SOLVING RATIONAL INEQUALITIES

OBJECTIVES

Review how to solve polynomial

inequalities
Solve rational inequalities
 HOW TO SOLVE
1. Rearrange the terms of the inequality
so that one side is set to 0.
2. Find the real solutions of the related
equation 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 and any values of 𝑥
that make 𝑓 𝑥 undefined
 HOW TO SOLVE
3. Determine the sign of 𝑓 𝑥 on the intervals
defined by the boundary points
If 𝑓 𝑥 is positive, then the values of 𝑥 on the
interval are solutions to 𝑓 𝑥 > 0.
If 𝑓 𝑥 is negative, then the values of 𝑥 on the
interval are solutions to 𝑓 𝑥 < 0.
 HOW TO SOLVE

4. Determine whether the boundary

points are included in the solution set.
5. Write the solution set.
POLYNOMIAL INEQUALITIES

Solve for 𝑥.
3𝑥 − 6 > 15
POLYNOMIAL INEQUALITIES

Solve for 𝑥.
𝑥(𝑥 − 2) ≤ 15
 RATIONAL INEQUALITY
An inequality which contains a rational
expression
𝑅(𝑥)
>0
𝑄(𝑥)
where > can be replaced with ≥, <, or ≤
RATIONAL INEQUALITIES

Solve for 𝑥.
𝑥+8
≤0
𝑥−5
RATIONAL INEQUALITIES

Solve for 𝑥.
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)
>0
𝑥−4
RATIONAL INEQUALITIES

Solve for 𝑥.
𝑥+3
+1≤0
𝑥−2
RATIONAL INEQUALITIES

Solve for 𝑥.
2 3
≥
3−𝑥 𝑥+2