Inequality Reasoning Tricks: Direct and Coded Inequality Questions with Answers for SSC CGL, CHSL

Inequality questions give a chain of symbols such as P > Q ≥ R = S, and ask which conclusion follows. They are scoring because there are only a few rules. In coded inequality, the symbols are replaced by signs like @ and #. These inequality reasoning tricks for SSC explain the chain rules, the coded form, the either-or case and solved questions.

Symbols

Chain Rules

Method

1. Write the given chain on the rough sheet.
2. Take the first conclusion and find the two letters in the chain.
3. Check whether a path in the same direction connects them.
4. If the signs are in the same direction, find the result sign by the table.
5. If the direction changes anywhere, there is no sure relation (only a possibility).

Coded Inequality

The symbols are replaced by other signs, for example: @ means >, # means <, $ means =, % means ≥, and & means ≤. Decode the statement first, and then use the chain rules.

Solved Examples

Example 1. Statement: P > Q ≥ R = S. Conclusions: I. P > S. II. Q ≥ S.
P > Q ≥ R = S gives P > S (one strict sign). Also Q ≥ R = S gives Q ≥ S. Both follow.

Example 2. Statement: A < B ≤ C > D. Conclusions: I. A < C. II. B > D.
A < B ≤ C gives A < C, so I follows. B ≤ C > D changes direction, so B and D have no sure relation. Only I follows.

Example 3 (coded). Let @ mean >, % mean ≥, $ mean =. Statement: P @ Q % R $ S. Conclusion: P > S.
Decoded: P > Q ≥ R = S, so P > S. The conclusion follows.

Example 4 (either-or). Statement: M ≥ N. I: M > N. II: M = N.
The statement says that one of the two is true. Either I or II follows.

Example 5. Statement: P = Q > R ≤ S. Conclusions: I. P > R. II. Q ≤ S.
P = Q > R gives P > R, so I follows. Q and S are connected by > and then ≤, so there is no sure relation. Only I follows.

Tips

• The result of two different signs (> and <) is always "no relation".
• One strict sign (> or <) in a same-direction chain makes the whole result strict.
• The sign ≥ with ≥ gives ≥, so ">" cannot be concluded.
• For conclusions with "≥" or "≤" only, it is enough that the path has non-strict or strict signs in the same direction.

Quick Tips

• Write the chain in a straight line.
• Same-direction signs give a sure result.
• A change of direction means no relation.
• Use the either-or case for ≥ and ≤ pairs.

Quick Revision Points

• A > B > C gives A > C.
• A ≥ B > C gives A > C.
• A > B < C gives no relation.
• Decode the coded symbols first.
• M > N and M = N together form the either-or pair for M ≥ N.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. If A > B > C, what is the relation of A and C?
   Answer: A > C
2. If A > B < C, what is the relation of A and C?
   Answer: No relation
3. If A ≥ B > C, what is the relation of A and C?
   Answer: A > C
4. If A = B = C, what is the relation of A and C?
   Answer: A = C
5. If P < Q ≤ R, what is the relation of P and R?
   Answer: P < R
6. If P ≥ Q ≥ R, what is the relation of P and R?
   Answer: P ≥ R
7. If A > B and B = C, what is the relation of A and C?
   Answer: A > C
8. If A ≤ B < C, what is the relation of A and C?
   Answer: A < C
9. If A > B < C > D, is there a sure relation between A and C?
   Answer: No
10. If M ≥ N, which two conclusions form the either-or pair?
    Answer: M > N and M = N

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Logical Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Either-Or Conclusions and the next topic Decision Making Reasoning. Also read the Reasoning notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inequality in reasoning?

It is a question with symbols like > and < in a chain, and you find which conclusion follows.

What is the rule for A > B > C?

A > C always follows.

What is the rule for A > B < C?

There is no sure relation between A and C.

What is coded inequality?

It is an inequality in which the symbols are replaced by other signs, like @ and #.

What does A ≥ B > C give?

It gives A > C.

What does A ≥ B ≥ C give?

It gives A ≥ C, but not A > C.

When is the either-or case used in inequality?

When two conclusions like M > N and M = N together make M ≥ N, and neither is sure alone.

Is inequality asked in SSC exams?

It is asked in some SSC and bank exams as a part of logical reasoning.

How much time should I take?

About 20 to 30 seconds.

What are the common mistakes?

Using ≥ with ≥ to conclude ">" and ignoring the change of direction.

How can I decode the coded signs fast?

Write the table of codes at the top of your rough sheet.

How can I practise inequality?

Solve 10 chains daily and check each conclusion with the rules.