GM - Lesson 2.3 Solving Rational Inequalities

Lesson 2.
3
Solving Rational Inequalities
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute - Special Health Sciences Senior High School 0
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
• solve rational inequalities.
Look Back!
Before you begin with this lesson, it is suggested that you

revisit the following topics from your previous math lessons to
better understand the topics to be discussed in this lesson.
• Fractions and Rational Expressions

• Operations on Fractions
• Finding the Least Common Denominator
• Interval Notation
• Solving Inequalities
Rational Inequalities
A rational inequality is a type of inequality involving at least

one rational expression.
As an inequality, it tells that one quantity is less than (<),

greater than (>), less than or equal (≤), or greater or equal (≥).
2𝑥 9 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 4 1
<1 𝑥> 2
≤0 ≥
𝑥+1 𝑥 𝑥 − 16 𝑥−2 𝑥
The answer in this inequality is Examples:

called solution set for it will Intervals Description
not be just one or two values (−∞, 2) 𝑥<2
but interval of values. (1, +∞) 𝑥>1
(−5,2) −5 < 𝑥 < 2
Intervals are written using
(−∞, −4] 𝑥 ≤ −4
parentheses ( ) or brackets [ ]
[0, +∞) 𝑥≥0
depending on the description.
(−3,1] −3 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
How to solve rational inequalities?
1. Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side of the

inequality symbol and zero on the other side.
2. Determine the critical values for which the rational expression is

zero or undefined. Equate the numerator and the denominator to 0
separately and solve for the unknown.
3. Mark the numbers found in Step 2 on a number line. These

numbers partition the number line into intervals.
How to solve rational inequalities?
4. Select a test point within each interval from Step 3 to determine

over which intervals the fraction takes on positive and negative
values. Summarize the results through a table of signs.
5. Determine the solution set by selecting the interval where the sign
of the rational expression satisfies the inequality in Step 1.
Example 1:
2𝑥
Find the solution for the inequality <1
𝑥+1
Solution:
Step 1: Rewrite as a single fraction being
compared to zero.
Rewrite the inequality where all the terms

are on one side leaving zero on the other
side. Combine the terms as one rational
expression using the least common
denominator (LCD). The resulting inequality
will be the basis for the succeeding steps.
Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Determining the critical values means finding the zeroes of the
numerator and denominator.
The zeroes of a polynomial are the values of the unknown making
the value of the polynomial equal to zero. Thus, finding the zeroes
of a polynomial is by equating the polynomial to zero then solve for
the unknown.

Recall that the numerator 𝑁 𝑥 and
denominator 𝐷 𝑥 of a rational expression are 𝑁(𝑥) 𝑥 − 1
=
both polynomials. Referring to the last rational 𝐷(𝑥) 𝑥 + 1
expression from the previous step:

𝑥−1
Hence, the critical values in the rational expression 𝑥+1
are 1 and −1.
Step 3: List the intervals.

The number line will be partitioned by the critical values (CV), thus
we will have the following intervals:
−𝟏 𝟏
−∞, −1 −1,1 1, +∞
Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

A test point (TP) is any number within an interval.
Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
TP −2 0 2
These test points will be substituted in the numerator and in the

denominator, and the resulting sign shall be noted.
The signs at these test points are also the signs in their
aforementioned intervals.
Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −2 −1 0 1 2
It is also good to note what would be the result substituting the

critical values to the numerator and the denominator, and how it
would affect the rational expression.

Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑥−1 −2 − 1 −1 − 1 0−1 1−1 2−1
(−) (−) (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1 −2 + 1 −1 + 1 0+1 1+1 2+1
(−) 0 (+) (+) (+)
Substitute the test points and critical values to the unknown in the
numerator 𝑁 𝑥 and denominator 𝐷 𝑥 , and take note of the
resulting sign.

Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑥−1 (−) (−) (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1 (−) 0 (+) (+) (+)
𝑥−1
(+) 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1
Divide the resulting signs to determine the sign of the rational
expression in that interval.

Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑥−1 (−) (−) (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1 (−) 0 (+) (+) (+)
𝑥−1
(+) 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1
Based on the table of signs, the rational expression has a positive value in the
intervals −∞, −1 and 1, +∞ . And, it has a negative value in the interval
−1,1 .

Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −2 −1 0 1 2
𝑥−1 (−) (−) (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1 (−) 0 (+) (+) (+)
𝑥−1
(+) 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1
Moreover, when we substitute the critical values on the rational expression,
the zero of the numerator, 𝟏, makes the rational expression equal to 𝟎, while
the zero of the denominator, (−𝟏), makes rational expression 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅.
Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Going back in Step 1, our rational inequality for reference is
𝑥−1
<0
𝑥+1
𝑥−1
The inequality is telling us that the expression must have a
𝑥+1
value less than 𝟎, meaning, negative.

𝑥−1
Now, referring to our table of signs, the expression will only be
𝑥+1
negative in the interval −𝟏, 𝟏 .
Intervals
−∞, −1 −1 −1,1 1 1, +∞
and CV
𝑥−1
(+) 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 (−) 0 (+)
𝑥+1

𝑥−1
Since < 0 in the interval −1,1 or for when −1 < 𝑥 < 1,
𝑥+1
2𝑥
therefore, the solution set for the given inequality < 1 is
𝑥+1
−𝟏, 𝟏
Example 2:
9
Find the solution for the inequality 𝑥 >
𝑥
Solution:
compared to zero.
𝑥 2 −9
Take note that the resulting > 0 will be the basis in finding the
𝑥
solution set of the given rational inequality.

𝑥2 − 9
Referring to the rational expression from the previous step 𝑥

𝑥2 − 9
Hence, the critical values in the rational expression 𝑥
are −3, 3 and 0.

The number line will be partitioned by the critical values, yielding
the following intervals:
−𝟑 𝟎 𝟑
−∞, −3 −3,0 0,3 3, +∞
Intervals
−∞, −3 −3 (−3,0) 0 0,3 3 3, +∞
and CV

Substituting a test point from each interval, then the corresponding
table of signs would be:
Intervals
−∞, −3 −3 (−3,0) 0 0,3 3 3, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −4 −3 −1 0 1 3 4
𝑥2 − 9 + 0 − − − 0 +
𝑥 − − − 0 + + +
𝑥2 − 9
− 0 + 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 − 0 +
𝑥

Intervals
−∞, −3 −3 (−3,0) 0 0,3 3 3, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −4 −3 −1 0 1 3 4
𝑥2 − 9 + 0 − − − 0 +
𝑥 − − − 0 + + +
𝑥2 − 9
𝑥
intervals −3,0 and 3, +∞ . And, it has a negative value in the intervals
−∞, −3 and 0,3 .

Intervals
−∞, −3 −3 (−3,0) 0 0,3 3 3, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −4 −3 −1 0 1 3 4
𝑥2 − 9 + 0 − − − 0 +
𝑥 − − − 0 + + +
𝑥2 − 9
𝑥
Moreover, when we substitute the critical values on the rational expression, the
zeroes of the numerator, −3 and 3, make the rational expression equal to 0, while
the zero of the denominator, 0, makes rational expression 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑.

𝑥2 − 9
>0
𝑥
𝑥 2 −9
𝑥
value greater than 𝟎, meaning, positive.

𝑥 2 −9
Now, referring to our table of signs, the expression will only be
𝑥
positive in the interval −𝟑, 𝟎 and 𝟑, +∞ .
Intervals
−∞, −3 −3 (−3,0) 0 0,3 3 3, +∞
and CV
𝑥2 − 9
𝑥

𝑥 2 −9
Since > 0 in the intervals −3,0 and 3, +∞ or for when
𝑥
− 3 < 𝑥 < 0 or 𝑥 > 3,
9
therefore, the solution set for the given inequality 𝑥 > is
𝑥
−𝟑, 𝟎 ∪ (𝟑, +∞)
Notice the use of the symbol ∪ (union) to combine two separate

intervals as one solution set.
Example 3:
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
Find the solution for the inequality 2
≤0
𝑥 − 16
Solution:
Step 1: Rewrite as a single fraction being compared to zero.
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
2
≤0
𝑥 − 16
Observe that the given inequality is already written as a single

fraction being compared to zero.

𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
Referring to the rational expression in Step 1, 𝑥 2 − 16

𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
Hence, the critical values in the rational expression 𝑥 2 − 16
are −4, −2, −1, and 4.

−𝟒 −𝟐 −𝟏 𝟒
−∞, −4 −4, −2 −2, −1 −1,4 4, +∞
Intervals
−∞, −4 −4 (−4, −2) −2 (−2, −1) −1 −1,4 4 4, +∞
and CV

Intervals
−∞, −4 −4 (−4, −2) −2 (−2, −1) −1 −1,4 4 4, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −5 −4 −3 −2 −1.5 −1 0 4 5
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 + + + 0 − 0 + + +
𝑥 2 − 16 + 0 − − − − − 0 +
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
+ 𝑢𝑛𝑑 − 0 + 0 − 𝑢𝑛𝑑 +
𝑥 2 − 16

Intervals
−∞, −4 −4 (−4, −2) −2 (−2, −1) −1 −1,4 4 4, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −5 −4 −3 −2 −1.5 −1 0 4 5
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 + + + 0 − 0 + + +
𝑥 2 − 16 + 0 − − − − − 0 +
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
+ 𝑢𝑛𝑑 − 0 + 0 − 𝑢𝑛𝑑 +
𝑥 2 − 16
intervals −∞, −4 , −2, −1 and 4, +∞ . And, it has a negative value in the
intervals −4, −2 and −1,4 .

Intervals
−∞, −4 −4 (−4, −2) −2 (−2, −1) −1 −1,4 4 4, +∞
and CV
TP and CV −5 −4 −3 −2 −1.5 −1 0 4 5
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 + + + 0 − 0 + + +
𝑥 2 − 16 + 0 − − − − − 0 +
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
+ 𝑢𝑛𝑑 − 0 + 0 − 𝑢𝑛𝑑 +
𝑥 2 − 16
zeroes of the numerator, −2 and −1, make the rational expression equal to 0, while
the zero of the denominator, −4 and 4, makes the rational expression 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑.

𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
2
≤0
𝑥 − 16
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
𝑥 2 −16
value less than or equal 𝟎, meaning, negative or 𝟎.

𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
Now, referring to our table of signs, the expression will only
𝑥 2 −16
be negative in the intervals −4, −2 and −1,4 , and it will only be 𝟎
when 𝑥 is equal to the zeroes of the numerator, −2 and −1.
Intervals
−∞, −4 −4 (−4, −2) −2 (−2, −1) −1 −1,4 4 4, +∞
and CV
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
+ 𝑢𝑛𝑑 − 0 + 0 − 𝑢𝑛𝑑 +
𝑥 2 − 16

𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
Since the expression will only be negative in the intervals
𝑥 2 −16
−4, −2 and −1,4 , and it will only be 𝟎 when 𝑥 is equal to the zeroes
of the numerator, −2 and −1,
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
therefore, the solution set for the given inequality ≤ 0 is
𝑥 2 −16
−𝟒, −𝟐 ∪ [−𝟏, 𝟒)
Notice the use of brackets [ ] to include −2 and −1 as part of the

solution set.
Example 4:
4 1
Find the solution for the inequality ≥
𝑥−2 𝑥
Solution:
compared to zero.
3𝑥+2
Note that the resulting ≥ 0 will be the
𝑥 2 −2𝑥
basis in finding the solution set of the given
rational inequality.

