Graphing A Linear Inequality

in Two Variables
 To graph a linear inequalities in
two variables:

1. Graph the boundary line of the region

by rewriting the linear inequality as an
equation and solving for the
intercepts.
2. If the symbol of the inequality is either
 or  ,draw the boundary line as
a solid line. If the symbol of the
inequality is either < or >, draw the
boundary line as a broken line.
3. Decide which half-plane contains
the solution set. Pick a test point
that is on one side of the boundary
line. Use (0,0), if possible. Replace x
and y in the inequality with the
coordinate of that point.
4. If the resulting inequality is TRUE,
shade the side that contains the test
point. If the resulting inequality is
FALSE, shade the other side of the
boundary.
 Example 1:
Graph 2 x − y4 The three ordered
pairs are (0,-4),
STEP 1: (2,0) and (4,4).
2x − y = 4 Check point

Let x = 0 Let y = 0 Let x = 4

2x − y = 4 2x − y = 4 2x − y = 4
2(0) − y = 4 2 x − 0 = 4 2(4) − y = 4
−y=4 2x = 4 8− y = 4
y = −4 − y = 4−8
x=2 − y = −4
y=4
STEP 2:
The three ordered
pairs are (0,-4),
(2,0) and (4,4). (4,4)

2x − y  4 (2,0)
Solid line
(0,-4)
STEP 3:

Test point:

(0,0)
2x − y  4
2(0) − 0  4
04
TRUE

STEP 4:
Hence, the half plane
that contains (0, 0)
is the solution.
 Example 2:
Graph y 1
STEP 1:
y =1
Graph the boundary by graphing
the related equation, y=1.
STEP 2:

y=1

y 1
Broken line
STEP 3:
Test point:
(0,0)

y 1
0 1
FALSE

STEP 4:
Hence, the half plane
that contains (0, 0)
is NOT the solution.
Shade the other side.
 Example 3:
Graph x  −3
STEP 1:
x = −3
Graph the boundary by graphing
the related equation, x = -3.
STEP 2:

x = -3

x  −3
Solid line
STEP 3:
Test point:
(0,0)

x  −3
0  −3
FALSE

STEP 4:
Hence, the half plane
that contains (0, 0)
is NOT the solution.
Shade the other side.
ACTIVITY:

Graph each inequality.

1.) x  4
2.) y  0
3.) x + y  3
4.)3x − 2 y  6
 Thank you
for listening ☺