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5.11: Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

  • Page ID
    129562
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    An outside view of a coffee shop. People are seen inside sitting and drinking coffee.
    Figure 5.97 Many college students find part-time jobs at places such as coffee shops to help pay for college. (credit: modification of work “TULLY’s COFFEE” by MIKI Yoshihito/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

    Learning Objectives

    After completing this section, you should be able to:

    1. Demonstrate whether an ordered pair is a solution to a system of linear inequalities.
    2. Solve systems of linear inequalities using graphical methods.
    3. Graph systems of linear inequalities.
    4. Interpret and solve applications of linear inequalities.

    In this section, we will learn how to solve systems of linear inequalities in two variables. In Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables, we learned how to solve for systems of linear equations in two variables and found a solution that would work in both equations. We can solve systems of inequalities by graphing each inequality (as discussed in Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities) and putting these on the same coordinate system. The double-shaded part will be our solution to the system. There are many real-life examples for solving systems of linear inequalities.

    Consider Ming who has two jobs to help her pay for college. She works at a local coffee shop for $7.50 per hour and at a research lab on campus for $12 per hour. Due to her busy class schedule, she cannot work more than 15 hours per week. If she needs to make at least $150 per week, can she work seven hours at the coffee shop and eight hours in the lab?

    Determining If an Ordered Pair Is a Solution of a System of Linear Inequalities

    The definition of a system of linear inequalities is similar to the definition of a system of linear equations. A system of linear inequalities looks like a system of linear equations, but it has inequalities instead of equations. A system of two linear inequalities is shown here.

    { x+4y103x2y<12{ x+4y103x2y<12

    To solve a system of linear inequalities, we will find values of the variables that are solutions to both inequalities. We solve the system by using the graphs of each inequality and show the solution as a graph. We will find the region on the plane that contains all ordered pairs (x,y)(x,y) that make both inequalities true. The solution of a system of linear inequalities is shown as a shaded region in the xyxy-coordinate system that includes all the points whose ordered pairs make the inequalities true.

    To determine if an ordered pair is a solution to a system of two inequalities, substitute the values of the variables into each inequality. If the ordered pair makes both inequalities true, it is a solution to the system.

    Example 5.89

    Determining Whether an Ordered Pair Is a Solution to a System

    Determine whether the ordered pair is a solution to the system:

    {x+4y103x2y<12{x+4y103x2y<12

    1. (2,4)(2,4)
    2. (3,1)(3,1)
    Answer

    1. Is the ordered pair (2,4)(2,4) a solution?

      We substitute x=2x=2 and y=4y=4 into both inequalities.

      x+4y10-2+4(4)?101410true3x2y<123(-2)2(4)<?1214<12truex+4y10-2+4(4)?101410true3x2y<123(-2)2(4)<?1214<12true

      The ordered pair (2,4)(2,4) made both inequalities true. Therefore (2,4)(2,4) is a solution to this system.

    2. Is the ordered pair (3,1)(3,1) a solution?

      We substitute x=3x=3 and y=1y=1 into both inequalities.

      x+4y103+4(1)?10710false3x2y<123(3)2(1)<?127<12truex+4y103+4(1)?10710false3x2y<123(3)2(1)<?127<12true

      The ordered pair (3,1)(3,1) made one inequality true, but the other one false. Therefore (3,1)(3,1) is not a solution to this system.

    Your Turn 5.89

    Determine whether the ordered pair is a solution to the system:
    10 \hfill \\ 2x + 3y > - 2 \hfill \\ \end{gathered} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{gathered} x - 5y > 10 \hfill \\ 2x + 3y > - 2 \hfill \\ \end{gathered} \right./**/
    1.
    /**/(3, −1)/**/
    2.
    /**/(6, −3)/**/

    Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities Using Graphical Methods

    The solution to a single linear inequality was the region on one side of the boundary line that contains all the points that make the inequality true. The solution to a system of two linear inequalities is a region that contains the solutions to both inequalities. We will review graphs of linear inequalities and solve the linear inequality from its graph.

