A Line Splits the Plane
Part of the Graphs & Systems section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 42 of 64.
Change the = of a line to < and the solutions stop being a line: they become a whole region. y < x + 1 collects every point BELOW the line y = x + 1, because below is exactly where the y is smaller than x + 1.
y < x + 1: everything below the line
The line itself is the boundary, and the inequality picks a side: > shades above, < shades below, when y stands alone on the left. One equation, one line; one inequality, half a plane.
Challenge
Shade the solutions of y < 2x - 1.
Try it yourself
Draw the graph
This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Graphs & Systems
1The Coordinate Plane
Two Numbers, One PointThe Four QuadrantsPoints on the AxesMirror PointsRecap: The Plane4Slope-Intercept Form
y = mx + bThe Starting HeightWrite the EquationSolve for yDraw From Any FormRecap: y = mx + b7Parallel & Perpendicular
Same Slope, Never MeetThe Perpendicular SlopeA Right-Angle LineRecap: Two Relations2From Rule to Line
A Rule Makes PointsThe Points Line UpOn the Line or Not?Between the DotsRecap: Rule to Line3Slope
Steepness as a NumberSlope From Two PointsDownhill LinesFlat and Straight UpA Fraction of a SlopeRecap: Slope9Shaded Regions
A Line Splits the PlaneSolid or DashedTest a PointRearrange, Then ShadeRecap: Half-Planes