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When solving inequalities or any algebraic expressions, the first step is to identify a variable. A variable is a symbol, often represented by letters like **x**, **y**, or **z**, which stands in place of an unknown number. In this case, we let the variable **x** represent the age of the Mayan altar.

It is essential to choose a variable that makes the expression clear and easy to understand. Knowing how to appropriately identify and use variables is fundamental in algebra because it allows us to create equations or inequalities that model real-world scenarios.

Remember:

• Choose a meaningful variable
• Define what the variable represents

By identifying the variable first, we set a solid foundation for translating the given information into a mathematical statement.

Once the variable is identified, the next step involves expressing the given information as an inequality. An inequality is a mathematical statement that shows the relationship between two expressions that are not necessarily equal. Unlike equations, inequalities use symbols to indicate that one side is either greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to the other side.

In our exercise, we know that the age of the Mayan altar exceeds 1200 years. To translate this to a mathematical inequality:

• 'Exceeds' tells us that the age is more than 1200 years
• The appropriate inequality symbol here is 'greater than' (>)

Therefore, we define the inequality as **x > 1200**. This tells us that the variable **x** (the age of the altar) is greater than 1200 years.

It’s important to accurately define inequalities because they describe a range of possible values rather than a specific number. This representation is more flexible and useful in solving real-world problems.

Understanding and using the **greater than** symbol (>) is key when working with inequalities. The greater than symbol is used to compare two values where the first is larger than the second.

Here's how it works:

• The open end always faces the larger value
• The pointed end always faces the smaller value
• For instance, in **x > 1200**, **x** is larger than 1200

An easy way to remember this is to think of the symbol as a hungry alligator mouth, which always wants to eat the bigger number.

Applying this to our example, we used the greater than symbol to show that the age of the Mayan altar (represented by **x**) is greater than 1200 years. This type of inequality is crucial for expressing conditions where there is a lower limit but no upper limit on the possible values.

Practice working with the greater than symbol will make it easier to understand and apply inequalities in various mathematical contexts.