    Example 5.90

    Solving a System of Linear Inequalities by Graphing

    Use Figure 5.98 to solve the system of linear inequalities:

    {y2x1y<x+1{y2x1y<x+1

    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 6 to 6, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 5), (negative 1, 0), (0, 1), and (5, 6). The region below the line is shaded in light blue. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 2, negative 5), (0, negative 1), and (4, 7). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect approximately at (2, 3). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray.
    Figure 5.98
    Answer

    To solve the system of linear inequalities we look at the graph and find the region that satisfies BOTH inequalities. To do this we pick a test point and check. Let's us pick (1,1)(1,1).

    Is (-1,-1)(-1,-1) a solution to y2x1?y2x1?

    -1 ? 2 ( - 1 ) 1 1 3 true -1 ? 2 ( - 1 ) 1 1 3 true

    Is (-1,-1)(-1,-1) a solution to y<x+1?y<x+1?

    - 1 < ? - 1 + 1 1 < 0 true - 1 < ? - 1 + 1 1 < 0 true

    The region containing (1,1)(1,1) is the solution to the system of linear inequalities. Notice that the solution is all the points in the area shaded twice, which appears as the darkest shaded region.

    Your Turn 5.90

    1.
    Use the graph shown to solve the system of linear inequalities:
    - x - 1 \\ \end{array}} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} y < 3x + 2 \\ y > - x - 1 \\ \end{array}} \right./**/
    Two dashed lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 10 to 10, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, 8), (negative 1, 0), (0, 1), and (8, negative 9). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 3, negative 7), (0, 2), and (2, 8). The region to the right of the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect approximately at (negative 0.8, negative 0.2). The region to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue.
    Figure 5.99

    Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities

    We learned that the solution to a system of two linear inequalities is a region that contains the solutions to both inequalities. To find this region by graphing, we will graph each inequality separately and then locate the region where they are both true. The solution is always shown as a graph.

    Step 1: Graph the first inequality.

    Graph the boundary line.

    Shade in the side of the boundary line where the inequality is true.

    Step 2: On the same grid, graph the second inequality.

    Graph the boundary line.

    Shade in the side of that boundary line where the inequality is true.

    Step 3: The solution is the region where the shading overlaps.

    Step 4: Check by choosing a test point.

    Example 5.91

    Solving a System of Linear Inequalities by Graphing

    Solve the system by graphing:

    {xy>3y<15x+4{xy>3y<15x+4
    Answer

    Graph xy>3Figure 5.100). The intercepts are x=3x=3 and y=3y=3 and the boundary line will be dashed. Test (0,0)(0,0) which makes the inequality false so shade the side that does not contain (0,0)(0,0).

    A dashed line is plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The line passes through the points, (negative 5, negative 8), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (8, 5). The region below the line is shaded.
    Figure 5.100

    Graph y<15x+4Figure 5.101). The boundary line will be dashed. Test (0,0)(0,0) which makes the inequality true, so shade the side that contains (0,0)(0,0).

    Two dashed lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 5, negative 8), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (8, 5). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 5, 5), (0, 4), and (5, 3). The region below the line is shaded in light blue. The two lines intersect approximately at (5.8, 2.9). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray.
    Figure 5.101

    Choose a test point in the solution and verify that it is a solution to both inequalities. The point of intersection of the two lines is not included as both boundary lines were dashed. The solution is the area shaded twice—which appears as the darkest shaded region.

    Your Turn 5.91

    1.
    Solve the system by graphing:
    /**/\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {x + y \leq 2} \\ {y \geq \frac{2}{3}x - 1} \end{array}} \right./**/

    Example 5.92

    Graphing a System of Linear Inequalities

    Solve the system by graphing:

    {x2y<5y>4{x2y<5y>4
    Answer

    Graph x2y<5Figure 5.102) and testing a point. The intercepts are x=5x=5 and y=2.5y=2.5 and the boundary line will be dashed. Test (0,0)(0,0), which makes the inequality true, so shade the side that contains (0,0)(0,0).

