal to 2.718.

Theory
• For any three real numbers X, Y and Z; if X > Y then X+Z > Y+Z

• If X > Y and

1. Z is positive, then XZ > YZ
2. Z is negative, then XZ < YZ
3. If X and Y are of the same sign, $$\frac{1}{X}$$ < $$\frac{1}{Y}$$
4. If X and Y are of different signs, $$\frac{1}{X}$$ > $$\frac{1}{Y}$$
Theory

The topic Inequalities is one of the few sections in the quantitative part which can throw up tricky questions. The questions are often asked in conjunction with other sections like ratio and proportion, progressions etc. The theory involved in Inequalities is very limited and students should be comfortable with the basics involving addition, multiplication and changing of signs of the inequalities. The scope for making an error is high in this section as a minor mistake in calculation (like forgetting the sign) can lead to a completely different answer.

Theory
• The modulus of x, |x| equals the maximum of x and –x
• For any two real numbers 'a' and 'b', |a|+|b| $$\geq$$ |a+b|
• For any real number 'a', $$a^2$$ = $$|a|^2$$