Chapter 3.

6
Graphing Linear Inequalities
Objective
Examples 1 & 2
Graph linear inequalities
Graphing a linear inequality
in two variables
Step 1: Graph the boundary line found by
replacing the inequality sign with an equal
sign.
If the inequality sign is < or > - graph a dashed
line indicating the points are not a solution
If the inequality sign is or - graph a solid line
indicating the points are a solution
Step 2: Choose a test point not on the
boundary line and substitute coordinates
of this test point into the original inequality.
Step 3: If a true statement is obtained in
Step 2, shade the half-plane that contains
the test point. If a false statement is
obtained, shade the half-plane that does
not contain the test point.
Graphing a linear inequality
in two variables, continued
Example 1:
Graph: 2x y < 6

Step 1: Change the inequality symbol to an
equal sign and graph the equation with a dashed
line.

2x y = 6
-y = -2x + 6
y = 2x - 6
Graph the equation using a dashed line
y = 2x - 6
Step 2: Choose a test point
Since the point (0,0) is not on the
boundary linesubstitute in 0 for x and 0
for y to determine if the inequality is true.

2x y < 6
2(0) (0) < 6
0 < 6
True
Step 3: If the test statement is true, shade
in the half plane that contains that test
point
What does this mean?
Every point in the shaded
half-plane satisfies the
original inequality.

Are inequalities functions?
In general, linear inequalities of the form
Ax + By C, when A and B are not both 0,
do not describe functions.
Give it a try!
Graph: x + 3y > 4
Example 2:
Graph 3x y

Step 1: Graph the line 3x = y
y = 3x
Use a solid line because the inequality symbol is .
Graph the line
Select an order pair not on the boundary
line as a test point.
Select (0,1)
3x y
3(0) 1
0 1
FALSE
Go to graph and shade the side that does not
include the test point.
Give it a try!
Graph x 2y
Lesson: 3.6 B
Graphing Linear Inequalities
Examples 3 & 4
Objective:
Graph the intersection or union of two
linear inequalities.
Example 3: Graphing intersections
Graph the intersection of
x 1 and y 2x 1
Step 1: Graph each inequality using
different colors
Intersection
The intersection
is all points
common to both
regions
Example 4: Graphing unions
Graph the union of


Step 1: Graph each inequality
YOU DO NOT NEED 2 DIFFERENT
COLORS BECAUSE THE UNION
INCLUDES BOTH SHADED REGIONS!
(including boundary lines)
1
4 2
2
x y or y
Graph each inequality
The union of the
two inequalities is
BOTH shaded
regions, including
the solid boundary
lines.
Give it a try!
Graph the intersection of
x 2 and y x + 1
Intersection
The intersection
is all points
common to both
regions
Give it a try!
Graph the union of x + 2y 4 or y -1
Union
The union of the
two inequalities is
BOTH shaded
regions, including
the solid boundary
lines.