Linear Inequalities

in Two Variables
 1 2 3
Learning
Objectives
Differentiate between Illustrate linear Graph linear
linear equations in inequalities in two inequalities in two
two variables from variables variables
linear inequalities in
two variables.
 Equations and inequalities are two important tools in
mathematics. The former expresses identity or exactness
of quantities, while the latter implies difference in
quantities.
The table below will be helpful in comparing and
differentiating linear equations and linear inequalities in
two variables.
 Point of Comparison or Difference Linear Equation Linear Inequality
Symbols used = <, >, ≠, ≤, ≥

Sample expressions x + 2y = 3 x + 2 < 4y

2x + y ≠ 5
3x – 4y ≥ 6

Geometric representation Intersecting lines, coinciding lines, or Plane of half – plane

parallel lines

Sample Graphs

Graphical solutions to a linear system A point, a set of points, or an empty set Region of points or an empty set effects

Effect of multiplying or dividing the Sense of equality is not changed. Sense of inequality is changed.
expression by a negative real number
 There are relatively more inequalities
in life than equalities. This is evident
in the different real-life situations
shown below
• The value of the Philippine peso is less than
Linear the value of the US dollar. P1 < $1
Inequality • According to the Philippine Statistics Authority,
there are more female Filipinos than male
Filipinos. F > M
• The elevator in school has a maximum capacity
(C) of 10 persons. C≤10
• To get a “Developing” (passing mark) in school,
a student must have a grade of (G) of at least
75. G≥75
 A linear inequality in two variables can be formed by simply
replacing the equal sign in a linear equation in two variables.
Examples of linear inequalities in two variables are:
• 3x + 4y > 12
• 5x – 3y <15
• y ≤ 4x – 1
• x ≥ 6y + 2
• 6x – 7y ≠ 8
The solution of linear inequalities in two variables is the set of all
ordered pairs that satisfy the linear inequality.

Example 1. Determine if the points

a. (3, 2)
b. (0, 0)
c. (3, 0)
are solutions of the inequality 2x + 3y < 6.
 Solution
To determine if a given point is a solution of an inequality or not,
substitute the coordinates in the inequality. Then, apply the law of
Trichotomy.
a. If 2x + 3y < 6, and x = 3, y = 2 b. If 2x + 3y < 6, and x = 0, y = 0 b. If 2x + 3y < 6, and x = 3, y = 0
2(3)+3(2)<6 2(0)+3(0)<6 2(3)+3(0)<6
6+6<6 0+0<6 6+0<6
12<6 False 0<6 True 6<6 False
Thus, (3,2) is not a solution of Thus, (0,0) is a solution of 2x+3y<6 Thus, (3,0) is not a solution of
2x+3y<6 2x+3y<6
Graphing linear Inequality
The steps in graphing a linear inequality in two variables are as follows:
1. Get the corresponding equation by replacing the inequality sign with an equality sign.
2. The graph of the resulting equation is the boundary line. Graph the equation using
dotted or dash lines of the given inequality is > or <. However, if the inequality is ≤ or
≥, then graph a solid boundary line. The latter forms of inequalities mean that the
points on the line are included in the solution set.
3. Get a representative point from each of the resulting regions formed by the boundary
line. It is advisable to get points with zero coordinates, such as the point of origin, or
points with x or y intercepts, for easy substitution and calculation of values.
4. Substitute the representative points in the given inequality. Whichever point satisfies
the inequality is a solution, hence, it belongs to the solution set of the inequality.
5. Shade the region where the point belongs.
 8
Example 2. Graph 2x 7
+y<1 6
5
4
3
2
Solution: First, draw the
1
graph of 2x + y < 1, using -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
dashed line since the -1
original inequality -2
contains the sign <. The -3
dashed line indicates that -4
the points on this line are -5
not solutions of the -6
-7
inequality 2x + y <1. -8
Next, select a point or two, preferable one each on the two half-panes.
Check if there points satisfy the inequality. The origin (0, 0) is usually
used in checking for convenience.
If 2x + y < 1, and x = 0, y = 0, substituting the values produces
2(0) + 0 <1
0+0<1
0 < 1 True. Thus, (0, 0) is a solution.
If 2x + y < 1, and x = 2, y = 1, then
2(2) + 1 < 1
4+1<1
5 < 1 False. Thus, (2, 1) is not a solution.
 8

The results imply 7

6
that all the points 5

in the half-plane 4
3
containing (0, 0) 2

are the solutions 1

-8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
of the inequality. -1

This can be -2
-3
illustrated by -4

shading the plane. -5

-6
-7
-8
 8
Example 3. Graph 4x 7
– 3y ≥ 12 6
5
4
3
2
Solution: First draw 1
the graph of 4x – 3y ≥ -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
12. A solid line is used -1
-2
since the inequality -3
symbol is ≥. Then, -4
select (0, 0) and (2, -5
-6
-3) as test points. -7
-8
If 4x – 3y ≥ 12, and x = 0, y = 0.
4(0) – 3(0) ≥ 12
0 – 0 ≥ 12
0 ≥ 12 False. Thus (0, 0) is not a solution point.
If 4x – 3y ≥ 12, and x = 2, y = -3.
4(2) – 3(-3) ≥ 12
8 + 9 ≥ 12
17 ≥ 12 True. Thus, (2,-3) is a solution point.
 8

Therefore, the 7
6
solutions of the 5

inequality 4x – 3y 4
3
≥ are all the points 2

in the half-plane 1
-8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
containing (2, -3), -1

including the -2
-3
points on the line -4

4x – 3y = 12. -5
-6
-7
-8
The following table may be used as a guide in
checking the graph of an inequality.
Form of the Inequality Boundary Line Shaded Part
y > mx + b Dotted line Above the dotted line
y < mx + b Dotted line Below the dotted line
y ≥ mx + b Solid line Above the solid line
y ≤ mx + b Solid line Below the solid line
The end
Thanks