    A dashed line is plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The line passes through the points, (negative 7, negative 6), (0, negative 2.5), (5, 0), and (9, 2). The region above the line is shaded.
    Figure 5.102

    Graph y>4Figure 5.103). The boundary line will be dashed. Test (0,0)(0,0), which makes the inequality true so shade the side that contains (0,0)(0,0).

    Two dashed lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The first line is horizontal and it passes through y equals negative 4. The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 7, negative 6), (0, negative 2.5), (5, 0), and (9, 2). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The two lines intersect approximately at (negative 3, negative 4). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in dark blue.
    Figure 5.103

    The point (0,0)(0,0) is in the solution, and we have already found it to be a solution of each inequality. The point of intersection of the two lines is not included as both boundary lines were dashed. The solution is the area shaded twice, which appears as the darkest shaded region.

    Your Turn 5.92

    1.
    Solve the system by graphing:
    /**/\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} y \geq 3x - 2 \hfill \\ y < - 1 \hfill \\ \end{array}} \right./**/

    Systems of linear inequalities where the boundary lines are parallel might have no solution. We will see this in the next example.

    Example 5.93

    Graphing Parallel Boundary Lines with No Solution

    Solve the system by graphing:

    {4x+3y12y<43x+1{4x+3y12y<43x+1
    Answer

    Graph 4x+3y12Figure 5.104) and testing a point. The intercepts are x=3x=3 and y=4y=4 and the boundary line will be solid. Test (0,0)(0,0), which makes the inequality false, so shade the side that does not contain (0,0)(0,0).

    A dashed line is plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The line passes through the points, (negative 3, 8), (0, 4), (3, 0), and (9, negative 8). The region above the line is shaded.
    Figure 5.104

    Graph y<43x+1Figure 5.105). The boundary line will be dashed. Test (0,0)(0,0), which makes the inequality true, so shade the side that contains (0,0)(0,0).

    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 1), (3, negative 3), and (6, negative 7). The region below the line is shaded in blue. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 3, 8), (0, 4), (3, 0), and (9, negative 8). The region above the line is shaded in gray.
    Figure 5.105

    No shared point exists in both shaded regions, so the system has no solution.

    Your Turn 5.93

    1.
    Solve the system by graphing:
    /**/\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{l}} {3x - 2y \geq 12} \\ {y \geq \frac{3}{2}x + 1} \end{array}} \right./**/

    Some systems of linear inequalities where the boundary lines are parallel will have a solution. We will see this in the next example.

    Example 5.94

    Graphing Parallel Boundary Lines with a Solution

    Solve the system by graphing:

    {y>12x4x2y<4{y>12x4x2y<4
    Answer

    Graph y>12x4Figure 5.106). The boundary line will be dashed. Test (0,0)(0,0), which makes the inequality true, so shade the side that contains (0,0)(0,0).

    A dashed line is plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 8), (0, negative 4), and (8, 0). The region above the line is.
    Figure 5.106

    Graph x2y<4Figure 5.107) and testing a point. The intercepts are x=4x=4 and y=2y=2 and the boundary line will be dashed. Choose a test point in the solution and verify that it is a solution to both inequalities. Test (0,0)(0,0), which makes the inequality false, so shade the side that does not contain (0,0)(0,0).

    Two dashed lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 8), (0, negative 4), and (8, 0). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 2), (negative 4, 0), (0, 2), and (8, 6). The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The region above the second line is shaded in both colors and it appears dark blue.
    Figure 5.107

    No point on the boundary lines is included in the solution as both lines are dashed. The solution is the region that is shaded twice which is also the solution to x2y<4x2y<4.

    Your Turn 5.94

    1.
    Solve the system by graphing:
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} y \geq 3x + 1 \hfill \\ - 3x + y \geq - 4 \hfill \\ \end{array} \right./**/

    Interpreting and Solving Applications of Linear Inequalities

    When solving applications of systems of inequalities, first translate each condition into an inequality. Then graph the system, as we did above, to see the region that contains the solutions. Many situations will be realistic only if both variables are positive, so add inequalities to the system as additional requirements.

