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Linear Inequalities

The document discusses how to draw and interpret inequalities on a graph. It explains that solid lines are used for ≤ or ≥ and dotted lines for < or >. It also discusses shading the unwanted regions and using points to check inequalities. An example problem demonstrates drawing lines and shading regions defined by multiple inequalities.

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32 views6 pages

Linear Inequalities

The document discusses how to draw and interpret inequalities on a graph. It explains that solid lines are used for ≤ or ≥ and dotted lines for < or >. It also discusses shading the unwanted regions and using points to check inequalities. An example problem demonstrates drawing lines and shading regions defined by multiple inequalities.

Uploaded by

tnrazaq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SMART Preparations

Cadet Colleges Entrance Test


Topic

Finding Regions using Inequalities


How do we draw inequalities on a graph?

 First, see Straight Line Graphs (y = mx + c)

To graph an inequality;

1. DRAW the line (as if using “=”) for each inequality


o Use a solid line for ≤ or ≥ (to indicate the line is included)

o Use dotted line for < or > (to indicate the line is not included)

2. DECIDE which side of line is wanted.


o Below line if "y ≤ ..." or "y < ..."
o Above line if "y ≥ ..." or "y > ..."

o 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

3. Shade UNWANTED side of each line (unless the question says otherwise)
o This is because it is easier, with pen/ pencil/ paper at least, to see which region has not been shaded
than it is to look for a region that has been shaded 2-3 times or more
o (Graphing software often shades the area that is required but this is easily overcome by reversing
the inequality sign)

Worked example
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 "<"

CCH Entrance Exam Page 1


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

CCH Entrance Exam Page 2


Finally, don't forget to label the region R
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Interpreting Graphical Inequalities


How do we interpret inequalities on a graph?

 First, see Straight Line Graphs (y = mx + c)

To interpret inequalities/ to find a region defined by inequalities;

1. Write down the EQUATION of each line on the graph


2. REMEMBER that lines are drawn with:
o A solid line for ≤ or ≥ (to indicate line included in region)
o A dotted line for < or > (to indicate line not included)

3. REPLACE = sign with:


o ≤ or < if shading below line

o ≥ or > if shading above line

o (Use a point to test if not sure)

CCH Entrance Exam Page 3


 If the question asks you to find the maximum in a region, find the coordinate furthest to the top-right (largest
values of x and y)
 If the question asks you to find the minimum in a region, find the coordinate furthest to the bottom-left
(smallest values of x and y)

Worked example
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;

CCH Entrance Exam Page 4


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)
CCH Entrance Exam Page 5
CCH Entrance Exam Page 6

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