(Effective Alternative Secondary Education)

MATHEMATICS II

MODULE 4
Systems of Linear Equations and
Inequalities

BUREAU OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Department of Education
DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue,Pasig City
 Module 4
Systems of Linear Equations
and Inequalities

What this module is about

This module is about solving systems of linear inequalities. In module 1,
you learned how to graph systems of linear equations and find its solutions. In
this module, you will discover now the graphs of linear equations is related to
graphs of systems of linear inequalities and how their solutions differ.

What you are expected to learn

This module is designed for you to:

1. draw the graph of linear inequality in two variables.

2. define a system of linear inequalities
3. represent the solution set of a system of linear inequalities by graphing.
4. translate certain situations in real life to linear inequalities.

How much do you know

A. Match each inequality at the left with one or more descriptions at the right.
1. x ≤ 3 A. includes the line
2. y > -4 B. excludes the line
3. y ≤ 2x + 3 C. above the line
4. y > 3x + 5 D. below the line
5. y ≤ -7 E. right of the line
6. x ≥ -8 F. left of the line
7. y < x + 8

B. Translate into linear inequality:

8. The sum of 3 consecutive integers is greater than 30.
9. A number n is greater than twice another number y.
10. Imelda has two more shoes than Cristina. The total number of shoes
is greater than 84.

2
 What you will do

Lesson 1

Draw the Graphs of Linear Inequalities

The general form of linear inequality in two variables, x and y is ax + by >

c or ax + by < c, where a and b are equal to 0. The graph of a linear inequality is
a region.

Example 1: Graph 3x – 2y < 2.

Use the following steps to draw the graph.

1. Transform the linear inequality in the y form:

3x – 2y < 2
-2y < -3x + 2 Division by a negative number
3
y > x -1 reverses the order of the inequality.
2

2. Locate the y-intercept, -1, then from it, move 3 units up then, 2 units
right. Mark where you stop. Draw a dashed line passing through the mark
and the y-intercept.

3. Check. Choose a test point from both sides of the dashed line.

Test points (-2,1) and (4, -2)

a) (-2,1), a point above the dashed line

Substitute, to the inequality:

3x – 2y < 2
3(-2) – 2(1) ? 2
-6 – 2 ? 2
-8 ? 2
-8 < 2
True

3
 b) (4, -2), a point below the line

Substitute, to the inequality

3x – 2y < 2
3(4) – 2(-2) ? 2
12 + 4 ? 2
16 ? 2
16 < 2
False

The graph:

y > 3/2x - 1

3
Notice that since y > x – 1, the region above the line is shaded. Also a
2
dashed line is used to indicate that the line is not a part of the graph. The graph
would include the line if the inequality contains the symbol ≥. When the line is
part of the graph, a solid line is used.

Example 2. Graph x + y > 3

1. Solve for y.

x+y >3
y > -x + 3 addition property

2. Draw the graph of the inequality. Locate the y-intercept, 3, and then
from it move 1 unit up and then one unit left. Mark where you stop.
Draw a dashed line, passing through the mark and the y-intercept.

4
 3. Check. Test points from both sides of the line and substitute to the
inequality.

Test points (3,3) and (-2,3):

a) (3,3) a point on one side

x+y>3
3+3?3
6?3
6>3 True

b) (-2,3)
x+y>3
-2 + 3 ? 3
1?3
1> 3 False

4. Shade the region where the point that satisfies the inequality is located

5. All the points in the shaded region are the solutions to the given
inequality.

The graph:

x+y>3

Example 3: Graph: 2x – 3y ≤ 0

1. Solve for y:

-3y ≤ - 2x dividing by negative number reverses

2
y ≥ x the inequality.
3

5
2. Locate the y-intercept, this time, it is zero, or it is located at the origin.
From the origin, move 2 units up, then 3 units right. Mark again, where
you stop. This time, draw a solid line passing through your mark and
the origin. Why do you think so?

3. Choose again points from both sides of the line. Substitute to the
inequality.

a. (-1, 4)
2x – 3y ≤ 0
2(-1) – 3(4) ? 0
-2 – 12 ? 0
-14 ? 0
-14 ≤ 0 True or false?

b. (1,-2)
2x – 3y ≤ 0
2(1) – 3(-2) ? 0
2+6?0
8?0
8≤0 True or false?

4. Shade the side of the line, where the point chosen satisfies the
inequality. If you did right, your graph will appear like this.