    Example 5.95

    Applying Linear Inequalities to Calculating Photo Costs

    A photographer sells their prints at a booth at a street fair. At the start of the day, they want to have at least 25 photos to display at their booth. Each small photo they display costs $4 and each large photo costs $10. They do not want to spend more than $200 on photos to display.

    1. Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
    2. Graph the system.
    3. Could they display 10 small and 20 large photos?
    4. Could they display 20 large and 10 small photos?
    Answer

    1. Let x=x= the number of small photos and y=the number of large photosy=the number of large photos. To find the system of equations translate the information. They want to have at least 25 photos.
      The number of small plus the number of large should be at least 25. x+y25x+y25
      $4 for each small and $10 for each large must be no more than $200 4x+10y2004x+10y200
      The number of small photos must be greater than or equal to 0. x0x0
      The number of large photos must be greater than or equal to 0. y0y0
      We have our system of equations. {x+y254x+10y200x0y0{x+y254x+10y200x0y0
  • Since x0x0 and y0y0 (both are greater than or equal to) all solutions will be in the first quadrant. As a result, our graph shows only Quadrant I. To graph x+y25x+y25, graph x+y=25x+y=25 as a solid line. Choose (0,0)(0,0) as a test point. Since it does not make the inequality true, shade the side that does not include the point (0,0)(0,0).

    To graph 4x+10y2004x+10y200, graph 4x+10y=2004x+10y=200 as a solid line. Choose (0,0)(0,0) as a test point. Since it does make the inequality true, shade (bottom left) the side that include the point (0,0)(0,0).

    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x-axis ranges from 0 to 55, in increments of 5. The y-axis ranges from 0 to 25, in increments of 5. The first line passes through the points, (0, 20), (25, 10), and (50, 0). The region below the line is shaded in light blue. The second line passes through the points, (0, 25), (15, 10), and (25, 0). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect approximately at (8, 17). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded gray.
    Figure 5.108

    The solution of the system is the region of Figure 5.108 that is shaded the darkest. The boundary line sections that border the darkly shaded section are included in the solution as are the points on the xx-axis from (25,0)(25,0) to (55,0)(55,0).

  • To determine if 10 small and 20 large photos would work, we look at the graph to see if the point (10,20)(10,20) is in the solution region. We could also test the point to see if it is a solution of both equations. It is not, so the photographer would not display 10 small and 20 large photos.
  • To determine if 20 small and 10 large photos would work, we look at the graph to see if the point (20,10)(20,10) is in the solution region. We could also test the point to see if it is a solution of both equations. It is, so the photographer could choose to display 20 small and 10 large photos. Notice that we could also test the possible solutions by substituting the values into each inequality.
  • Your Turn 5.95

    Omar needs to eat at least 800 calories before going to his team practice. All he wants is hamburgers and cookies, and he doesn’t want to spend more than $5. At the hamburger restaurant near his college, each hamburger has 240 calories and costs $1.40. Each cookie has 160 calories and costs $0.50.
    1.
    Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
    2.
    Graph the system.
    3.
    Could he eat 3 hamburgers and 2 cookies?
    4.
    Could he eat 2 hamburgers and 4 cookies?

