We can graph real numbers by representing them as points on the number
line. For example, we can graph "
" on the number
We can also graph inequalities on the number line. The following graph
represents the inequality
. The dark line
represents all the numbers that satisfy
. If we
pick any number on the dark line and plug it in for
, the inequality
will be true.
We can use the number line to solve inequalities containing < , ≤ , > , and ≥ . To solve an inequality using the number line, change the inequality sign to an equal sign, and solve the equation. Then graph the point on the number line (graph it as an open circle if the original inequality was "<" or ">"). The number line should now be divided into 2 regions -- one to the left of the point and one to the right of the point
Next, pick a point in each region and "test" it -- see if it satisfies the inequality when plugged in for the variable. If it satisfies the inequality, draw a dark line from the point into that region, with an arrow at the end. This is the solution set to the equation: if one point in the region satisfies the inequality, the entire region will satisfy the inequality.
-3(x - 2)≤12
Solve -3(x - 2) = 12 :
x - 2 = - 4Graph x = - 2 , using a filled circle because the original inequality was ≤ :
x = - 2
Pick a point on the left of -2 ( -3 , for example):Draw a dark line from -2 extending to the right, with an arrow at the end:
-3(- 3 - 2)≤12 ?
15≤12 ? No.
Pick a point on the right of -2 ( 0 , for example):
-3(0 - 2)≤12 ?
6≤12 ? Yes.