2x – 3y < 0

(-1,4) satisfies the inequality.

You did? Congratulations.

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Example 4: Draw the graph of y ≤ -2.

Follow these steps:

1. Graph the equation: y = -2

2. Draw a solid horizontal line passing through y = -2. Pick a point above
and below the line.
3. Substitute the points to the inequality:

a) (2,2), a point above the line.

y ≤ -2
2 ≤ -2 False

b) (2,-2), a point along the line

y ≤ -2
2 ≤ -2 True

4. Shade the region below the line

y < -2

Example 5: Draw the graph of x ≥ 2. Follow these steps:

1. Graph the equation x = 2.

2. Draw a vertical solid line passing through x = 2.
3. Pick a point on both sides of the line, x = 2, means any value of y can
be paired to x = 2 and it is called the x-intercept.

a) (-2,2), a point on the left side of the line.

x≥2
-2 ≥ 2 False

b) (3,5)
x≥2
3≥2 True

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 4. Shade the region to the left of the line x = 2.
The Graph:

x> 2

Now that you have graphed linear inequalities in two variables, you can
now shade the region by inspection. That is, the shade is on the left side of the
line if the inequality symbol is ≤ or <, to the right if the inequality symbol is ≥ or >.

Study how graphs of linear inequalities are described in the table below

Inequalities Description

y < mx + b The graph is the region or the half-plane below line y = mx + b.

The graph is the region below y = mx + b and includes line y =
y ≤ mx + b
mx + b.
y > mx + b The graph is the region above line y = mx + b.
The graph is the region above line y = mx + b and includes line
y ≥ mx + b
y = mx + b.
x>a The graph is the region to the right of line x = a.
The graph is the region to the right of line x = a and includes
x>a
line x = a.
x<a The graph is the region to the left of line x = a.
The graph is the region to the left of line x = a and includes line
x<a
x = a.
y>a The graph is the region above line x = a.

y>a The graph is the region above line x = a and includes line x = a.

y<a The graph is the region below line x = a.

y<a The graph is the region below line x = a and includes line x = a.

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Try this out
A. Use the steps learned in graphing inequalities. Use a test point to shade.

1. x +y≥2
2. x–y≥1
3. 3x – y ≥ 6
4. 3x + y ≤ 3
5. 2x + 3y > 12

B. Graph each linear inequality with the use of a test point.

1. y > 2x – 1
2. y ≤ 3x + 2
2
3. y ≥ x – 1
3
3
4. y < - x + 2
4
5. –x – 2y ≥ 4

Lesson 2

Define a System of Linear Inequalities

and Represent its Solution by Graphing

Now, that you have been exposed to graphing linear inequalities in two
variables, this time you are now ready to do graphing systems of linear
inequalities.

First, study how systems of linear inequalities is defined. Statements of

the form

1. a1x + b1y > c1 3. a1x + b1y ≤ c1

a2x + b2y > c2 a2x + b2y ≤ c2

2. a1x + b1y < c1

a2x + b2y < c2

or a combination of inequalities, where a1, b1, a2, b2 and c2 are real

numbers are called systems of linear inequalities.

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 You will notice that a system of linear inequalities is composed of two or
more inequalities. Each inequality represents a region each pair of inequalities
represents two regions whose intersection is the solution of the system.

Study the examples in graphing a system of linear inequalities. These will

involve finding the region where the solution of the system lies.

Example 1: Graph the solution of the system

x + y > -1
3x – 2y > 4

Steps: 1. Change each inequality in the form similar to the equation y = mx + b.

(a) x + y > -1
y > -x – 1

(b) 3x – 2y > 4
-2y > -3x + 4 Multiplying inequality by negative
2y < 3x – 4 number reverses the inequality
3
y < x–2
2

2. Graph inequality (a) x + y > -1

a. Graph y = -x – 1
b. Shade above the line to represent y > -x - 1

x + y > -1

3. Graph inequality (b) 3x – 2y > 4

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 3
a. Graph y < x–2
2
3
b. Shade below the line to represent y < x–2
2

y < 3/2x - 2

Combining the two graphs in one coordinate axes, you will have this.

(4, 1)

(1, -4)

Choose two test points, one in each single shaded region and one from
the double shaded region.

Try (1, -4) and (4, 10). Substitute these points to each inequality.

Point (1, -4) which is contained in a single shaded region.

