SOLVING RATIONAL INEQUALITIES

Example 1

x +3
Find and show on the number line the solution of the inequality >0.
x−2
Solution:
Locate the critical numbers -3 and 2, which give the intervals (-∞,-3),

(-3,2) and (2,∞). Get a representative from each interval and

substitute it to each of the factors to determine the sign. For
example, you can use -4 from the interval (-∞,-3) and substitute to (
x+ 3¿ and ( x−2 ) which are both negative when evaluated.
Find and show on the number line the solution
x +3
Using the division rule of signs, determine the of the
sign ofinequality in
x−2
x +3
+1 ≤0.
each interval.
x−2
x +3
Solution:
Since should be positive, the solution must be (-∞,-3) U
x−2
Start by simplifying the given inequality.
(2,∞).

x +3
+1 ≤0
x−2
x +3 x−2
+ ≤0
x−2 x−2
x +3+ x−2
≤0
x−2
2 x +1
≤0
x−2
Example 2

−1
The critical numbers are ∧2. Locate these in the number line to determine the intervals. Find a number in
2
2 x +1
each interval, and then follow the same process used in the first example. Since should be negative or
x−2

equal3to zero, the solution is

Example [ )
−1
2
, 2 . You cannot include 2, since it will make the equation undefined.
2 3
Find the solution of ≥ and show it on the real number
3−x x +2
line.

Solution:

P(x)
Rewrite the given inequalities in the form ≥ 0,
Q( x)
2 3
− ≥0