Reasoning: Inequality and Coded Inequalities Practice Set for IBPS

Inequality questions test how quickly you can compare quantities using symbols such as >, <, ≥, ≤ and =. They are common in IBPS, SBI, insurance and other banking examinations because the questions reward accurate analysis rather than lengthy calculation.

This Reasoning: Inequality and Coded Inequalities Practice Set for IBPS is designed for focused revision. Australian learners preparing from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane can use it during a short commute or an afternoon study session. Keep your approach calm and systematic—“no worries” is useful only after every sign has been checked.

Understand The Core Comparison Rules

The symbol > means “greater than”, while < means “less than”. The signs ≥ and ≤ include equality, so A ≥ B means A may be greater than or equal to B. The equals sign shows that both quantities have the same value.

A chain should be read from left to right. If P > Q and Q > R, then P > R. If X ≥ Y and Y > Z, then X > Z. However, X ≥ Y and Y ≥ Z only allow you to conclude X ≥ Z; you cannot claim that X is strictly greater than Z.

For banking-exam revision, it is useful to connect this topic with financial vocabulary. A quick review of banking terms can strengthen your wider preparation for LIC AAO, IBPS and similar tests.

Separate Definite And Possible Conclusions

A statement is definite when its truth follows in every possible case. For example, if A > B and B ≥ C, A must be greater than C. If D ≤ E and E = F, then D ≤ F.

Some options may be possible but not definite. Suppose M ≥ N and N ≥ O. M could be greater than O, or all three could be equal. Therefore, the correct conclusion is M ≥ O, not M > O. This distinction is a frequent source of errors in inequality reasoning.

Use the following quick checks before selecting an answer:

• Trace every comparison in the same direction.
• Treat equality signs as weaker than strict signs.
• Reject a conclusion that reverses the direction of a chain.
• Mark “cannot be determined” when both equality and inequality remain possible.
• Avoid using information from a separate, unconnected chain.

When studying around a Sydney or Melbourne train timetable, write the symbols in a single line rather than trying to hold the complete chain in memory. That small habit reduces careless sign reversals.

Decode Symbol-Based Inequalities

Coded inequalities replace familiar signs with letters or symbols. A question may state that @ means >, # means ≤, $ means = and % means <. You must translate the code before comparing the variables.

Consider the coded statement “L @ M # N”. It becomes L > M and M ≤ N. There is no definite relationship between L and N because M may be below, equal to or above N. By contrast, “R % S $ T” becomes R < S and S = T, so R < T is certain.

Coded questions sometimes resemble a changing sports headline: the symbols carry the meaning, just as a transfer rumour depends on precisely who is linked to which club. Read the code first, then judge the relationship. Never rely on the visual appearance of an unfamiliar symbol.

Apply A Fast Solving Routine

Begin by listing the code meanings at the top of your rough work. Next, rewrite each statement with ordinary signs. Join only variables that belong to the same chain, and then compare the requested pair. This method works well for both direct inequality and coded inequality questions.

Try these examples:

• If H > J, J ≥ K and K = L, the definite result is H > L.
• If B ≤ C, C < D and D ≥ E, the relationship between B and E cannot be determined.
• If V = W, W > X and X ≥ Y, then V > Y.
• If Q < R and R ≤ S, then Q < S.

For candidates using mobile-first preparation platforms in Australia, a timed set is often easier to fit into a Brisbane lunch break than a long evening session. Aim to solve each basic question in under 30 seconds, but give yourself extra time when a chain includes several coded signs.

Practise With An Exam-Style Set

Use the code: “* means >, @ means ≤, # means < and $ means =.” Decide whether each conclusion follows from the statement.

Statement: A * B @ C. Conclusion: A > C. This does not follow because B may be less than C. Statement: P # Q $ R. Conclusion: P < R. This follows because Q = R. Statement: M @ N and N * O. Conclusion: M > O. This cannot be determined.

For another set, consider: T ≥ U > V = W. The valid conclusions are T > V and T > W. The claim U < W is false because U is greater than V, while V and W are equal. In a real IBPS paper, eliminate options using these direct relationships before spending time on wording.

Keep this compact revision checklist beside your practice notebook:

• Translate coded signs before evaluating conclusions.
• Start with the pair named in the question.
• Use equality carefully when joining two statements.
• Check whether a chain is complete or disconnected.
• Re-read the final option for reversed variables.

Download a current-affairs capsule, set a short timer and complete this inequality practice set after your daily general-knowledge revision. Regular mixed practice across reasoning, English, quantitative aptitude and computer knowledge will build the speed required for IBPS-style tests.