Vidyamandir Classes

TOPIC: LINEAR INEQUALITY

Linear Inequality in One Variable
Definition: Two real numbers or two algebraic expressions related by the symbol <, >, or form an
inequality.
Some more examples on inequalities:
ax b 0

(1)

ax b 0

(2)

ax b 0

(3)

ax b 0

(4)

ax by c

(5)

ax by c

(6)

ax by c

(7)

ax by c

(8)

ax2 bx c 0 (9)

ax2 bx c 0

(10)

Inequalities (1), (2), (5), (6) and (10) are strict inequalities whereas inequalities (3), (4), (7), (8) and (9) are slack
inequalities.
Note:
Symbol
Meaning

less than

greater than

less than or equal to

greater than or equal to

Linear Inequality in Two Variables

Plotting a Straight line
(a) Let us take the equation 2x + 3y = 6
(b) On putting x = 0, we get 3y = 6, i.e.y = 2

A point on the line is (0, 2)

(c) Further putting y = 0, we get 2x = 6 x = 3

Another point on the line is (3, 0)

Plotting an Inequality
Let us consider the linear inequality
2x + 3y 6

(1)

We first plot the equality

2x + 3y = 6 (2)
(a) Putting x = 0, i.e. 0 + 3y = 6 3y = 6 y = 2
A point on the line is (0, 2)
(b) Putting (y = 0)

2x + 0 6
2x = 6 x = 3

Another point on the line is (3, 0)

M_XI_Linear Inequality

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Further considering the equation (1). We take any points on the
either side of the line. If points satisfy the given equation, then
we shade that region in which point lie.
However, if set of points does not satisfy the given equation,
then we shade the region where points do not lie.
Note: We have drawn the bold line, as points on the line also
represent the solution of given inequality. Thus, > or <
inequality is represented by a bold line.
Let us take testing point (0, 0) from equation (1)
2.0 + 3.0 > 6
0 > 6 which is not true
Thus, we shade the region where points (0, 0) do not lie.
Note: For lines passing through origin, the testing points are taken as (1, 0), (0, 1), (1, 0), (0, 1) generally,
(1, 0) is taken

SOLVED EXAMPLES
1.

Solve and graph the solution of 2x 6 < 2.

2.

Solve and graph the solution of 5 3x 13 + x.

3.

Solve 30x< 200 when

4.

Find all pairs of consecutive even positive integers, both of which are larger than 8, such that their sum is less than

(i) x is a natural number,

(ii)

x is an integer.

25.
5.

A manufacturer has 600 litres of a 12% solution of acid. How many litres of a 30% acid solution must be added to
it so that acid content in the resulting mixture will be more than 15% but less than 18%.

6.

Solve: 12x< 50, when

(i)

x R

[Ans.(, 25/6)]

(ii) x Z

[Ans.(..3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4)]

(iii) x N

[Ans.(1, 2, 3, 4)]

2x 3
x4
3
2 .
4
3

7.

Solve:

[Ans. (, 13/2)]

8.

Solve the linear inequations in R:

9.

Solve: 4x 1 0, 3 4x< 0.

10.

Solve:

11.

Find all pairs of consecutive even positive integers, both of which are larger than 5, such that their sum is less than

7x 5
4.
8x 3

[Ans. ( ,

[Ans. No Solution]

7 x 1
3x 8
3,
11 0
2
5

[Ans. ( , 21)]

23.

M_XI_Linear Inequality

17
)]
5

[Ans. (6, 8), (8, 10)]

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12.

A solution is to be kept between 86 and 95F. What is the range of temperature in degree Celsius, if the Celsius

9
(C) / Fahrenheit (F) conversion formula is given by F C 32
5
13.

[Ans. Between 30C and 35C]

A solution of 8% boric acid is to be diluted by adding a 2% boric acid solution to it. The resulting mixture is to be
more than 4% but less than 6% boric acid. If there are 640 litres of the 8% solution, how many litres of 2% solution
will have to be added?

[Ans. More than 320 litres but less than 1280 litres]

14.

Solve the inequation graphically x 2

15.

Solve the inequations graphically y< 3.

Solve the following inequalities graphically:

16.

x + 2y 1 0 17. 3y 6 2x

19.

Solve the following system

x 2y 8

y0

(3)

(2)
(4)

Solve the following system of Linear inequalities graphically.

x + y 5 (2)

x + y 5 (1),
21.

