SOLUTION: How would I graph the inequality y < or = to -4?? I can't seem to get a grasp on this graphing thing, so can anyone help?? Thanks!

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: How would I graph the inequality y < or = to -4?? I can't seem to get a grasp on this graphing thing, so can anyone help?? Thanks!      Log On


   

Question 121150: How would I graph the inequality y < or = to -4?? I can't seem to get a grasp on this graphing thing, so can anyone help?? Thanks!
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Start with the given inequality:

y+%3C=-4

Set up a number line:
number_line%28500%2C-14%2C6%29 note: just replace the x with the variable you are working with


Now plot the point y+=-4 on the number line


number_line%28500%2C-14%2C6%2C+-4%29


Now pick any test point you want, I'm going to choose y =0, and test the inequality y+%3C=-4


0%3C=-4 Plug in y+=0


Since this inequality is not true, we simply shade the entire portion that does not contain the point y =0 using the point y+=-4 as the boundary. This means we shade everything to the left of the point y+=-4 like this:
Graph of y+%3C=-4 with the shaded region in blue
note: at the point y+=-4, there is an closed circle. This means the point y+=-4 is included from the solution set.