Step 1. Graph the line , but use a dashed rather than a solid line.
Step 2. Since the graph you just made passes through the origin, you need to select a test point other than the generally convenient selection of the origin. I recommend the point (1,1) in this case, but you can use any point you like so long as it does not lie on the line you graphed in step 1.
Step 3. Substitute the values of the coordinates of the point you selected in step 2 into your original inequality.
If you have a TRUE statement, shade in the half-plane on the same side of the line that contains the selected test point.
If you have a FALSE statement, shade in the half-plane on the side of the line that does NOT contain the selected test point.
The shaded area is the graph of the inequality. The dashed line indicates that points ON the line are NOT included in the solution set. Contrast this situation with graphing the inequality . Because of the symbol you DO include the points that are on the line in the solution set by graphing the line as a solid line.
