Which of the following inequalities best represents the graph above?

x < 9
x > 9
x < _ 9
x _> 9

X<9

Step-by-step explanation:

x < 9

Step-by-step explanation:

When graphing a simple inequality on a number line, we draw a dot above the number in the solution.  if the inequality is strictly less than or strictly greater than, we leave the dot open; if it is greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to, we fill the dot in.  

We then shade the number line.  If the inequality is less than or less than or equal to, we shade the line to the left.  If the inequality is greater than or greater than or equal to, we shade the line to the right.

On this number line, the dot is above 9.  This makes 9 the solution.

The dot is open; this means it is either strictly less than or strictly greater than.

The line is shaded to the left of 9; this means it is less than.

Together, this gives us

x < 9