LESSON 2: Problems Involving Linear Inequalities in

Two Variables

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Graph linear inequalities in two variables. M8AL-IIa-3
2. Solve problems involving linear inequalities in two variables. M8AL-IIa-4

In the previous lesson, you learn how to graph linear inequalities and find
its solutions. In the next activity, you will draw and describe the graph of linear
inequalities which help you solve real life problems involving linear inequalities
in two variables.

ACTIVITY 1: Sketch If You Can!

Directions: Show the graph and shade the solutions of inequalities. Use the
Cartesian coordinate plane below.
 From the activity done, you were able to determine the linear inequality
whose graph is described by the shaded region. In the succeeding activity, you
will translate real-life situations into linear inequalities in two variables.

ACTIVITY 2: That’s Also Me!

Directions: Write each statement as a linear inequality in two variables.

1. The difference of the number of 100-peso tickets (p) and 50-peso tickets (q)
is not less than 30.
2. Twice the number of cellphones (c) is less than the number of laptops (l).
3. The sum of one-peso coin (o) and five-peso coin (f) is greater than Php 45.
4. In a week, the total amount the student spends for food (f) and school
materials (s) is at most Php 500.
5. The difference of the number of 100-peso tickets (p) and 50-peso tickets (q)
is not less than 30.
6. The price of a bicycle (m) less Php 300 is less than or equal to the price of
a helmet (h).
7. Nicole bought 3 soft drinks (s) and 4 bottled waters (b) and paid not more
than Php 100.
8. The difference between the height of Ding (d) and Procopio (p) is at least
3cm.
9. Two times the length of a meter stick (m) increased by 2 centimeter is less
than the height of Migz (h).
10. The number of slippers (s) more than twice the number of shoes (p) is
greater than 6.
11. A dozen of t-shirts (t) added to half a dozen of sleeveless-shirts (s) has a
total cost of not greater than Php 450.
 In the previous activity, you translate real-life situations into linear
inequalities in two variables. Which give you emphasis on the meanings of the
phrases “less than”, “more than”, “greater than”, “at most” and “at least”. You
also differentiate “less than” and “is less than” and “more than” and “is more
than”.

In activity 2 for example, in no. 1

“The difference of the number of 100-peso tickets (p) and 50-peso

tickets (q) is not less than 30”.

Illustration:
The word “difference” emphasize the operation subtraction (-). While the
phrase “is not less than” means it is more than or equal ( ). if we write that in
mathematical representation that is:

“p - q 30” .

Example 2: “The difference between the weight of Diana (d) and Princess
(p) is at least 26.”

The word “difference” means subtraction (-). While the phrase “is at least”
means “≥”. If we write that in mathematical representation that is :

“d – p ≥ 26”.

Example 3: “The sum of twenty-peso bills (t) and fifty peso bills (f) is
greater than Php 420.”

The word “sum” means addition (+). While the phrase “greater than” is
the symbol “>”. If we write that in mathematical representation that is:

“20t + 50f > 420”

Summary
To graph an inequality in two variables, the following steps could be
followed:
 1. Replace the inequality symbol with an equal sign. The resulting equation
becomes the plane divider.

 2. Graph the resulting equation with a solid line if the original inequality
contains ≤ or ≥ symbol. The solid line indicates that all points on the line
are part of the solution of the inequality. If the inequality contains < or >
symbol, use a dash or a broken line. The dash or broken line indicates that
the coordinates of all points on the line are not part of the solution set of
the inequality.

 3. Choose three points in one of the half-planes that are not on the line.
Substitute the coordinates of these points into the inequality. If the
coordinates of these points satisfy the inequality or make the inequality
true, shade the half-plane or the region on one side of the plane divider
where these points lie. Otherwise, the other side of the plane divider will be
shaded.

The solution to a linear inequality includes all the points in one half of the
plane. We can tell which half by looking at the inequality sign:
a. “>” The solution set is the half plane above the line.
b. “<” The solution set is the half plane below the line.
c. “≤” The solution set is the half plane below the line and also the points on
the line.
d. "≥" The solution set is the half plane above the line and also the points on
the line