How to graph inequalities

Graphing Linear Inequalities

The inequality y ≤ x + 2

How to Graph a Linear Inequality

• Rearrange the equation so "y" is on the left and everything else on the right.
• Plot the "y=" line (make it a solid line for y≤ or y≥, and a dashed line for y< or y>)
• Shade above the line for a "greater than" (y> or y≥)
  or below the line for a "less than" (y< or y≤).

Example: y≤2x-1

1. The inequality already has "y" on the left and everything else on the right, so no need to rearrange
2. Plot y=2x-1 (as a solid line because y≤ includes equal to)

3. Shade the area below (because y is less than or equal to)

Example: 2y − x ≤ 6

1. We will need to rearrange this one so "y" is on its own on the left:

Start with: 2y − x ≤ 6

Add x to both sides: 2y ≤ x + 6

Divide all by 2: y ≤ x/2 + 3

2. Now plot y = x/2 + 3 (as a solid line because y≤ includes equal to)

3. Shade the area below (because y is less than or equal to)

Example: y/2 + 2 > x

1. We will need to rearrange this one so "y" is on its own on the left:

Start with: y/2 + 2 > x

Subtract 2 from both sides: y/2 > x − 2

Multiply all by 2: y > 2x − 4

2. Now plot y = 2x − 4 (as a dashed line because y> does not include equals to)

3. Shade the area above (because y is greater than)

Two Special Cases

This shows where y is less than 4 (from, but not including, the line y=4 on down) Notice that we have a dashed line to show that it does not include where y=4	This one doesn't even have y in it! It has the line x=1, and is shaded for all values of x greater than (or equal to) 1