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 Substitute in (1): x + y > -1
(1) + (-4) > -1
-3 > -1 False

Substitute in (2): 3x – 2y > 4

3(1) –2(-4) > 4
3+8>4
11 > 4 True

Point (4,1) which is contained in the double shaded region.

Substitute in (1): x + y > -1

4 + 1 > -1
5 > -1 True

Substitute in (2): 3x – 2y > 4

3(4) – 2(1) > 4
12 – 2 > 4
10 > 4 True

The solution for the linear inequalities are the points that satisfy both linear
inequalities.

Which of these points satisfy the linear inequalities? Where do you find
them?

You are right! The point (4, 1) satisfies the linear inequalities and it is
found in the double shaded region.

Thus, the solution is the set of all points found in the double shaded
region.

Example 2: Graph the solution of the system:

2x + y > 2
x–y≥3

Inequality (1): 2x + y > 2

1. Graph y = -2x + 2. Use broken lines in the graph of y > -2x + 2. This
does not include the line.

2. Shade the region above the line to represent the graph of y > -2x + 2

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 y > -2x + 2

Inequality (2): x – y ≥ 3
-y ≥ -x + 3 Reverse the direction of the inequality
y≤x–3 when you multiply by a negative number.

1) Graph y = x – 3 on the same coordinate plane where the inequality (1)

was done.

2) Shade the region below the line to represent the graph y ≤ x – 3.

y > -2x + 2

y<x-3

Choose two test points, one in the single shaded region and one on the
double shaded region. Use (7, 2) and (-7,2).

Point (7,2): See if this point satisfies both the inequalities.

Substitute: (1) 2x+ y > 2

2(7) + 2 > 2
14 + 2 > 2
16 > 2 True

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 (2) x – y ≥ 3
7–2≥3
5≥3 True

Point (-7, 2), located in a single shaded region

Substitute: (1) 2x+ y > 2

2(-7) + 2 > 2
-14 + 2 > 2
-12 > 2 False

(2) x–y ≥3
-7 –2 ≥ 3
-9 ≥ 3 False

Which point satisfies both the inequalities? If you did right, the point that
satisfies both the inequality is the region containing all the solutions.

Example 3: Solve the system by graphing:

2x – y ≤ -3
x ≤ -2

Steps: 1. Graph y ≥ 2x + 3
a. Graph y = 2x + 3. Use a solid line.
b. Shade above the line.

2. Graph x ≤ -2
a. graph x = -2. Use solid line.
b. Shade the left side of the line.
y = 2x + 3

x = -2

Notice, that the graph of x ≤ -2 is the region to the left of line x = -2.

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 3. Choose a point in the double shaded region. Does this point satisfy
both the inequality? If so, then the solution to the inequalities are the
set of points in the double shaded region.

Example 4: Graph -1 ≤ x ≤ 4

Solution: This is actually a system of inequalities. Splitting the

inequalities, you have:
x ≥ -1
x ≤4

Steps:
1. Graph x = -1. Using a solid line you can see that the graph of x ≥ -
1 is the region on the right side of line x = –1.

2. Graph x = 4. Using a solid line you can see that the graph of x ≤ I
is the region on the left side of line x = 4.
The graph:
x=4

x=-1

The solution is the intersection of the shades of the two inequalities.

Example 5: Graph the solution set of the system of inequalities:

x+y≤3 (1)
2x + 3y < 9 (2)
x≥0 (3)
y≥0 (4)

Steps: Using the skills gained,

1. graph the lines x + y = 3, use solid line

2. graph 2x + 3y < 9, using dashed line,

15
 3. graph x = 0, using solid line, or the y-axis
4. graph y = 0, using solid line, or the x-axis.

2x + 3y = 9

x+y=3
Solution:

The inequality x + y ≤ 3 is satisfied by the set of points found in the region

below the line x + y = 3.

The inequality 2x + 3y < 9 is satisfied by the set of points in the region

below the line 2x + 3y = 9.

The set of inequalities x ≥ 0 and y ≥ 0 is satisfied by points in the first

quadrant or points on the portions of the axis bounding the first quadrant.

The solution set is the shaded region plus the solid portions of the
boundary lines.

Example 6: Graph the following system inequalities, by determining the x and y

intercepts.
4x – 2y ≤ 8 (1)
y–2≤0 (2)

Steps: a. Solve for the x and y intercepts of the two inequalities

(1) 4x – 2y ≤ 8

To find the y-intercept, substitute x to 0 in the inequality.

