Chapter 5.

6 Graphing Inequalities in Two Variables

REVIEW:

x+ 8>12
88

WHEN TO FLIP THE SIGN:

5 x >10

WHEN NOT TO FLIP THE

SIGN:

5 x>10

x> 4
**Same for any sign:

5 x 10
>
5 5

,>, ,

x15>30

5 x 10
>
5
5

x<2

can solve inequalities just like I solve equations except an inequality...

a) Has only one number as its solution
b) Has an infinite number of solutions beginning at a very specific number
c) Has an infinite number of solutions in both directions
To represent whether or not a number is included in the solution, I use a closed circle to
show that it is and an open circle to show that it is not. True/False?
BACKGROUND INFO:

The __________ of a linear inequality is the set of points that represent all of the possible

solutions of that inequality.

An equation (line) defines a ____________, which divides the coordinate plane into two

_____________________.
When the boundary is included, the line graphed is __________ and the solution is called a

________________ half plane.

When the boundary is not included, the line graphed is ___________ and the solution is
called an _____________ half plane.

CONNECTION:
I can graph inequalities just like I graph equations except.

There will be shading on the graph to identify the _______________________ in both directions

STRATEGY:

Step 1: Graph the boundary (line). Pretend the inequality symbol is an equal sign to graph.
-

Use a solid line if it is or

Use a dashed line if it is < or >

Step 2: Use a test point to determine which half plane should be shaded (above the line or
below the line)
-

Pick a coordinate point from the region above the line and plug in x and y into the
inequality

Step 3: Shade the half plane that contains the solution

-

If the statement comes out to be true, than the half plane where the solution came

from gets shaded

If the statement comes out to be false, than the true solutions must be on the other
side. Do not shade this side!

EXAMPLE:

3 x y <2
Step 1: Will the boundary (line) be solid or dashed? ___________________
Now solve for y.

Step 2: Graph the line

test point

Step 4: Shade the correct half plane

Step 3: Choose a

PRACTICE:
Graph

1
y > x+3
2

*Solid or Dashed line?

*Remember to check for a solution
point!

Graph

2 x +3 y 18

*Solid or Dashed line?

*Remember to check for a solution
point!

**Reminder: If you have to divide by a negative to get y by itself, you will need to flip the
sign!!!