If you’re still not sure, pick a random point that is above or below the line, put the point in the equation, and see if it works. For example, I could test the point (1, -3). I know that point is BELOW my line on the graph y = 3x, but do I shade the area of the graph that includes that point, or do I shade the part that does not include it (i.e., the part that is ABOVE the line)?

y > 3x

-3 > 3*(1)

-3 > 3

That’s obviously not true. The area that contains (1, -3), the part BELOW my line, does NOT satisfy my inequality. So again I see that I should shade ABOVE the line y = 3x in order to properly depict the expression y > 3x.

See the included link for a visual demonstration.