Two-Variable Inequalities

Introduction
A linear equation with two variables has infinitely many ordered pair solutions that form a
line when graphed. A linear inequality with two variables, on the other hand, has a solution set
consisting of a region that defines half of the plane. In line with this, an equality uses an equal
sign while an inequality uses an inequality symbol such as greater than, greater than or equal, less
than, and less than or equal.

A linear inequality can be written in one of the following forms:

𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 > 𝐶 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 ≥ 𝐶 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 < 𝐶 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 ≤ 𝐶

Where A and B are not both zero.

The figure below displays a graph representation of a linear equation and the four different
inequalities that can be drawn from an equation of a line.

Linear Equation
3
𝑦 = 𝑥+3
2

Linear Inequalities

3 3 3 3
𝑦 < 𝑥+3 𝑦 ≤ 𝑥+3 𝑦 > 𝑥+3 𝑦 ≥ 𝑥+3
2 2 2 2
 In terms of inequality, the line defines the boundary of the region that is shaded. When the
inequality is “less than” the region shaded is located below the boundary line. In contrast, the
shaded region is above when the inequality is “greater than”. This is for lines with positive slopes.
This indicates that that any ordered pair in the shaded region, including the boundary line, will
satisfy the inequality. However, the boundary may not always be included in that set. The boundary
line is only part of the solution set if it uses “or equal to” (≥, ≤) part of the inclusive inequality
which is denoted as a solid line while if the given is a strict inequality (>, <) then it uses a dashed
line that indicates that those points are not included in the solution set.

Source: Saylor Academy GitHub

Solutions of Two-Variable Inequality

Two-Variable Inequality can be verified and identified using the following:
1. Point Testing (By Substitution)
2. Graphical Method

Testing Solutions to Inequalities

Point Testing (By Substitution)

A simple way to test if a point/s is/are solution of an inequality is to substitute the points
to the inequality and then check if the results are true for the inequality.
Example 1:
Is (1,2) a solution of 6𝑥 − 𝑦 > 3?

Solution:
Let's substitute (1, 2) into the inequality
?
6𝑥 − 𝑦 > 3
?
6(1) − 2 > 3
✓
4 > 3

Therefore, (1, 2) is a solution of 6𝑥 − 𝑦 > 3.

Source: Khan Academy

Example 2:
Identify if the ordered pairs (3, 5) and (1, -7) are solutions of the inequality 5𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 25.

Solution:
For (3, 5)
Substitute to the inequality
?
5𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 25
?
5(3) − 3(5) < 25
✓
0 < 25

Therefore, (3, 5) is a solution of the inequality 5𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 25.

For (1, -7)

?
5𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 25
?
5(1) − 3(−7) < 25

26 ≮ 25

Therefore, (1, -7) is not a solution of the inequality 5𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 25.

For more explanation please watch: https://youtu.be/2oGsLdAWxlk

Example 3:
1
Determine whether the ordered pair (2, 2 ), is a solution to 9𝑥 − 4𝑦 < 21.

Solution:
1
First, substitute (2, 2 ) to the given inequality
?
9𝑥 − 4𝑦 ≤ 21
1 ?
9(2) − 4 ( ) ≤ 21
2
?
18 − 2 ≤ 21
✓
16 ≤ 21

1
Therefore, (2, 2 ) is a solution of the inequality 9𝑥 − 4𝑦 ≤ 21.

Example 4:
Is (−3, −2) a solution to 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 0?

Solution:
To identify, substitute (−3, −2) to the inequality
?
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 > 0
?
2(−3) − 3(−2) > 0
?
−6 + 6 > 0

0 ≯ 0

Thus, (−3, −2) is not a solution to 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 0.

Source: Solving Inequalities with Two Variables (saylordotorg.github.io)

Example 5:
1 7
Identify whether or not the ordered pairs ( − 5 , 3) and ( 5, 2) are solutions that satisfies the

inequality 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 ≥ 12.