    Video

    Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities by Graphing

    Systems of Linear Inequalities

    Check Your Understanding

    Match the correct graph to its system of inequalities.
    75.
    3 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{r} 2x + 3y < 5 \\ x - y > 3 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    1. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, 7.5), (0, 1.5), and (9, negative 4.5). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region above the line is shaded in grey. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue.
    2. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative 1), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region above and to the left of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    3. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative ), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (9, 6). The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The two lines intersect at (2.8, negative 0.2). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray. Note: all values are approximate.
    4. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3) (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region to the left of the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), (2.5, 0), and (10, 5). The region below the line is shaded in gray. The two lines intersect at (2.8, 0.2). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    5. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), and (10, 5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (10, 7). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, 1). The region to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    76.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{r} 2x - 3y \leq 5 \\ x - y \geq 3 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    1. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, 7.5), (0, 1.5), and (9, negative 4.5). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region above the line is shaded in grey. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue.
    2. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative 1), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region above and to the left of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    3. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative ), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (9, 6). The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The two lines intersect at (2.8, negative 0.2). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray. Note: all values are approximate.
    4. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3) (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region to the left of the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), (2.5, 0), and (10, 5). The region below the line is shaded in gray. The two lines intersect at (2.8, 0.2). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    5. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), and (10, 5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (10, 7). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, 1). The region to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    77.
    5 \\ x + y < 3 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{r} 2x - 3y > 5 \\ x + y < 3 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    1. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, 7.5), (0, 1.5), and (9, negative 4.5). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region above the line is shaded in grey. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue.
    2. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative 1), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region above and to the left of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    3. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative ), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (9, 6). The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The two lines intersect at (2.8, negative 0.2). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray. Note: all values are approximate.
    4. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3) (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region to the left of the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), (2.5, 0), and (10, 5). The region below the line is shaded in gray. The two lines intersect at (2.8, 0.2). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    5. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), and (10, 5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (10, 7). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, 1). The region to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    78.
    5 \\ x + y \leq 3 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{r} 2x + 3y > 5 \\ x + y \leq 3 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    1. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, 7.5), (0, 1.5), and (9, negative 4.5). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region above the line is shaded in grey. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue.
    2. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative 1), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region above and to the left of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    3. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative ), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (9, 6). The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The two lines intersect at (2.8, negative 0.2). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray. Note: all values are approximate.
    4. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3) (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region to the left of the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), (2.5, 0), and (10, 5). The region below the line is shaded in gray. The two lines intersect at (2.8, 0.2). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    5. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), and (10, 5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (10, 7). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, 1). The region to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    79.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{r} 2x + 3y \leq 5 \\ x + y \geq 3 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    1. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, 7.5), (0, 1.5), and (9, negative 4.5). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region above the line is shaded in grey. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue.
    2. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative 1), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3), (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, negative 1). The region above and to the left of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    3. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 1.5), (4, negative ), and (9, negative 4.5). The region above the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (9, 6). The region above the line is shaded in light blue. The two lines intersect at (2.8, negative 0.2). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in gray. Note: all values are approximate.
    4. Two dashed lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 6, 9), (0, 3) (3, 0), and (9, negative 6). The region to the left of the line is shaded in dark blue. The second line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), (2.5, 0), and (10, 5). The region below the line is shaded in gray. The two lines intersect at (2.8, 0.2). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.
    5. Two lines are plotted on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical axes range from negative 10 to 9, in increments of 1. The first line passes through the points, (negative 9, negative 7), (0, negative 1.5), and (10, 5). The region above the line is shaded in gray. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 9), (0, negative 3), (3, 0), and (10, 7). The region below the line is shaded in dark blue. The two lines intersect at (4, 1). The region to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in light blue. Note: all values are approximate.

