G S Rehill's Interactive Maths Software Series - "Building a Strong Foundation in Mathematics" from mathsteacher.com.au.

Order a 12-month Year 7 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95. Order a 12-month Year 8 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95. Order a 12-month Year 9 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95. Order a 12-month Year 10 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95.

Year 9 Interactive Maths - Second Edition


Half-Planes

Consider the straight line graph with equation y = x.  When x = 0, y = 0 and when x = 1, y = 1, and so on.  The line is a set of an infinite number of points.  The point A(2, 2) is a particular element of this set.  The line divides the Cartesian plane into two half-planes.


The set of points in the Cartesian plane which lie above the line form the upper half-plane, and the set of points which lie below the line form the lower half-planeB(2, 4) is in the upper half-plane, and C(2, 1) is in the lower half-plane.

We can see from the graph that the y-coordinate of B is greater than its x-coordinate.

The equation of the upper-half plane is y > x.

Similarly, the y-coordinate of C is less than its x-coordinate.

The equation of the lower-half plane is y < x.


Graphs of Half-Planes

Let us first consider the line with equation y = x + 4.

The graph of y = x + 4 divides the plane into two regions (one above the line and the other below the line).

A test point is used to decide whether the solution of the inequality is the region above or below the straight line.

If the straight line graph does not pass through the origin, then it is convenient to take (0, 0) as the test point.  Otherwise, we choose any point that is not on the line.

The line y = x + 4 does not pass through the origin, so we choose (0, 0) as the test point.

This is not true.

Upper region is represented by y > x + 4
Line is represented by y = x + 4
Lower region is represented by y < x + 4


Note:
  • The boundary line, y = x + 4, is included in the required region and this is indicated by drawing it as a solid line.
  • Always indicate on the graph how you have shown the required region, usually by shading the region that is rejected.


Example 13

Sketch the linear inequality y < x + 3 showing all relevant points.

Solution:

Let  y = x + 3

x-intercept:

 y-intercept:

When x = 0,   y = 3

Test point:


Note:
  • The boundary line, y = x + 3, is not included in the required region and this is indicated by drawing it as an broken line.
  • The required region is unshaded as indicated on the graph.
  • The rejected region is shaded.

Key Terms

Cartesian plane, half-planes, upper half-plane, lower half-plane, half-plane graphs, test point, origin, required region


| Home Page | Order Maths Software | About the Series | Maths Software Tutorials |
| Year 7 Maths Software | Year 8 Maths Software | Year 9 Maths Software | Year 10 Maths Software |
| Homework Software | Tutor Software | Maths Software Platform | Trial Maths Software |
| Feedback | About mathsteacher.com.au | Terms and Conditions | Our Policies | Links | Contact |

Copyright © 2000-2022 mathsteacher.com Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved.
Australian Business Number 53 056 217 611

Copyright instructions for educational institutions

Please read the Terms and Conditions of Use of this Website and our Privacy and Other Policies.
If you experience difficulties when using this Website, tell us through the feedback form or by phoning the contact telephone number.