1. The word "inclusive" in a math or interval context means including the boundary points or endpoints. 2. If a problem says something like $x \in [a,b]$, it means $x$ can be equal to $a$, $b$, or any value in between. 3. If the problem does not explicitly say "inclusive" or use square brackets $[ ]$, it often implies the interval might be exclusive using parentheses $( )$, meaning $x$ cannot be exactly $a$ or $b$. 4. Therefore, always read carefully: if it says $x \in (a,b)$ or just "from a to b" without "inclusive", it usually means excluding end values. 5. To be sure, check the given problem's context or instructions for explicit inclusion or exclusion. 6. If it's ambiguous, clarify or assume the safer interpretation (usually exclusive). 7. Thus, absence of "inclusive" usually means exclusive intervals but confirm per problem context.