Inequalities
Overview
Inequalities is one of the most reliable scoring topics in IBPS PO Prelims Reasoning section. Unlike puzzles that can consume 10+ minutes, inequality questions—when mastered—take 15–30 seconds each. You'll typically see 3–5 questions in the exam, appearing either as direct inequalities (symbols given explicitly) or coded inequalities (symbols replaced by codes like @, #, $, %).
The core skill is simple: chain multiple two-variable relationships and determine whether a definite relationship exists between two variables that aren't directly compared. Once you internalize the chaining rules, this becomes a near-guaranteed scoring area. Most errors come from rushing or misreading coded symbols—not from conceptual difficulty.
Key Concepts
- **The Six Symbols**: The relationships are > (greater than), < (less than), = (equal to), ≥ (greater than or equal), ≤ (less than or equal), and ≠ (not equal). Every question tests your ability to chain these.
- **Chaining Rule**: You can only chain relationships when the connecting variable sits at opposite ends. A > B and B > C chains to A > B > C. A > B and C > B does NOT chain directly—you must reverse one.
- **Definite vs. Indefinite**: A conclusion is definite only if ALL elements in the chain point the same direction (all > or all <, with = allowed in between). If directions conflict or "either-or" is needed, the relationship is indefinite.