1. The problem states that $x \neq y$, which means $x$ is not equal to $y$. This is an inequality condition rather than an equation. 2. In algebra, the notation $x \neq y$ simply means the values of $x$ and $y$ are different. 3. There is no specific formula to solve here since this is a statement about inequality. 4. Important rules: - If $x \neq y$, then any expression assuming $x = y$ is invalid. - Inequalities like $x \neq y$ are often used to define domains or restrictions in problems. 5. Since no further operations or expressions are given, the final answer is the statement itself: $x \neq y$. This means $x$ and $y$ are distinct values.