The how to represent an inequality in a graph question

In summary: If you're still unsure, try plotting a few points and seeing which half-plane they fall in.In summary, the conversation discusses how to graph linear inequalities and determine which half-plane they represent. It is explained that the orientation of the axes on a conventional graph affects whether the region is labeled as "above" or "below" the line. The process of determining the half-plane is also explained using an example.
  • #1
#neutrino
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if x+y ≥ 2 it contains all the point in the line x+y =2 and the half plane above it. but ,graph if x-y ≥ 2 then if consider a line x-y= 2 the inequality represents the line and the half plane below it . i don't understand why it represents the half line below it why not above ?
 
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  • #2
That is because of the way we set up our axes on a conventional graph - with the y-axis rotated 90 degrees anticlockwise from the x-axis. This makes it natural for us to characterise lines via equations of the form [itex]y = m x + c[/itex]. So naturally, if we have an inequality of form [itex]y \geq m x + c[/itex], the region is "above" the line, while for [itex]y \leq m x + c[/itex], the region is "below" the line, since our axes are oriented such that the y-axis increases along the vertical direction.
 
  • #3
You changed the sign of y which is a horizontal reflection along the x-axis so above becomes below and vice versa.
 
  • #4
#neutrino said:
if x+y ≥ 2 it contains all the point in the line x+y =2 and the half plane above it. but ,graph if x-y ≥ 2 then if consider a line x-y= 2 the inequality represents the line and the half plane below it . i don't understand why it represents the half line below it why not above ?
Clearly the graph of ##x - y \ge 2## includes the line x - y = 2. To determine which half-plane makes up the rest of the graph, pick a point that isn't on the line, and see if it makes the inequality a true statement. For example, does the point (0, 0) satisfy the inequality? Does the point (2, -2) satisfy the inequality?
 
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1. What is an inequality?

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two quantities or values and indicates that one is greater than, less than, or not equal to the other.

2. How do you represent an inequality in a graph?

To represent an inequality in a graph, you would use a number line or coordinate plane to graph the two quantities being compared. The solution to the inequality will be represented by a shaded region on the graph.

3. What is the difference between an open and closed circle on an inequality graph?

An open circle represents a value that is not included in the solution to the inequality, while a closed circle represents a value that is included in the solution. For example, in the inequality x < 5, a closed circle would be used at x = 5, while an open circle would be used at x = 5 in the inequality x > 5.

4. How do you know which direction to shade on an inequality graph?

The direction to shade on an inequality graph depends on the inequality symbol used. If the symbol is <, >, ≤, or ≥, the shading would be towards the left or right depending on the direction of the symbol. If the symbol is ≠, the shading would be on both sides of the graph.

5. Can you use an inequality graph to find the solution to the inequality?

Yes, you can use an inequality graph to find the solution by looking at the shaded region. The solution will be all the values within the shaded region, including the boundary points represented by the closed circles.

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