Graphing Inequality Solutions
Graphing inequality solutions on a number line is a key Grade 7 skill from Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 (Chapter 11: Inequalities). Students use open circles for strict inequalities (< or >) and closed circles for inclusive inequalities (≤ or ≥), then shade the number line in the direction of all valid solutions.
Key Concepts
When graphing inequality solutions on a number line: Use an open circle (○) for $<$ or $ $ (value not included) Use a closed circle (●) for $\leq$ or $\geq$ (value included) Shade the line in the direction of the solution set.
Common Questions
How do you graph inequality solutions on a number line?
Place an open circle for < or > (value not included) or a closed circle for ≤ or ≥ (value included) at the boundary number. Then shade the number line in the direction of valid solutions.
What is the difference between open circle and closed circle when graphing inequalities?
An open circle means the boundary value is NOT included in the solution (used with < and >). A closed circle means the boundary value IS included (used with ≤ and ≥).
How do you know which direction to shade when graphing an inequality?
Shade toward all values that satisfy the inequality. For x > 3, shade to the right (values greater than 3). For x ≤ -2, shade to the left (values less than or equal to -2).
What chapter in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 covers graphing inequalities?
Chapter 11: Inequalities in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 (Grade 7) covers graphing inequality solutions on a number line.
How do you check if your inequality graph is correct?
Pick a test value from the shaded region and substitute it into the original inequality. If the inequality is true, your graph is correct.