To determine whether to use an open dot or a closed dot when graphing inequalities on a number line, you can follow these general guidelines:
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Closed Dot: Used for "less than or equal to" (≤) and "greater than or equal to" (≥) inequalities. This indicates that the endpoint is included in the solution set.
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Open Dot: Used for "less than" (<) and "greater than" (>) inequalities. This indicates that the endpoint is not included in the solution set.
Here’s how you would categorize common inequalities:
| Inequality | Dot Type | |------------|------------------| | x < 5 | Open Dot | | x ≤ 3 | Closed Dot | | x > 7 | Open Dot | | x ≥ 2 | Closed Dot |
You can list the inequalities you have, and I can help you determine if they would use a closed dot or an open dot based on the guidelines above.