Solution:
1
For (− 5 , 3)

Substitute to the given inequality

?
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 ≥ 12
1 ?
3 (− ) + 4(3) ≥ 12
5
?
3
− + 12 ≥ 12
5
57
≱ 12
5

1
Therefore, (− 5 , 3) is not a solution of the inequality 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 ≥ 12.

7
For (5, 2)
?
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 ≥ 12
7 ?
3(5) + 4 ( ) ≥ 12
2
?
15 + 14 ≥ 12
✓
29 ≥ 12

7
Therefore, (5, 2) is a solution to the inequality 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 ≥ 12.
Graphical Check of the Solutions of Inequalities

The graphical method is a direct way to determine if an ordered pair is a solution of an

inequality. The shaded graph on the coordinate plane is mostly used to represent the solution of an
inequality. You just need to check if the points plotted fall within the region of the inequality.

Example 1:
Is (2, -3) a solution of the graphed inequality?

Solution:
We just need to plot the point (2, -3) in the graph.

Since (2, -3) is outside the shaded region, therefore (2, -3) is not a solution of the inequality.
Example 2:
Is (1, -2) a solution of the graphed inequality?

Solution:
Plot (1, -2) in the inequality graph.

The point (1, -2) inside the shaded area, therefore, (1, -2) is a solution of the inequality.
Example 3:
Is (0, 1) a solution of the graphed inequality?

Solution:
Plot (0, 1) in the inequality graph.

Since (0, 1) is outside the shaded region, therefore (0, 1) is not a solution of the inequality.
Example 4:
Is (1, -8) a solution of the graphed inequality?

Solution:
Plot (1, -8) in the inequality graph.

The point (1, -8) inside the shaded area, therefore, (1, -8) is a solution of the inequality.
Example 5:
Is (-0.5, -3) a solution of the graphed inequality?

Solution:
Plot (-0.5, -3) in the inequality graph.

Since (-0.5, -3) is outside the shaded region, therefore (-0.5, -3) is not a solution of the
inequality.
Testing Solutions to Systems of Inequalities

To test a solution of systems of inequality, the solution must meet all the requirements of
all the inequalities. In graphical form, the solution lies in the intersections of the shaded regions in
the systems.

Example 1:
Check if the ordered pair (2, 5) is a solution of the systems 𝑦 ≥ 2𝑥 + 1 and 𝑥 > 1.

Solution:
Substitute (2, 5) in the first inequality.
?
𝑦 ≥ 2𝑥 + 1
?
5 ≥ 2(2) + 1
✓
5 ≥ 5

For the next inequality.

?
𝑥 > 1
✓
2 > 1

The point (2, 5) satisfied both, therefore, (2, 5) is a solution of the systems 𝑦 ≥ 2𝑥 + 1 and
𝑥 > 1.

For more explanations: https://youtu.be/XzYNh2wpO0A

Example 2:
For the systems 8𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 4 and 9𝑥 + 2𝑦 < −1. Is (5, -5) a solution of the system?

Solution:
Substitute (5, -5) in the first inequality
?
8𝑥 − 3𝑦 < 4
?
8(5) − 3(−5) < 4
55 ≮ 4

Then, substitute (5, -5) to the second inequality

?
9𝑥 − 2𝑦 < 1
?
9(5) − 2(−5) < 1
55 ≮ 1

(5, -5) did not satisfy the first and second inequality. Therefore (5, -5) is not a solution of
the system.

Example 3:
Which from (5, 5), (-4, 4), (-6, 3), and (2, -5) is/are solution/s of the graphed system of inequalities?
 Solution:
Plot all the points in the inequality graphs.

Based on the graph, (-4, 4) is outside both the inequality graphs, therefore, it is not
a solution to the system. While, both (-6, 3) and (5, 5) are part of an inequality however
they don’t lie in the intersections of the shaded regions thus, both of them are not solutions
of the system. Considering the graph, it is evident that (2, -5) is the only solution of systems
of inequality since it meets all the requirements needed.

Source: Khan Academy

Example 4:
For the systems 3𝑦 ≥ 2𝑥 − 5 and 9𝑥 + 4𝑦 < 6. Is (-5, -3) a solution of the system?

Solution:
Substitute (-5, -3) in the first inequality
?
3𝑦 ≥ 2𝑥 − 5
?
3(−3) ≥ 2(−5) − 5
✓
−9 ≥ −15
 Then, substitute (-5, -3) to the second inequality
?
9𝑥 − 4𝑦 < 6
?
9(−5) − 2(−3) < 6
−39 < 6

The ordered pair (-5, -3) satisfies the first and second inequality. Therefore (-5, -3) is a
solution of the system.

