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Graphing the Solution Set of a Linear Inequality on a Number Line

The solution set of a one-variable linear inequality can be visually represented on a number line by shading the region that contains all satisfying values. The boundary value serves as the starting point of this solution set. To specify whether this boundary point is included, specific grouping symbols are employed: a square bracket [[ is used for non-strict inequalities (\leq or \geq) to show the boundary is part of the solution, while an open parenthesis (( is used for strict inequalities (<< or >>) to show the boundary is excluded. The number line is shaded to the right for 'greater than' solutions (>>, \geq) and to the left for 'less than' solutions (<<, \leq). For example, the inequality x>3x > 3 has a solution set of any number strictly greater than 33, so its graph features an open parenthesis at 33 and shading extending to the right.

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Updated 2026-05-03

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