Steps - How to Graph an Inequality

Number Line

1. 1

Simplify the inequality you are going to graph.

-2x2 + 5x < -6(x + 1)
-2x2 + 5x < -6x - 62

Move all terms to one side so the other is zero. It will be easiest if the highest power variable is positive.
0 < 2x2 -6x - 5x - 6
0 < 2x2 -11x - 63

Pretend that the inequality sign is an equal sign and find all values of the variable.
0 = 2x2 -11x - 6
0 = (2x + 1)(x - 6)
2x + 1 = 0, x - 6 = 0
2x = -1, x = 6
x = -1/24

Draw a number line including the variable solutions (in order).

Draw a circle on the points. If the inequality symbol means less than or more than (> or <), draw an empty
circle over the variable solution(s). If it means less/more than and equal to (≤ or ≥) fill in that circle.

In this case our equation was greater than zero, so use open circles.

6
Take a number from each of the resulting intervals and plug it back into the equality. If you get a true
statement once solved, shade this region of the number line.

In the interval from (-∞,-1/2) we will take -1 and plug it into the original inequality.
0 < 2x2 -11x - 6
0 < 2(-1)2 -11(-1) - 6
0 < 2(1) + 11 - 6
0<7
Zero is less than 7 is correct, so shade (-∞, -1/2) on the number line.

Next, on the interval from (-1/2, 6) we will use zero.

0 < 2(0)2 -11(0) - 6
0<0+0-6
0 < -6
Zero is not less than negative six, so do not shade (-1/2,6).

Lastly, we will take 10 from the interval (6,∞).

0 < 2(10)2 - 11(10) + 6
0 < 2(100) - 110 + 6
0 < 200 - 110 + 6
0 < 96
Zero is less than 96 is correct, so shade (6,∞) as well.

Use arrows on the end of shading to indicate that the interval continues into infinity. The completed number
line:

Coordinate Plane

If you are able to graph a line, you can graph a linear inequality. It's the same with other graphs (circles,
parabolas, ellipses) as well.1

Solve the inequality for y. (Manipulate the inequality so that the y is alone and positive.)
y-x≤2
y ≤ x + 22
Pretend the inequality sign is an equals sign and graph the line.

Determine where to shade on the graph. Choose a point on either side of the line and plug it back into the
original equation. If you simplify and end up with a true inequality shade on this side of the line. If you get a
false inequality shade on the other side of the line.

It's often easiest to choose the origin, (0,0).

y≤x+2
0≤0+2
0<2
Zero is less than two is correct, so we shade on this side of the line:

That's it! You're done!