Subject Code M1 Elementary Algebra

Module Code 6.0 Linear Inequalities in One Variable 2

Lesson Code 6.3.1 Graphs of Solution Sets of Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Time Limit 30 minutes

TARGET

After completing this module, you are expected to:

 graph the solution sets of linear inequalities in one variable on the number line.

HOOK 5 minutes [Actual Time Allotment _____ mins]

As provided by the previous module, you learned to express the solution sets of inequalities in
one variable using the Set-Builder notation and the Set Interval notation . In this module, you will learn
how to graph the solution sets of linear inequalities in one variable on the number line.

Let’s take a little review,

Take 𝑥 > 3, for example. In set-Builder notation that would be {𝑥| 𝑥 > 3}. In set interval notation
that would be (3, +∞). Now, what if we want to visualize 𝑥 > 3? That is where the concept of
graphing inequality using a number line comes in.

IGNITE 25 minutes [Actual Time Allotment _____ mins]

Definition: Number Line

The number line is a line of infinite extent whose points correspond to the real numbers
according to their distance in a positive or negative direction from a point arbitrarily taken as
zero.

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Number Line

The figure above is an example of a number line. It is composed of a straight line, commonly
held horizontally, with numbers placed at equal intervals that divides the line into equal segments
along its length. A number line can extend throughout infinity in both the positive and the negative
direction which is represented by the arrows located at both ends. By convention, the number within
the number line increases as one moves farther to the right and decreases as one moves farther to the
left.

Note that a number line also contains numbers in between the marked intervals, therefore we
can even subdivide it further into finer pieces if required.

1
The above figure shows a number line subdivided into intervals of 3. We can use this number
line to plot the behavior of inequalities by showing the solution set.

Plotting Open Type Inequalities (strictly less than “<” or strictly more than “>”)

EXAMPLE
In 𝑥 < 3, the variable x can be any number less than 3 and is strictly not equal to 3. So 3 is
said to be excluded from the solution. In a number line, this exclusion is symbolized by an open
hollow circle. In our example, the graph of 𝑥 < 3 is shown on the number line below.

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 The graph of 𝑥 < 3 is portrayed above by highlighting all numbers less than 3 on the number
line by a hollow circle on 3 and solid line that extends infinitely to the left.

Plotting Closed Type Inequalities (less than or equal “≤” or more than or equal “≥”)

EXAMPLE
In 𝑥 ≤ 3, the variable x can be any number less than or equal to 3. So 3 is said to be included
in the solution. In a number line, this inclusion is symbolized by a shaded circle. In our example, the
graph of 𝑥 ≤ 3 is shown on the number line below.

The graph of 𝑥 ≤ 3 is portrayed above by highlighting all numbers less than or equal to 3 on
the number line by a shaded circle on 3 and a solid line that extends infinitely to the left.

PRACTICE EXERCISES

Solve the following inequalities and graph the solution sets on a number line. Check your answers at
the end of this module.

1) 𝑥<8

2) 𝑥>5

3) 𝑥≤0

4) 𝑥≥3

5) 2𝑥 + 6 ≤ 20

6) 2 − 𝑥 > −3

7) 4𝑥 + 3 < 0
7
8) − 𝑥 ≤1
2

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Derive an inequality in set-builder and interval notation from the given graph on the number line. Check
your answers at the end of this module.

9)

10)

Prepared by: RICHARD B. JUMAWAN Reviewed by: MARJUN I. BALQUIN

Position: SST-V Position: SST-III
Campus: PSHS-CMC Campus: PSHS-SRC

REFERENCES

Abramson, J. P. (2017). Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities. In College algebra (pp.
143-144). Houston, TX: OpenStax, Rice University.

Albarico, JM. (2013). THINK Framework. (Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.) Science
LINKS. Rex Bookstore, Inc.)

Dilao, S. J., & Bernabe, J. G. (2009). Linear Inequalities and Their Graphs. In Intermediate algebra:
Textbook for second year (pp. 30-31). Philippines: SD Publications, Inc.

Marecek, L. (2017). Solving Linear Equations. In Intermediate algebra (pp. 171-172). Houston, TX:
OpenStax, Rice University.

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ANSWERS TO PRACTICE EXERCISES

Solve the following inequalities and graph the solution sets on a number line. Check your answers at
the end of this module.

1) 𝑥<8

2) 𝑥>5

3) 𝑥≤0

4) 𝑥≥3

5) 2𝑥 + 6 ≤ 20

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6) 2 − 𝑥 > −3

7) 4𝑥 + 3 < 0

7
8) − 𝑥 ≤1
2

Derive an inequality in set-builder and interval notation from the given graph on the number line. Check
your answers at the end of this module.

9)

3
Set-Builder Notation: {𝑥| 𝑥 > 2}
3
Interval Notation: (2 , ∞ )

10)

1
Set-Builder Notation: {𝑥| 𝑥 ≤ 3}

Interval Notation: (−∞, 1/3]

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