For inequalities in one variable, such as x ≤ 9, solutions are graphed on a number line.

For the inequality x ≤ 9, the solutions are graphed by drawing a closed circle at 9 and shading to the left on the number line. This indicates that all real numbers less than or equal to 9 are solutions to the inequality.

To check the shading, select a test point in the shaded area on the number line and plug it into the inequality. If the statement is true, then the shading is correct.

Test point is 7, 7 is less than or equal to 9, True!

For the inequality x > -4, the solutions are graphed by drawing an open circle at -4 and shading to the right on the number line. This indicates that all real numbers greater than -4 are solutions to the inequality.

Here are some additional examples of inequalities in one variable:

x less than 1.2, number line, open circle at 1.2 shaded to the left

x greater than or equal to 10, Number line, closed circle at 10 shaded to the right