2x y 8

(1)

x0

20.

18. 3x 2yx + y 8

Exhibit graphically the solution set of the linear inequations

x y 5, 4 x y 4 , x 5 y 5 , x 4 , y 3

22.

(i)

2x + 3y 6, 3x + 2y 6, x 0, y 0,

(ii) x + y 1, 7x + 9y 63, x 6, y 5, x 0, y 0
(iii) 2x + 3y 35, y 3, x 2, x 0, y 0
23.

Solve graphically:x + 2y 3, 3x + 4y 12, y 1, x 0, y 0

24.

Find the linear inequations for which the shaded area (in Figure) is the solution
set. Draw the diagram of the solution set of the linear inequations:
[Ans. 2x + 3y 6, 4x + 6y 24, 3x + 2y 3, x 2y 2, x 0, y 0]
3 x 2

25.

Solve 15

26.

A man wants to cut three lengths from a single piece of board of length 91 cm. the second length is to be 3 cm

longer than the shortest and the third length is to be twice as long as the shortest. What are the possible lengths
from the shortest board if the third piece is to be at least 5 cm longer than the second ?
27.

How many litres of water will have to be added to 1125 litres of the 45 % solution of acid so that the resulting
mixture will contain more than 25% but less than 30 % acid content ?
Explanation

1.

Add 6 to both sides, i.e. 2x 6 + 6 < 2 + 6= 2 x 8

Now divide both sides by 2, i.e.

2x 8

2
2

x< 4
[open circle at 4, since x cannot be equal to 4, and an arrow to the left, because we want values less than 4]

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2.

Subtract 5 from both sides, 5 3x 13 + x

3x 8 + x
Subtract x from both sides, i.e. 4x 8
Divide both sides by 4 and change the direction of the inequality, we get
x 2

[We divided by a negative]

i.e.x 2
Closed circle at 2, since x can be equal to 2, and an arrow to the right, because we want values greater than 2,
3.

30 x 200

(Rule 2), i.e., x< 20 / 3.

30
30

We are given 30 x < 200 or

(i)

When x is a natural number, in this case the following values of x make the statement true.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The solution set of the inequality is {1,2,3,4,5,6}.

(ii) When x is an integer, the solutions of the given inequality are

..., 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The solution set of the inequality is {...,3, 2,1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}
4.

Let x be the smaller of the two consecutive even positive integers. Then, the other even integer is x + 2.
It is given that both the integers are larger than 8 and their sum is less than 25.
Therefore,

x> 8 and x + x + 2 < 25

x> 8 and 2x< 23
8 x

23

x> 8 and 2x + 2 < 25

x> 8 and x<

23
2

x = 10

x is an even integer]

8 x 11.5
Hence, the required pair of even integers is (10, 12).
5.

Let x litres of 30% acid solution be added to 600 litres of 12% solution of acid. Then,
Total quantity of mixture 600 x litres
Total acid content in the 600 x litres of mixture must be more than 15% and less than 18%. Therefore,
30 x 12

600 18% of 600 x

100 100

15% of 600 x

15
30 x 12
18
600 x

600
600 x
100
100 100
100

15600 x 30 x 12 600 18 600 x

9000 15 x 30 x 7200 10800 18 x

9000 15 x 30 x 7200 and 30 x 7200 10800 18 x

9000 7200 30 x 15 x and 30 x 18 x 10800 7200

M_XI_Linear Inequality

[Multiplying through out by 100]

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1800 15x and 12 x 3600 ,

x 120 and x 300 ,

14.

15 x 1800 and 12 x 3600

120 x 300

We have x 2 . Converting the inequation into equation, we obtain x = 2. Clearly, it is a

line parallel to y - axis at a distance of 2 units from it. This line divides the xy - plane
into two parts viz. one part on the LHS of x = 2 and the other on its RHS. We find that
the point (0,0) does not satisfy the inequationx> 2. so, the region represented by the given
equation is the shaded region shown in fig. The shaded region is the required solution set
of the given inequation.

15.

We have y< 3.Converting the given inequation into equation we obtain y = 3.

Clearly, it is a line parallel to x - axis at a distance of 3 units below it. The line y = 3
divides the xy-plane into two regions one below it and the other above it. Consider the
point O (0,0). We find that (0,0) does not satisfy the inequation y < 3. So, the region
represented by the given inequation is the region not containing the origin as show in
fig. Clearly, it is solution set of the given inequation.