4(0) –2y = 8 The y-intercept is the value of y
-2y = 8 at point (0, y).
y = -4

To find the x intercept, substitute y to 0 in the same inequality.

4x – 2(0) = 8 The x-intercept is the value of x
4x = 8 at point (x, 0).
x=2

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 (2) y – 2 ≤ 0,

The y-intercept in this inequality is y = 2. It has no y-intercept since the

graph of the equation y – 2 = 0 is a vertical line.

b. Then graph the system:

Connect the x and y intercepts of each equation and shade the region
where the points are found satisfying each inequality.

4x – 2y = 8

y=2

Example 7: Graph the system by determining the x and y intercepts of each

inequality.
y – 2x ≤ 1
y + 2x ≥ 1
x≥2

Solution:
1. Determine the x and y intercept of each inequality.
(1) y - 2x ≤ 1
1
x-intercept = -
2
y-intercept = 1

(2) y + 2x ≥ 1
1
x-intercept =
2
y-intercept = 1

(3) x ≥ 2
x-intercept = 2
y-intercept = 0

2. Connect the intercepts of each inequality and shade the solution.

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 The solution to the system of inequalities is the intersection of all the
shaded region of each inequality.

The graph:
y + 2x = 1

y – 2x = 1 x=2

Try this out

Graph the system of inequalities and indicate the solution of the system by
double or multiple shades. You can use any method.

1. x≤1 3. y > 5x – 1 5. x+y>2

y<4 y ≥ -2x + 6 2x – y ≤ 1

6. x≥0
2. y<x+3 4. x+y>5 x–y≥0
y<5– 1x 2x – y < 4 x+y≤4
2

Lesson 3

Translate Certain Situations in Real Life to Linear Inequalities

Inequality symbols may be used also to describe mathematical situations.

Refer to the table for mathematical translation of symbols of inequalities.

Symbol Translation in words.

< Less than
≤ Less than or equal to, at most
> Greater than, more than
≥ Greater than or equal, at least

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Example 1. Write an inequality to represent the following situations.

a. The survey shows that less than 20 students have parents with house
of their own.

Let x be the number students with parents owning house of their own.
Translation: x < 20

b. A man traveled a distance m km by walking and 8 times as far as by

bus. He covered more than 100 km.

Let m = the distance traveled by walking

Translation: m + 8m > 100

c. Errold bought 3 pairs of pants. He gave P2000.00 and got a change of

less than P80.00. What are the possible prices of the pair of pants?

Let x = the price of the pants

Translation: 2000 – 3x < 80

Example 2. Mother gave me at most P200 allowance in a week. Which of the

following amount could she give?

a. P200 or less b. P200 or more c. exactly P 200.

What is your guess? What symbol is appropriate for the situation if n is the
amount for allowance intended for a week?

a. n ≤ 200 b. n < 200 e. n = 200 d . n > 200

The right response is a and the guess is a.

Try this out

A. Which of the given inequality symbols describes each statement?

1. Larry is an industrious appliance salesman. His average sales in a week is

at least P10 000. let x represents his sales.
a. x < 10 000 b. x > 10 000 c. x ≤ 10 000 d. x ≥ 10 000

2. A son’s savings x is at most P5.

a. x < 5 b. x > 5 c. x ≤ 5 d. x ≥ 5

3. The sum of the ages of Jennifer (m) and Roy (n) is not more than 32.

a. m + n < 32 b. m + n < 32 c. m + n ≤ 32 d. m + n ≥ 32

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 4. A number x added to three times the number is less than 12.
a. x + 3x < 12 b. x + 3x > 12 c. x + 3x ≤ 12 c. x + 3 ≤ 12

5. Seven times a number is at least 30. Let x be the number.

a. 7x < 30 b. 7x > 30 c. 7x ≤ 30 d. 7x ≥ 30

B. How to graph a Linear Inequality:

Graph the linear inequality, x + 2 < y

Look here my students, and you shall see

how to graph an inequality.

Here’s a simple inequality to try;

x + 2 is less than y, x+2<y

First, Make the “less than “ “equal to”;

So now y equals x plus 2. y=x+2

Then test a number for x; say, 10; x = 10

Now substitute that single constant in y=x+2
Add 10 to 2 and you’ll get y; y = 10 + 2

See if this pair will satisfy

x:10, y:12; you’ll find its right, (10.12)

So graph this point to expedite.