Example 5:
Which ordered pairs (−1.5, 7), (−4, 1), (2, 6), and (6.5, −1) is/are solution/s of the graphed
system of inequalities?

Solution:
To determine which ordered pairs are solution of the system of inequalities, we must plot
them in the graph
 As specified in the graph, (6.5, -1) and (-4, 1) is not a solution of the system since
they are only part of a single inequality. While, (-1.5, 7) and (2, 6) are considered a solution
of the system for the reason that they lie in the intersections of the shaded regions.

Constraining Solutions of Two-Variable Inequalities

Constraining solutions in an inequality is often used in practical problem. Considering that,

the solutions only have values that are only in a certain line or is only in a particular range. It will
be best if this will be done using an example.

Example 1:
Which x-values make the ordered pair (x, 8) a solution of the inequality 7𝑥 + 2𝑦 > 9?

Solution:
From this, the constraint of the solution exists at 𝑦 = 8.
Substitute 𝑦 = 8 in the inequality.
7𝑥 + 2(8) > 9
7𝑥 + 16 > 9
7𝑥 > −7
𝑥 > −1

Therefore, the x-values of the solutions constrained at 𝑦 = 8 is for all 𝑥 > −1.
Example 2:
Which x-values make the ordered pair (𝑥, −5) a solution of the inequality represented by the
graph?

Solution:
The constraint of the solution exists at 𝑦 = −5. In this case, a line was drawn to represent
the constraint equation.
 The graph above shows that the x-values of the solution is for 𝑥 ≥ −4. In addition,
(−4, −5) lies in the solid boundary line which indicates that it is part of the solution.

Example 3:
Which y-values make the ordered pair (7, 𝑦) a solution of the inequality represented by the graph
below?

Solution:
The constraint of the solution exists at 𝑥 = 7 . To evidently represent the constraint
equation, a line was drawn on the graph.
 As manifested in the graph, the y-values of the solution is for 𝑦 > 8. Since it is a
strict inequality, thus it uses dashed line for the boundary that signifies that (7, 8) is not
part of the solution to the given inequality graph.

Example 4:
Which x-values make the ordered pair (𝑥, −7) a solution of the following inequality?
2𝑥 − 7𝑦 < 25

Solution:
The constraint of the solution exists at 𝑦 = −7.
Then, substitute 𝑦 = −7 in the inequality.

2𝑥 − 7(−7) < 25
2𝑥 + 49 < 25
2𝑥 < −24
𝑥 < −12

Therefore, the x-values of the solutions constrained at 𝑦 = −7 is for all 𝑥 < −12.
Example 5:
In the following inequality, 𝑥 represents the number of lavender plants and 𝑦 represents the
number of jasmine plants can water.
0.9𝑥 + 0.7𝑦 ≤ 14
Elizabeth waters 11 jasmine plants. How many lavender plants can she water at most with the
remaining amount of water?

Solution:
Let 𝑦 = 11
Then, substitute 𝑦 = 11 to the inequalities

0.9𝑥 + 0.7𝑦 ≤ 14
0.9𝑥 + 0.7(11) ≤ 14
0.9𝑥 + 7.7 ≤ 14
0.9𝑥 ≤ 14 − 7.7
0.9𝑥 ≤ 6.3
𝑥≤7
The x-values of the solutions constrained at 𝑦 = 11 is for all 𝑥 ≤ 7.
Therefore, Elizabeth can water at most 7 lavender plants with the remaining amount of
water.

For more discussions, watch:

1. https://youtu.be/a5YZ7-JRSUE
2. https://youtu.be/BGyrSuW3GCg

Graphing Calculator: DESMOS Graphing Calculator

Source: Khan Academy
Constraining Solutions of Systems of Inequalities
We will show this using examples.

Example 1:
Which y-values make the ordered pair (0, y) a solution of the system of inequalities given?
3𝑦 − 𝑥 ≥ −6
3𝑦 < 4𝑥 + 9
Solution:
The constraint exists at 𝑥 = 0.
3𝑦 − 𝑥 ≥ −6 → ①
3𝑦 < 4𝑥 + 9 → ②
Substitute the constraint for each inequality.
For ①,
3𝑦 − 0 ≥ −6
𝑦 ≥ −2
For ②,
3𝑦 < 4(0) + 9
𝑦<3
Now, the intersection of the two solutions are
−2 ≤ 𝑦 < 3
Therefore, the solution of the inequalities at 𝑥 = 0 is for the range −2 ≤ 𝑦 < 3.

