To graph an inequality;
Use a solid line for ≤ or ≥ (to indicate the line is included)
Use dotted line for < or > (to indicate the line is not included)
Above line if "y ≥ ..." or "y > ..."
Use a point that's not on the line as a test if unsure; substitute its x and y value into the inequality to examine whether the inequality holds true on that side of the line
(Graphing software often shades the area that is required but this is easily overcome by reversing the inequality sign)
On the axes given below, show the region that satisfies the three inequalities;
Label the region R.
First draw the three straight lines, , and , using your knowledge of Straight Line Graphs (y = mx + c). You may wish to rearrange to the form first:
The line takes a solid line because of the "≥" while the lines and take dotted lines because of the "<"
Now we need to shade the unwanted regions
For (or ), the unwanted region is below the line. We can check this with the point (0, 0);
is false therefore (0, 0) does lie in the unwanted region for
For , the unwanted region is above the line. If unsure, check with another point, for example (1, 0)
is true, so (1, 0) lies in the wanted (i.e. unshaded) region for
For , shade the unwanted region to the right of . If unsure, check with a point
Finally, don't forget to label the region R
To interpret inequalities/ to find a region defined by inequalities;
A dotted line for < or > (to indicate line not included)
≤ or < if shading below line
≥ or > if shading above line
Write down the three inequalities which define the shaded region on the axes below.
First, using your knowledge of Straight Line Graphs (y = mx + c), define the three lines as equations, ignoring inequality signs;
Now decide which inequality signs to use
For , the shaded region is above the line, and the line is dotted, so the inequality is
Check by substituting a point within the shaded region into this inequality. For example, using (2, 4) as marked on the graph above;
"" is true, so the inequality is correct
For , the shaded region is below the line, and the line is solid, so the inequality is
or
Again, check by substituting (2, 4) into the inequality;
"" is true, so the inequality is correct
For , the shaded region is to the right of the solid line so the inequality is
(Vertical and horizontal inequality lines probably do not need checking with a point, though do so if you are unsure)