Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

Teach your kid how to graph inequalities on a number line with this totally free practice worksheet (and answer key). Plus get two free graphing inequalities on a number line guides!

Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

One of the benefits of number lines is that they provide a visual representation of the relationship between numbers. For example, they allow your kid to easily see that -10 is smaller than 1. This means putting an inequality on a number can be extremely helpful! (And at some point, your child is probably going to be asked to graph inequalities on a number line.)

Not familiar with inequalities? While number lines weren’t as widely used “back in our day” (haha) as they are now, I bet that at some point, you learned how to graph an inequality on a number line. And while it isn’t just like riding a bike, the concept will probably come back to you pretty quickly! 🙂

Just in case though, an inequality is a statement that compares two values. In comparing the values, the first value can be:

  • Greater than.
  • Greater than or equal to.
  • Less than.
  • Less than or equal to.
  • Equal to.
  • Not equal to.

For example, an inequality may be written as 4 > 2, which reads “4 is greater than 2.” And your child would graph solution of inequality on a number line. If you don’t remember exactly how to graph inequalities on a number line, don’t panic! We’ll begin with two guides that will get you (and your kid) off on the right foot!

Graphing Inequalities on a Number Line: Symbols Guide

Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

Before your child can tackle the graphing inequalities on a number line practice worksheet, he or she needs to understand the symbols involved. This guide can help. It shows inequality symbols, how those would be written out (ex. “Greater than”), and then an example of an inequality on a number line.

How to Graph Inequalities on a Number Line: Closed vs. Open Circles

Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

Another thing your kid will need to understand before he or she can work on the graphing inequalities on a number line worksheet is the nuance between open and closed circles. When you graph solution of inequality on a number line, an open circle means the value is not included. In other words “not equal to.” A closed circle means the value is included; for example if something is “greater than or equal to” it would use a closed circle.

Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

If you and your kid have reviewed the two guides, he or she should now be ready for this graphing inequalities on a number line practice worksheet! Note that this worksheet includes negative as well as positive numbers, so it may be helpful to review negative number lines first.

Inequality on a Number Line Worksheet Answer Key

Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

Use this answer key to check your kid’s work! If you want your child to get even more practice with how to graph an inequality on a number line, you could create your very own worksheets using these free blank number lines (printable PDF downloads).

Graphing solutions to inequalities on a number line

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Kelli Bhattacharjee is the owner of Freebie Finding Mom. When she's not goofing around with her son, she's busy blogging, or just hanging out with the family which usually involves listening to music too loud and having dance parties.

Reader Interactions

How do you graph the solution of an inequality?

To graph a linear inequality in two variables (say, x and y ), first get y alone on one side. Then consider the related equation obtained by changing the inequality sign to an equality sign. The graph of this equation is a line. If the inequality is strict ( < or > ), graph a dashed line.

What is an inequality on a number line?

In math, an inequality shows the relationship between two values in an algebraic expression that are not equal. Inequality signs can indicate that one variable of the two sides of the inequality is greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, or less than or equal to another value.