When graphing a linear inequality, how do you know which area of the inequality to shade? Also, how do you know whether the line is solid or dashed?

Question

 When graphing a linear inequality, how do you know which area of the inequality to shade? Also, how do you know whether the line is solid or dashed?

Answer 1

To figure out which area to shade, pick a point on one side of the line and substitute the x and y values for the point into the inequality.  If the inequality is true for that point, then you shade the side that the point is in.  If the inequality is NOT true, then you shade the other side.

 

If the inequality is a "strict" inequality (< or >) then the line is dashed.  If it is "less than or equal to" (≤) or "greater than or equal to" (≥), then the line is solid.