Now find a second ordered pair Figure
that fits in your equation there
x:3, y:5 will do quite well. (3,5)

And its correct, as you can tell.

Plot this point, and then you’ve got

to draw a line from dot to dot. Figure
Make it neat and make it straight;
a ruler’s edge I’d advocate.

The next step’s hard! You’ve got to choose

which side of this line you must use.

Change “equal to” back to “less than,” x+2<y

just as it was when you began.

Test a point on one side.

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 Use 3 for x and 1 for y. (3,1)

Is 1 greater than 3 plus 2?

No! This side will never do! 3+2<1

On the other side, let’s try

1 for x and 4 for y. (1,4)

1 plus 2 (which equals 3)

is less than 4, as you can see. 1+2 <4

Shade in the side that dot is on;

We’ve got one more step to come upon. Figure

Do the points upon your line

for the equation I assigned. x+2=y

Use 1 and 3 for this test; (1,3)

They’re “equal to” , so
Make your line dotted to show this is true 1+2=3

and that is all you have to do!

Let ‘s summarize
Graphs of linear inequalities are described in the table below.

Inequalities Description

y < mx + b The graph is the region or the half-plane below line y = mx + b.

The graph is the region below y = mx + b and includes line y =
y ≤ mx + b
mx + b.
y > mx + b The graph is the region above line y = mx + b.
The graph is the region above line y = mx + b and includes line
y ≥ mx + b
y = mx + b.
x>a The graph is the region to the right of line x = a.
The graph is the region to the right of line x = a and includes
x>a
line x = a.
x<a The graph is the region to the left of line x = a.

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 The graph is the region to the left of line x = a and includes line
x<a
x = a.
y>a The graph is the region above line x = a.

y>a The graph is the region above line x = a and includes line x = a.

y<a The graph is the region below line x = a.

y<a The graph is the region below line x = a and includes line x = a.

Steps in graphing the solution set of a system of linear inequalities:

1. Graph first the equation. Use any of the two methods presented.

2. Test a point on one side of the line by substituting the values in the
inequality. If the point satisfies the inequality, shade the region that
contains the point.

3. The common point is the region where the graphs of the inequalities
intersect.

What have you learned

A. Tell which region A, B, C or D is the graph of the system of inequalities.

1. x < 0 2. x > 2
y<0 y<3

C D A C

22
3. x > -1 4. x < -2
y>1 y > -2

B. Determine which of the following ordered pair is a solution of the system:

x+y≤6
x–y<1

5. (1,3)
6. (1,2)
7. (0,0)
8. (6,0)
9. (-2,0)
10. (7,1)

C. Translate the following inequality statements:

1. Jean is 3 years older than Jericho. The sum of their ages is less than
15 years.

2. Twice a number added to 4 is greater than 50.

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 Answer Key
How much do you know
A. 1. A, F
2. A, C
3. A, D
4. B, C
5. A, D
6. A, E
7. B, D
B. 8. x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) , 30 or 3x + 3 < 30
9. n > 2y
10. 2x + 2 > 84

Try this out

Lesson 1

1. 2.

x+y>2

x–y>1

3. 4.

3x + y <3
3x – y > 6

24
5. B. 1.

2x + 3y > 12
y > 2x - 1

B. 2. 3.

y > 2/3x - 1

y < 3x + 2

4. 5.

y < -3/4x + 2 -x – 2y > 4

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Lesson 2

1. 2.
y=x+3

y=4

y=5– 1 x
2

x=1

3. 4.
y = 5x - 1

x+y=6

y = -2x + 6
2x – y = 4

5. 6. x+y=4 x–y=0
2x – y = 1

x+y=2

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Lesson 3

A. 1. d
2. c
3. c
4. a
5. d

B. Figure

• (10, 12)

(1,4) • (3,5)
•

(3,1)
•
x

27
What have you learned

A. Tell which region A, B, C or D is the graph of the system of inequalities.

D 1. x < 0 C 2. x > 2
y<0 y<3

3.

A 3. x ≥ -1 C 4. x < -2
y≥1 y > -2

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B. Determine whether the ordered pair is a solution of the system:

5. (1,3) 6. (1,2) 7. (0,0) and 8. (6, 0)

C. 1. Jericho is x, Jean is x + 3, The sum of their ages is 2x + 3, The inequality:

2x +3 < 15.
2. 2x + 4 > 50

29