Graph an Inequality on a Number Line

Graphing an Inequality on a Number Line

1. Isolate the variable first.
   If the inequality includes operations, simplify it until the variable is alone on one side. Use the same inverse operations on both sides.

2. Identify the boundary value.
   The number that makes the inequality into an equation is the boundary. This is the point you place on the number line.

3. Choose the correct circle.

   • Use an open circle for < or > because the boundary is not included.
   • Use a closed circle for ≤ or ≥ because the boundary is included.

4. Shade in the correct direction.

   • Shade left for values less than the boundary.
   • Shade right for values greater than the boundary.

5. Check your graph.
   Pick a test number from the shaded region and substitute it into the original inequality. If the statement is true, your graph is correct.

Quick reminder: make sure the final answer is simplified before graphing, and if you multiply or divide by a negative number while solving, reverse the inequality symbol.