Representing Inequalities on a Number Line (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE International Maths)
Revision Note
Written by: Mark Curtis
Reviewed by: Dan Finlay
Representing Inequalities on a Number Line
How do I represent an inequality on a number line?
The inequality -3 < x ≤ 4 is shown on a number line below
Draw circles above the end points and connect them with a horizontal line
Leave an open circle for end points with strict inequalities, < or >
These end points are not included
Fill in a solid circle for end points with ≤ or ≥ inequalities
These end points are included
Use a horizontal arrow for inequalities with one end point
x > 5 is an open circle at 5 with a horizontal arrow pointing to the right
Worked Example
Represent the following inequalities on a number line.
(a)
-2 is included so use a closed circle
1 is not included so use an open circle
(b)
3 is not included so use an open circle
There is no second end point
Any value less than three is accepted, so draw a horizontal arrow to the left
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