19.

We draw the graph of lines

x + 2y = 8 and 2x + y = 8
Let us take an inequality x + 2y< 8,
We take any point say (0, 0), then equality becomes
0+20<8
i.e. 0 < 8 which is true
Hence, we shade the region where point (0, 0) lies,
For another inequality 2x + y< 8
We take point (1, 1), then inequality becomes
2+1<8
3 < 8 which is true
Hence, we shade the region where point (1, 1) lie.
Since x 0, y 0, every point in the shaded
region. The first quadrant represents a solution of
the given system of inequalities.
Hence, doubly shaded region is the common
solution of given inequalities.

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20.

We first plot the equality of both equations (1)

and (2)
For equation x + y = 5
Putting x = 0, y = 5
A point on the line is (0, 5)
Putting y = 0, x = 5
Another point on the line is (5, 0)
For equation x + y = 5
Putting x = 0, y = 5
A point on the line is (0, 5)
Putting y = 0 x = 5
Another point on the line is (5, 0)
For equation (1), i.e.x + y 5
Let us take any point say (0, 0), then inequality
becomes
0 + 0 5 which is not true
Thus, we shade the region where (0, 0) does not lie.For equation (2), i.e. x + y 5
Let us take any point say (0, 0) then inequality becomes, 0 5 which is not true.
Thus, we shade the region where point (0, 0) does not lie.
There is no common shaded region, i.e. no feasible region hence there is no common solution of given inequalities.

21.

Converting the inequations into equations, we obtain

x y 5 , 4x y 4 , x 5 y 5 , x 4 , y 3

Region represented by x y 5 : The line x + y = 5 meets the coordinates axes at A (5, 0) and B (5, 0)
respectively. Join these points by a thick line. Clearly (0, 0) satisfies the inequality x y 5 . So, the portion
containing the origin represents the solution set of the inequation x y 5 .
Region Represented by 4 x y 4 : The line 4x + y = 4 meets the coordinate axes at A1 (1, 0) and B1(0, 4)
respectively. Join these points by a thick line. Clearly, (0,0) does not satisfy the inequation 4 x y 4 .
Region Represented by x 5 y 5 : The line x 5 y 5 meets the coordinate axes at A2 (5, 0) and B2(0, 1)
respectively. Join these two points by a thick line. We find that (0, 0) does not satisfy the inequation x 5 y 5 .
So, the portion not containing the origin is represented by the given inequation.
Region Represented by x 4 ; Clearly, x = 4 is a line parallel to y-axis at a distance of 4 units from the origin.
Since (0,0) satisfies the inequation x 4 . So, the portion lying on the left side of x = 4 is the region represented
by x 4 .
Region Represented by y 3; Clearly, y = 3 is a line parallel to x - axis at a distance 3 from it. Since (0,0)
satisfies y 3 . So, the portion containing the origin is represented by the given inequation.
The common region of the above five regions represents the solution of the given linear constaints as shown in fig.

M_XI_Linear Inequality

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Solve the following system of inequalities graphically.

25.

15

26.

3 x 2
5

0 = 75 3x 6 0 = 75 + 6 < 3x < 6

69 < 3x < 6 23 <x < 2

If x be the length of the shortest board then x + 3 and 2x are the lengths of the second and third piece, respectively.

x x 3 2 x 91 and 2 x x 3 5 4 x 88 and x 8 x 22 and x 8 8 x 22

Possible length of board is at least 8 cm long but not more than 22 cm long.
27.

Let x litres of water be added

25 % of (1125 + x) < 45 % of 1125 < 30 % of (1125 + x )

25
45
30
1125 x 1125 1125 x
100
100
100

251125 x 451125 301125 x

28125 + 25x < 50625 < 33750 + 30 x

25 x < 50626 28125 and 50625 33750 < 30 x

x < 900 and x > 562. 5

562.5 <x< 900

M_XI_Linear Inequality

25 x < 22500 and 16875 < 30x

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PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1.

Solve 8 5x 3 < 7.

[Ans. 5 5x< 10 or 1x< 2]

2.

Solve 5

3.

Solve the system of inequalities: 3x 7 < 5 + x, 11 5x 1 are represent the solutions on the number line.

