Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
Section 6.5
Algebra I
Definitions
Linear inequality: A linear inequality in x and y is an inequality that can be written as follows
Solution: An ordered pair (x,y) is a solution of a linear inequality if the inequality is true when the values of x and y are substituted into the inequality
ax by c
ax by c ax by c ax by c
Example 1
Check whether the ordered pair is a solution of 2x-3y>-2 (0,0)
(0,1)
(2,-1)
Example 1 Continued
For (0,0) both x and y are 0. Substitute 0 for x and 0 for y
2(0)-3(0) > -2 0-0 > -2 0 > -2
Since 0 is greater than -2, then (0,0) is a solution to the inequality
Example 1 continued
To check if (0,1) is a solution, we use x=0 and y=1 2(0)-3(1) > -2 0-3 > -2 -3>-2
Since -3 is not greater than -2, then (0,1) is not a solution
Example 1 continued
You check if (2,-1) is a solution
Definitions
Graph: The graph of a linear inequality in two variables is the graph of the solutions of the inequality
Half-plane: In a coordinate plane, the region on either side of a boundary line.
Example 2
Sketch a graph of y>-3 To do this, we will expand on our graphs from
before. We are going to use a coordinate plane rather than a number line
Use a dotted line for less than or greater than Use a solid line for less than or equal to and
greater than or equal to
Example 2 continued Start by graphing y=-3
Example 2 continued Next, we need to shade in all values where
y>-3
Example 3
Try to sketch the graph of x≤5. Remember, start with x=5. Is this a solid or dotted line? Then shade in where x≤5.
Example 3 continued
Did you get this?
Example 4
If you are given x-3>5…. How would you graph this?
First, solve for x. x>8 Then graph as we did in the previous two
examples.
Example 5
Sketch the graph of x – y < 2. First, graph the line x – y = 2. We would solve for y…
-y = -x + 2 y = x – 2.
Now, we know the slope is one and the y-intercept is -2.
We also will graph using a dotted line.
Example 5 Continued
Example 5 continued
To decide where to share, we can test a point on one side of the line. I like to test (0,0) if possible.
For x – y < 2….. We can use x = 0, y = 0. 0 – 0 < 2 0 < 2
Since this is a true statement, we shade where (0,0) is at on the graph – as well as that side of the graph.
Example 5 Continued