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Once inequalities are solved (click
here to go to a
lesson on solving one-step inequalities),
we can graph the solution set.
In the inequality x < 4, "x" could be
any number less than 4.
This not only includes integers, but
decimals and fractions, too. We can graph the solution set on a
number line.
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To graph our solution set we
must show that all the numbers less than 4 (but not including
the 4) could replace the "x" in x < 4.
We show this by placing an
open circle on
the 4 and drawing an arrow to the left to show "less than". |
Let's graph the solution set for the
inequality x ≥ -1.
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To graph this solution set we
must show that all the numbers greater than -1, including the
-1, could replace the "x".
We show this by placing a
closed circle on
the -1 and drawing an arrow to the right to show "greater than". |
Things to remember...
 If the symbol
in the inequality is < or >, use an
open circle above the
number being graphed.
If the symbol
in the inequality is ≤ or ≥, use a
closed circle
above the number being graphed.
If the symbol
in the inequality is < or ≤, draw an arrow
to the left to show "less than".
If the symbol
in the inequality is > or ≥, draw an arrow
to the right to show "greater than".
Let's
practice graphing
inequalities.
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