5 3x
8 .
2

[Ans.

11
x5]
3

[Ans. 2 x< 6]
4.

In an experiment, a solution of hydrochloric acid is to be kept between 30 and 35 Celsius. What is the range of

5
temperature in degree Fahrenheit of conversion formula is given by C (F 32) , where F represent temperature
9
in degree Celsius and degree Fahrenheit, respectively.
5.

[Ans. 86 < F < 95]

A manufacturer has 600 litres of a 12% solution of acid. How many litres of a 30% acid solution must be added to
it so that acid content in the resulting mixture will be more than 15% but less than 18%.
[Ans. 120 litres and 300 litres]

6.

Solve the graphically inequalities.

7.

Solve the following linear inequations graphically:

(i) x + y< 5

8.

(i) 3x + 2y> 6

(iii) x y 2

(ii) 3x + 4y 12

(ii) 3x 6 0

(iii) y < 2.

(iv) 3x + 2y 6

(v) y < 2

Solve each of the following system of equations:

(i)

x + 3 > 0, 2x< 14

(ii)

2x + 6 > 0, 4x 7 < 0

(iii)

5x 1 < 24, 5x + 1 > 24

(iv)

5x 7 < 3 (x + 3), 1

3x
x4
2

7
3
[Ans. (i) x 3, 7 (ii) x [3, ) (iii) x 5,5 (iv) x , ]

4
2

9.

Find all pairs of consecutive odd natural number, both of which are larger than 10, such that their sum is less than
40.

10.

[Ans. (11, 13, (13, 15), (15, 17), (17, 19)]

The marks scored by Rohit in two tests were 65 and 70. Find the minimum marks he should score in the third test
[Ans. 60 ]

to have an average of at least 65 marks.

11.

A solution is to be kept between 30oC and 35o C. What is the range of temperature in degee Fahrenheit?
[Ans. 86 to 95F]

12.

A solution of 8 % boric acid is to be diluted by adding a 2% boric acid solution to it. The resulting mixture is to be
more than 4% but less than 6% boric acid. If there are 640 litres of the 8% solution, how many litres of 2% solution
will have to be added?

13.

Solve the following systems of linear inequations graphically:

(i)

14.

[Ans. 320 < x < 1280]

2x + 3y 6, 3x + 2y 6, x 0, y 0

(ii)

2x + 3y 6, x + 4y 4, x 0, y 0

Solve the following systems of inequations graphically:

(i)

2x + y 8, x + 2y 8, x + y 6

M_XI_Linear Inequality

(ii) x + 2y 40, 3x + y 30, 4x + 3y 60, x 0, y 0

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15.

If x belongs to set of integers, A is the solution set of 2(x 1) < 3x 1 and B is the solution set of 4x 3<8 +x ,
find A B .

16.

Represent to solution set of each of the following inequations graphically in two dimensional plane:
(i) 3 y 6 2 x

17.

18.

(ii)

3x 2 y x y 8

Solve the following system of inequalities graphically:

(i)

x 3, y 2

(ii) 2x + y 6, 3x + 4y 12

(iii)

2x y> 1, x 2y< 1

(iv) 2x + y 8, x + 2y 10

(v)

2x + y 4, x + y 3, 2x 3y 6

The longest side of a triangle is 3 times the shortest side and the third side is 2 cm shorter than the longest side. If
[Ans. 9 ]

the perimeter of the triangle is at least 61 cm. find the minimum length of the shortest side.
19.

Solve 7 x 3 5 x 9 . Show the graph of the solution on number line.

20.

The marks obtained by a student of class XI in first terminal and second terminal are 62 and 48, respectively. Find
the number of minimum marks he should get in the annual examination to have an average of at least 60 marks.
[Ans. 70]

21.

22.

Solve the following systems of inequalities graphically:

(i)

x y 1, x + 2y 8, 2x + y 2, x 0, y 0

(iii)

5x + y 10, 2x + 2y 12, x + 4y 12, x 0, y 0

(ii)

2x + 3y 35, y 3, x 2, x 0, y 0

Draw the graph of the region bounded by each of the following sets of linear inequalities:
x 2 y 40, 3 x y 30, 4 x 3 y 60 , x 0, y 0

23.

Solve the following inequalities graphically: 4x + 3y 60, y 2x, x 3, x, y

M_XI_Linear Inequality

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