Example 2:
Which y-values make the ordered pair (-9, y) a solution of the system of inequalities given?
3𝑦 − 𝑥 ≥ −6
3𝑦 < 4𝑥 + 9
Solution:
The constraint exists at 𝑥 = −9.
3𝑦 − 𝑥 ≥ −6 → ①
3𝑦 < 4𝑥 + 9 → ②
 Substitute the constraint for each inequality.
For ①,
3𝑦 − (−9) ≥ −6
𝑦 ≥ −5
For ②,
3𝑦 < 4(9) + 9
𝑦 < −9
The intersection of the two solutions does not exist (-5 cannot be less than -9). Therefore,
the system of inequality does not have a solution at the constraint 𝑥 = −9.

Example 3:
Which y-values make the ordered pair (0, y) a solution of the system of inequalities represented
by the graph?

Solution:
Since the constraint is at 𝑥 = 0. We can draw a vertical line on top of the y-axis.
We can see several range from the graph. One is from 𝑦 ≥ 3, which is located only on the
“red” colored inequality. The other one is at 𝑦 < −2 which is located only on the “blue”
inequality. The third one is at −2 ≤ 𝑦 < 3, which apparently is at the intersection of the
two inequalities.
 Therefore, the range −2 ≤ 𝑦 < 3 is the solution of the system given the constraint.
Source: Khan Academy

Example 4:
Which y-values make the ordered pair (1, y) a solution of the system of inequalities given?
2𝑦 − 3𝑥 ≥ 5
𝑦 + 2𝑥 < −4
Solution:
The constraint exists at 𝑥 = 1.
2𝑦 − 3𝑥 ≥ 5 → ①
𝑦 + 2𝑥 < −4 → ②
Substitute the constraint for each inequality.
For ①,
2𝑦 − 3(1) ≥ 5
𝑦≥ 8
For ②,
𝑦 + 2(1) < −4
𝑦 < −6
 Now, the intersection of the two solutions are
8 ≤ 𝑦 < −6
The intersection of the two solutions does not exist. Therefore, the system of inequality
does not have a solution at the constraint 𝑥 = 1.

Example 5:
You go to the store and buy goods for a kid’s part. Bags of candy costs P20 each which are
good for 20 kids and bags of chocolates for P50 each, enough for 25 kids. You need to buy goods
for 100 kids, but you only have to spend at most P100.

Solution:
Let x = bags of candy, and y = bags of chocolate

Solving for the constraints,

Cost constraint: Total item constraint:
20 𝑥 + 50 𝑦 ≤ 100 20 𝑥 + 25 𝑦 ≥ 100

To determine the intercepts of each graph,

For the cost constraints, let y(0) = 0
20 (0) + 50 𝑦 = 100 20 𝑥 + 50 (0) = 100
𝑦 = 2 𝑥 = 5
(𝟎, 𝟐) (𝟓, 𝟎)
For the total item constraints, let y(0) = 0
20 (0) + 25 𝑦 = 100 20 𝑥 + 25 (0) = 100
𝑦 = 4 𝑥 = 5
(𝟎, 𝟒) (𝟓, 𝟎)
 20 x + 25 y ≥ 100

20 x + 50 y ≥ 100

The figure above shows the graph which indicates the constraint solution of the system of
inequalities of the given example. The region of inequalities is obtained through the
equations of inequalities and plotting the attained intercepts.

Other resources:
Graphing Two-Variable Inequalities
1. https://youtu.be/unSBFwK881s
2. https://youtu.be/FnrqBgot3jM
3. https://youtu.be/YBYu5aZPLeg
4. https://youtu.be/CA4S7S-3Lg4
5. https://youtu.be/-aTy1ED1m5I
6. https://youtu.be/C_7Tqk9fw4k
7. Khan Academy
8. Khan Academy Link 2
Modeling with Linear Inequalities
Word Problems
1. https://youtu.be/MHgi8ZQCG0I
2. https://youtu.be/TTYDbGXgcCk
3. https://youtu.be/ysdY1iX_XCs
4. https://youtu.be/DhiiGFuUE9I
5. https://youtu.be/BUmLw5m6F9s
6. https://youtu.be/jRnkxSfwIpU
7. https://youtu.be/ZTKAn9YNbNY