The ordering properties of inequalities is an important concept that is likely to appear on the SAT exam. Follow these guidelines when facing such a question.
•If a < b and b < c, then a < c.
–Example: 3 < 5 and 5 < 8 so that 3 < 8.
•If a < b and x < y, then a + x < b + y.
–Example: 3 < 5 and 6 < 8 so that 3 + 6 < 5 + 8, which is equivalent to 9 < 13.
•Note: If a < b and x > y, there is no conclusion that can be drawn between the quantities a + x and b + y, until the values of the variables are known.