Answer: strictly less than (<).
- A less than or equal to (<=)
- B greater than or equal to (>=)
- C strictly less than (<)
- D equal to (=)
Correct answer: C. strictly less than (<)
Explanation: Strict inequalities use < or > only, since the boundary value itself is excluded from the solution.
One-variable inequalities use open (excluded) or closed (included) circles on a number line; two-variable inequalities use a dashed (strict) or solid (non-strict) boundary line, with the solution being the entire shaded half-plane on one side of it.
Concept context
Solving linear inequalities in one and two variables algebraically and graphically, and representing solutions on a number line or as a region in a plane.