How to Graph Solutions to Linear Inequalities?

How to Graph Solutions to Linear Inequalities?

Step 1: Identifying the inequality you want to graph

Step 2: Rewrite the inequality

Step 3: Draw a number line and label it

Step 4: Draw a circle on the number line

Step 5: Draw an arrow pointing in the direction

Step 6: Label the shaded region to indicate which inequality it represents

Step 7: Repeat these steps for any additional inequalities that you need to graph

Graphing Solutions to Linear Inequalities – Examples 1

Solution:

Graphing Solutions to Linear Inequalities – Examples 2

Solution:

To graph this inequality on a number line, we need to isolate the variable \(x\) on one side of the inequality. Adding \(6x\) to both sides, we get:

Tutor-style math help

Graph Solutions to Linear Inequalities: what to notice and how to work it

Inequalities skill
Inequalities describe a set of possible values. Solve the boundary like an equation, then decide which side of the boundary makes the statement true.

What to notice first

Graph the boundary first, then test a point to decide which side to shade.

Common student mistake

Do not use a solid boundary for a strict inequality. Dotted boundaries mean the boundary itself is not included.

Key formulas and cues

\(a<b\)
\(a\le b\)
\(\text{multiply/divide by a negative} \Rightarrow \text{reverse the sign}\)
\(|x-a|<b \Rightarrow a-b<x<a+b\)
test point works

A reliable path

  1. Solve the boundaryTemporarily treat the inequality like an equation.
  2. Choose the sideUse the sign or test a number if the direction is not obvious.
  3. Graph the solutionUse the correct endpoint and shade the values that work.

Worked examples

Flip the sign

Example: \(-3x>12\)
  1. Divide both sides by -3.
  2. Reverse the inequality sign.
  3. Simplify 12 divided by -3.
Answer: \(x<-4\)

Keep the sign

Example: \(x+5\le9\)
  1. Subtract 5 from both sides.
  2. No negative multiplication or division happened.
  3. Keep the sign direction.
Answer: \(x\le4\)
Try one before moving on
Try: Solve \(-2x\le10\).
Answer: \(x\ge-5\). Divide by -2 and flip the sign.
Next step: do the matching worksheet or quiz while the method is still fresh, then come back and explain the first step in your own words.

\(2x + 2 ≥ -1\)

Now, subtracting \(2\) from both sides, we get:

\(2x ≥ -3\)

Finally, dividing both sides by \(2\), we get:

\(x ≥ -\frac{3}{2}\)

To graph this solution on a number line, we start by drawing a line and marking a point at \(-\frac{3}{2}\). Since \(x\) is greater than or equal to \(-\frac{3}{2}\), we shade the region to the right of the point. The graph should look like this:

Exercises for Graphing Solutions to Linear Inequalities

Graph the solution of each inequality.

  1. \(\color{blue}{4x+3\ge 2x+11}\)
  2. \(\color{blue}{\frac{x}{9}-6\le 4}\)
Original price was: $109.99.Current price is: $54.99.
Answers
  • \(\color{blue}{4x+3\ge 2x+11}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{\frac{x}{9}-6\le 4}\)
Original price was: $109.99.Current price is: $54.99.

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