Graphing Inequalities

To graph an inequality, treat the <, , >, or sign as an = sign, and graph the equation. If the inequality is < or >, graph the equation as a dotted line. If the inequality is or , graph the equation as a solid line. This line divides the xy- plane into two regions: a region that satisfies the inequality, and a region that does not.

Next, pick a point not on the line. Check to see if this point satisfies the inequality. If it satisfies the inequality, shade the region which contains that point. If it does not satisfy the inequality, shade the region which does not contain that point. All the points in the shaded region will satisfy the inequality.


Note: The origin (0, 0) is usually the easiest point to test, provided it is not on the line.


Example 1: Graph y≤2x - 3.

Step 1 -- Graph of y = 2x - 3
Does (0, 0) satisfy y≤2x - 3 ? 0≤2(0) - 3 ? No. Shade the region that does not contain (0, 0):
y≤2x - 3


Example 2: Graph 3x + 4y < 12.


Step 1 -- Graph of 3x + 4y = 12
Does (0, 0) satisfy 3x + 4y < 12 ? 3(0) + 4(0) < 12 ? Yes. Shade the region that contains (0, 0):
3x + 4y < 12


Example 3: Graph y > x.

Step 1--Graph of y = x
(0, 0) is on the line, so we must pick another point. Does (0, 1) satisfy y > x ? 1 > 0 ? Yes. Shade the region that contains (0, 1):
y > x