Graphing Inequalities on a Number Line Calculator

Graph linear inequalities and compound inequality systems on a number line with interval notation

Graph Inequalities on Number Line

Inequality

x
Current inequality: x > 0

Solution and Graph

Solution: x > 0
Interval Notation: (0, ∞)

Number Line Graph

-5-4-3-2-10123x > 0
• Filled circles: included in solution (≤, ≥)
• Open circles: not included in solution (<, >)
• Colored lines show the direction and range of each inequality

Example: Compound Inequality

Problem: Graph x > -2 and x ≤ 5

Step 1: We have two inequalities:

• x > -2 (greater than -2, open circle)

• x ≤ 5 (less than or equal to 5, filled circle)

Step 2: Find intersection of both conditions

Step 3: Values must satisfy both: x > -2 AND x ≤ 5

Solution

Answer: -2 < x ≤ 5

Interval Notation: (-2, 5]

Graph: Open circle at -2, filled circle at 5, line connecting them

Inequality Symbols

<

Less than

Open circle, strict inequality

Less than or equal to

Filled circle, non-strict

>

Greater than

Open circle, strict inequality

Greater than or equal to

Filled circle, non-strict

Interval Notation

[a, b]

Closed: includes endpoints

(a, b)

Open: excludes endpoints

[a, b)

Half-open: includes a, excludes b

(-∞, a]

Unbounded left, includes a

[a, ∞)

Unbounded right, includes a

Empty set (no solution)

Understanding Inequality Graphing

What are Linear Inequalities?

Linear inequalities are mathematical expressions that compare a variable to a value using inequality symbols (<, ≤, >, ≥). Unlike equations that have specific solutions, inequalities represent ranges of values.

Compound Inequalities

  • AND: All inequalities must be satisfied simultaneously
  • Intersection: Find the overlap of all solution sets
  • No Solution: When inequalities contradict each other

Graphing Rules

Step 1: Mark the Point

Find the inequality value on the number line

Step 2: Choose Circle Type

Open circle for <, > | Filled circle for ≤, ≥

Step 3: Draw Direction

Left for <, ≤ | Right for >, ≥

Step 4: Find Intersection

Where all inequality regions overlap