TECHNOLOGY EXTENSION

Solving Inequalities With a Graphing Calculator

Displaying a Solution Solving Inequalities

Some graphing calculators can be used to display the 8. Display the solution to each of
solution to an inequality in one variable. the following inequalities using a
To display the solution to 2x + 1 < 3x − 2, choose graphing calculator. In your
the dot mode from the mode settings, and enter the notebook, sketch each display and
inequality in the Y= editor as follows. You can enter describe how it should be modified
the inequality symbol using the TEST menu. to show the solution fully. State the
solution to each inequality.
Y1 = 2X + 1 < 3X − 2
a) 2x + 3 ≥ 7 b) 3x − 1 < 8
Then, graph Y1 in the standard viewing window. c) 2x − 3 > −x d) 5x + 8 ≤ 4x + 5
1. Using paper and pencil, solve the inequality e) −4x + 2 ≤ −2 f) 3x + 2 ≥ 5x − 6
algebraically and graph the g) 2(x − 3) ≤ 4x − 2
solution. h) 3(x − 1) − x > 4(x + 1) − 1
2
i) x ≥ x − 1
2. Compare your graph from 3
question 1 with the way the 3 2 5
j) x + x −  < 2(x − 1)
calculator displays the solution. 4 3 6
x − 1
k)  < 
x − 2
3. Using the TRACE instruction, find the values
2 3
of x in the solution.
x−3
l) 3 +  ≤ x
4. Describe how each of the following can be used 6
to give a more accurate answer than you found in m) x − 2 ≥ 3x − 1
question 3. n) 4(x + 2) > 2(5 − x)
a) the ZOOM menu 9. Some graphing calculators, such
b) the U key and the TABLE SETUP screen
as the TI-92 and TI-92 Plus, have
c) changing the window variables
the capability to solve inequalities
5. a) Using the TRACE instruction, find the value algebraically. If this type of calculator
of y for each value of x in the solution. is available, use the solve function to
b) Explain why the graph of the solution does not solve the inequalities in question 8.
lie on the x-axis. The inequality symbols are found in
6. Graph Y1 using the connected mode instead of the the test submenu.
dot mode. Explain why the dot mode should be used.
7. a) Modify the inequality by changing the <
symbol to ≤. Display the solution on the calculator.
b) Does the graphing calculator distinguish between
< and ≤? Explain.
82 MHR • Chapter 1