How to Graph A Linear Inequality

Part 1

Preparing To Graph

Getting Ready to Graph the Inequality

• Get pencil, eraser, pencil crayon• Get ruler and graph paper• Draw x- and y-axes on graph paper. • Label numbers on the axes

Determining the Type of Line to Draw

• Decide what kind of line will be drawn• < or > signs draw a dashed line • < or > signs draw a solid line

Determine your method of graphing the line

• Decide if line is to be drawn using

y = mx + b or by using intercepts.• If the y value is already by itself it’s easier to use y = mx + b

Part 2

Drawing The Line Using y = mx + b

Obtaining Slope & y-Intercept

• Isolate y if it is not already by itself • Identify the slope in front of the x.• Indicate the rise and the run• Indicate y-intercept and plot on axes

Drawing the Line Using Points and Slopes

• Use rise & run to plot new points from the y-intercept

• Plot a minimum of 3 points• Join points in a dashed or solid line as indicated by the inequality.

Part 3

Drawing the Line Using

x- and y- Intercepts

Calculating x-Intercepts

• Substitute 0 in for variable y. • Solve for variable x.• Plot the x-intercept on the graph.

Calculating y-Intercepts

• Substitute 0 in for variable x.• Solve for variable y.• Plot the y-intercept on the graph.

Joining The Intercepts

• Join intercepts with a dashed or solid line as indicated by the inequality.

Part 4

Shading The Inequality

Choosing Direction to Shade

• Pick a test point NOT on the line.• Plug test point into the inequality• If the result is true, shade the side of the line the test point lies

• If the result is false, shade the other side of the line where the test point lies