    Section 5.10 Exercises

    For the following exercises, determine whether each ordered pair is a solution to the system.
    1.
    5 \\ 2x - y \leq 10 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} 3x + y > 5 \\ 2x - y \leq 10 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    A: /**/(3, –3)/**/
    B: /**/(7, 1)/**/
    2.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} y < \frac{3}{2}x + 3 \\ \frac{3}{4}x - 2y < 5 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    A: /**/(-4, -1)/**/
    B: /**/(8, 3)/**/
    3.
    - 8 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} 4x - y < 10 \\ - 2x + 2y > - 8 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    A: /**/(5, –2)/**/
    B: /**/(–1, 3)/**/
    4.
    \frac{2}{3}x - 5 \\ x + \frac{1}{2}y \leq 4 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} y > \frac{2}{3}x - 5 \\ x + \frac{1}{2}y \leq 4 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    A: /**/(6, -4)/**/
    B: /**/(3, 0)/**/
    5.
    - 8 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} 6x - 5y < 20 \\ - 2x + 7y > - 8 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    A: /**/(1, –3)/**/
    B: /**/(-4, 4)/**/
    6.
    14 \\ 5x - y \leq 8 \\ \end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{l} 7x + 2y > 14 \\ 5x - y \leq 8 \\ \end{array} \right./**/
    A: /**/(2, 3)/**/
    B: /**/(7, -1)/**/
    For the following exercises, determine whether each ordered pair is a solution to the darkest shaded region of the graph.
    7.
    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 5), (negative 1, 0), (0, negative 1), and (6, negative 7). The region above the line is shaded in blue. The second (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 2, 6), (0, 2), (2, negative 2), and (4, negative 6). The region below the line is shaded in red. The two lines intersect at (3, negative 4). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(6, –8)/**/
    8.
    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 8, 7), (0, 2), (3, 0), and (6, negative 2). The region above the line is shaded in red. The second (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 2, negative 7.5), (0, negative 3.5), (1.5, 0), and (4, 5). The region to the left of the line is shaded in blue. The two lines intersect at (2, 0.5). The region above the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(2, –4)/**/
    9.
    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 2, negative 6), (2, 0), and (6, 6). The region to the left of the line is shaded in red. The second (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 8), (negative 2, 0), (0, negative 4), and (2, negative 8). The region to the left of the line is shaded in blue. The two lines intersect at (negative 3.5, negative 0.5). The region to the left of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(2, 2)/**/
    10.
    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 6), (0, 3), and (6, 0). The region below the line is shaded in red. The second (dashed) line is horizontal and it passes through y equals 1. The region below the line is shaded in blue. The two lines intersect at (4, 1). The region below the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(2, 3)/**/
    11.
    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first line passes through the points, (negative 4.5, 8), (0, 5), and (8, 0). The region below the line is shaded in red. The second line is vertical and it passes through x equals 3. The region to the right of the line is shaded in blue. The two lines intersect at (3, 3). The region below and to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(6, 0)/**/
    12.
    Two dashed lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first line passes through the points, (negative 8, 6), (0, 2), (4, 0), and (8, negative 2). The region below the line is shaded in red. The second line passes through the points, (negative 6, negative 8), (0, negative 2), (2, 0), and (8, 6). The region to the right and below the line is shaded in blue. The two lines intersect at (2.5, 0.5). The region below and to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(6, 2)/**/
    13.
    Two lines are plotted on an x y coordinate plane. The x and y axes range from negative 8 to 8, in increments of 2. The first (dashed) line passes through the points, (negative 6, 6), (negative 3, 0), and (0, negative 6). The region to the right of the line is shaded in red. The second (solid) line passes through the points, (negative 8, negative 6), (0, negative 2), (4, 0), and (8, 2). The region above the line is shaded in blue. The two lines intersect at (negative 1.5, negative 2.5). The region above and to the right of the intersection point and within the lines is shaded in both colors and it appears dark. Note: all values are approximate.
    A: /**/(0, 0)/**/
    B: /**/(2, 2)/**/
    For the following exercises, solve the systems of linear equations by graphing.
    14.
    }&{x - 1}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{y}&{ \leq }&{3x + 2}\\{y}&{ > }&{x - 1}\end{array} \right./**/
    15.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{y}&{ < }&{2x - 1}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{- \frac{1}{2}x + 4}\end{array} \right./**/
    16.
