Interval Notation Calculator

Convert inequalities and interval notation instantly.

📘 About the Interval Notation Calculator

This calculator helps you convert inequalities into interval notation and interval notation back into inequalities instantly. It's perfect for algebra homework, exam practice, and understanding sets of numbers.

🔁 Convert Inequalities to Interval Notation

Simply enter an inequality:

x > 3

And the calculator outputs:

(3, ∞)

📍 Convert Interval Notation to Inequalities

Enter an interval like:

[2, 5)

The calculator converts it into:

2 ≤ x < 5

🧮 Handles Compound Inequalities

Supports AND / OR inequalities:

  • x ≥ 2 AND x ≤ 5 → [2, 5]
  • x < 1 OR x > 4 → (-∞, 1) ∪ (4, ∞)

📖 Step-by-Step Understanding

The calculator also shows inequalities in words for easier understanding:

x ≥ 3 → x is greater than or equal to 3

⚙️ How the Calculator Works

1️⃣ Choose the mode: Inequality → Interval or Interval → Inequality.

2️⃣ For inequalities:

  • Enter lower bound a (and upper bound b if applicable).
  • Select inequality type: one-sided, two-sided, or compound.
  • The calculator converts it into interval notation automatically.

3️⃣ For intervals:

  • Enter interval notation like (2,5], [-∞,3), or (-∞,1) ∪ (4,∞).
  • The calculator converts it into the corresponding inequality in words.

4️⃣ Edge cases handled:

  • Empty set → ∅
  • Single value intervals → x = a
  • Compound inequalities with AND / OR correctly parsed.

🧮 Interval Notation Formulas Explained

Interval notation is a concise way to describe a set of numbers on the number line. It uses brackets [ ] and parentheses ( ) to indicate whether endpoints are included or excluded. Understanding the formulas for converting between inequalities and interval notation helps in algebra, calculus, and problem-solving.

One-Sided Inequalities → Interval Notation

x > a   →   (a, ∞)
x ≥ a   →   [a, ∞)
x < a   →   (-∞, a)
x ≤ a   →   (-∞, a]

Two-Sided Inequalities → Interval Notation

a < x < b   →   (a, b)
a ≤ x < b   →   [a, b)
a < x ≤ b   →   (a, b]
a ≤ x ≤ b   →   [a, b]

Compound Inequalities → Interval Notation

x > a AND x < b   →   (a, b)
x ≥ a AND x ≤ b   →   [a, b]
x < a OR x > b   →   (-∞, a) ∪ (b, ∞)
x ≤ a OR x ≥ b   →   (-∞, a] ∪ [b, ∞)

Key Points:

  • ( ) – Parentheses mean the endpoint is excluded.
  • [ ] – Brackets mean the endpoint is included.
  • – Union symbol represents OR in compound inequalities.
  • – Infinity indicates the interval extends without bound.
  • Two-sided intervals represent AND conditions.

For example, if we have a compound inequality like x ≥ 2 AND x < 6, the corresponding interval notation formula is:

[2, 6)

This formula section helps students quickly reference how inequalities are translated into intervals, which is especially useful for algebra homework, exams, or online practice problems. By understanding these formulas, you can easily convert back and forth between inequalities and interval notation without confusion.

📌 Example

1️⃣ Enter the inequality:

x ≥ 2 AND x < 6

The calculator converts it into interval notation:

[2, 6)

2️⃣ Enter interval notation:

(-∞, 3) ∪ (5, ∞)

The calculator converts it into inequality:

x < 3 OR x > 5

Frequently Asked Questions About the
Interval Notation Calculator

Everything you need to know about converting inequalities to interval notation and vice versa.

What does this Interval Notation Calculator do?

It converts inequalities (one-sided, two-sided, or compound) into interval notation and converts interval notation back into inequalities in words or symbolic form instantly.

What types of inequalities does it support?

It supports one-sided inequalities (e.g., x > 3), two-sided inequalities (e.g., 2 ≤ x < 5), and compound inequalities using AND / OR statements (e.g., x < 1 OR x > 4).

Can it handle intervals with infinity?

Yes. You can enter intervals with positive or negative infinity, such as (-∞, 5] or [3, ∞), and the calculator converts them correctly into inequalities.

How are compound inequalities handled?

The calculator parses AND and OR conditions separately. For AND, it returns a single interval; for OR, it returns a union of intervals (∪) accurately representing all valid values of x.

Can it handle single-value or empty intervals?

Yes. Single-value intervals like [5, 5] are converted to x = 5. Intervals that contain no numbers are shown as the empty set (∅).

Do I need to enter both lower and upper bounds?

For one-sided inequalities, only the lower (or upper) bound is required. For two-sided or compound inequalities, both bounds must be entered for accurate conversion.

Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?

Absolutely. The calculator is fully responsive and works smoothly on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Is this calculator free to use?

Yes. It is completely free and works instantly without registration, downloads, or hidden costs.

What happens if I enter invalid values?

If bounds are invalid (e.g., lower bound > upper bound for two-sided inequalities), the calculator shows an error message indicating that a must be less than b.

How accurate are the results?

The calculator accurately converts between inequalities and interval notation for all supported types, including one-sided, two-sided, and compound inequalities with unions and infinities.

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