The first step is to graph the line 2x + y = -8. To do this, we can graph the x and y-intercepts. Letting x = 0, we get y = -8, so the y-intercept is -8. Letting y = 0, we get 2x = -8, so x = -4.
Graph the line between the points (-4, 0) and (0, -8). The line should be <em>dotted</em>, because this is a strict inequality (the points on the line are not part of the solution).
The next step is to substitute a point - I like to use (0,0): when x and y are equal to zero, we have 2(0)+0>-8, which is true. Therefore, the right side of the graph (which contains the point (0,0)) should be shaded. Note: If the inequality was not true, you would want to shade the opposite side of the graph.