    }&{1}\\{y}&{ < }&{ - \frac{1}{4}x + 3}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{x - y}&{ > }&{1}\\{y}&{ < }&{ - \frac{1}{4}x + 3}\end{array} \right./**/
    17.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{3x - y}&{ \geq }&{6}\\{y}&{ \geq }&{ - \frac{1}{2}x}\end{array} \right./**/
    18.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{2x + 4y}&{ \geq }&{8}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{\frac{3}{4}x}\end{array} \right./**/
    19.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{2x - 5y}&{ < }&{10}\\{3x + 4y}&{ \geq }&{12}\end{array} \right./**/
    20.
    }&{ - 4}\\{- x + 3y}&{ \geq }&{9}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{2x + 2y}&{ > }&{ - 4}\\{- x + 3y}&{ \geq }&{9}\end{array} \right./**/
    21.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{x - 2y}&{ < }&{3}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{1}\end{array} \right./**/
    22.
    }&{4}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{ - 1}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{x - 3y}&{ > }&{4}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{ - 1}\end{array} \right./**/
    23.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{y}&{ \geq }&{ - \frac{1}{2}x - 3}\\{x}&{ \leq }&{2}\end{array} \right./**/
    24.
    }&{\frac{1}{3}x + 1}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{x - 3y}&{ \geq }&{6}\\{y}&{ > }&{\frac{1}{3}x + 1}\end{array} \right./**/
    25.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{y}&{ \geq }&{\frac{3}{4}x - 2}\\{y}&{ < }&{2}\end{array} \right./**/
    26.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{3x - 4y}&{ < }&{8}\\{x}&{ < }&{1}\end{array} \right./**/
    27.
    }&{10}\\{x}&{ > }&{ - 1}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{- 3x + 5y}&{ > }&{10}\\{x}&{ > }&{ - 1}\end{array} \right./**/
    28.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{x}&{ \geq }&{3}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{2}\end{array} \right./**/
    29.
    /**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{x}&{ \leq }&{ - 1}\\{y}&{ \geq }&{3}\end{array} \right./**/
    30.
    }&{4}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{ - \frac{1}{2}x - 2}\end{array} \right." class=" math-rendered">/**/\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl}{2x + 4y}&{ > }&{4}\\{y}&{ \leq }&{ - \frac{1}{2}x - 2}\end{array} \right./**/
    For the following exercises, translate to a system of inequalities and solve.
    A gardener does not want to spend more than $50 on bags of fertilizer and peat moss for their garden. Fertilizer costs $2 a bag and peat moss costs $5 a bag. The gardener’s van can hold at most 20 bags.
    31.
    Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
    32.
    Graph the system.
    33.
    Can they buy 15 bags of fertilizer and 4 bags of peat moss?
    34.
    Can they buy 10 bags of fertilizer and 10 bags of peat moss?
    For the following exercises, translate to a system of inequalities and solve.
    A student is studying for their final exams in chemistry and algebra. They only have 24 hours to study, and it will take them at least 3 times as long to study for algebra than chemistry.
    35.
    Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
    36.
    Graph the system.
    37.
    Can they spend 4 hours on chemistry and 20 hours on algebra?
    38.
    Can they spend 6 hours on chemistry and 18 hours on algebra?
    For the following exercises, translate to a system of inequalities and solve.
    Mara is attempting to build muscle mass. To do this, she needs to eat an additional 80 grams of protein or more in a day. A bottle of protein water costs $3.20 and a protein bar costs $1.75. The protein water supplies 27 grams of protein and the bar supplies 16 grams. Let /**/w/**/ be the number of water bottles Mara can buy, and let /**/b/**/ be the number of protein bars she can buy. If Mara has $10 dollars to spend:
    39.
    Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
    40.
    Graph the system.
    41.
    Could she buy 3 bottles of protein water and 1 protein bar?
    42.
    Could she buy no bottles of protein water and 5 protein bars?
    For the following exercises, translate to a system of inequalities and solve.
    Mark is increasing his exercise routine by running and walking at least 4 miles each day. His goal is to burn a minimum of 1,500 calories from this exercise. Walking burns 270 calories/mile and running burns 650 calories/mile.
    43.
    Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
    44.
    Graph the system.
    45.
    Could he meet his goal by walking 3 miles and running 1 mile?
    46.
    Could he meet his goal by walking 2 miles and running 2 miles?
    For the following exercises, translate to a system of inequalities and solve.
    Tension needs to eat at least an extra 1,000 calories a day to prepare for running a marathon. He has only $25 to spend on the extra food he needs and will spend it on $0.75 donuts, which have 360 calories each, and $2 energy drinks, which have 110 calories.
    47.
    Write a system of inequalities that models this situation.
    48.
    Graph the system.
    49.
    Can he buy 8 donuts and 4 energy drinks and satisfy his caloric needs?
    50.
    Can he buy 1 donut and 3 energy drinks and satisfy his caloric needs?

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