3𝑥 + 2
Referring to the rational expression in Step 1, 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥

3𝑥 + 2
Hence, the critical values in the rational expression 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
2
are − , 0, and 2.
3

−𝟐 𝟑 𝟎 𝟐
2 2 0,2 2, +∞
−∞, − − ,0
3 3
Intervals 2 2 2
−∞, − − − ,0 0 0,2 2 2, +∞
and CV 3 3 3

Intervals 2 2 2
−∞, − − − ,0 0 0,2 2 2, +∞
and CV 3 3 3
TP and CV −1 −2 3 −0.5 0 1 2 3
3𝑥 + 2 − 0 + + + + +
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + + + 0 − 0 +
3𝑥 + 2
− 0 + 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 − 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 +
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥

Intervals 2 2 2
−∞, − − − ,0 0 0,2 2 2, +∞
and CV 3 3 3
TP and CV −1 −2 3 −0.5 0 1 2 3
3𝑥 + 2 − 0 + + + + +
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + + + 0 − 0 +
3𝑥 + 2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
2
intervals − , 0 and 2, +∞ . And, it has a negative value in the intervals
3
2
−∞, − and 0,2 .
3

Intervals 2 2 2
−∞, − − − ,0 0 0,2 2 2, +∞
and CV 3 3 3
TP and CV −1 −2 3 −0.5 0 1 2 3
3𝑥 + 2 − 0 + + + + +
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + + + 0 − 0 +
3𝑥 + 2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
2
zero of the numerator, − , makes the rational expression equal to 0, while the
3
zeroes of the denominator, 0 and 2, make the rational expression 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑.

3𝑥 + 2
2
≥0
𝑥 − 2𝑥
3𝑥+2
𝑥 2 −2𝑥
value greater than or equal 𝟎, meaning, positive or 𝟎.

3𝑥+2
Now, referring to our table of signs, the expression will only
𝑥 2 −2𝑥
2
be positive in the intervals − ,0 and 2, +∞ , and it will only be 𝟎
3
2
when 𝑥 is equal to the zero of the numerator, − .
3
Intervals 2 2 2
−∞, − − − ,0 0 0,2 2 2, +∞
and CV 3 3 3
3𝑥 + 2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥

3𝑥+2
Since the expression will only be positive in the intervals
𝑥 2 −2𝑥
2
− ,0 and 2, +∞ , and it will only be 𝟎 when 𝑥 is equal to the zero
3
2
of the numerator, − , therefore, the solution set for the given
3
4 1
inequality ≥ is
𝑥−2 𝑥
Try This!
Rewrite the inequalities with one single fraction.

𝑥+2
1. >2
𝑥+5
4 5
2. 𝑥
+2≥
𝑥
2 3
3. ≤
𝑥−3 𝑥+1
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute - Special Health Sciences Senior High School
55
Try This!
Find the critical values and the intervals to be used

in solving the following inequalities:
5 − 2𝑥
4. <0
𝑥+1
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1
5. 2
>0
𝑥 −𝑥−6
2 3
6. ≤
𝑥−3 𝑥+1
56
Try This!
Find the value of the unknown in the following

inequalities:
𝑥 𝑥+3 𝑥−2
7. >3 9. <
𝑥−1 𝑥+2 𝑥−3
4 5 𝑥 𝑥−1
8. +2≥ 10. ≤
𝑥 𝑥 12 𝑥 + 4
57
Key Ideas
 A rational inequality is an inequality with at least one rational

expression.
 The following are the steps in solving a rational inequality:

Step 1: Rewrite as a single fraction being compared to zero.
Key Ideas
 The least common denominator (LCD) of the rational

expressions in an inequality is used to combine the expressions
as one.
 The zeroes of a polynomial are the values of the unknown

making the value of the polynomial equal to zero. They are also
called critical values.
 The values satisfying the rational inequality are contained in a

solution set represented as intervals.
Key Ideas
 The symbol ∪ (union) is used to combine intervals as one

solution set.
 Grouping symbol parentheses ( ) are used to write intervals

where the critical value/s are not part of the solution set,
particularly, in inequalities involving less than < or greater
than >.
 On the contrary, brackets [ ] are used when the critical value/s

may be part of the solution, particularly, in inequalities
involving less than or equal ≤ or greater than or equal ≥.

GM - Lesson 2.3 Solving Rational Inequalities

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GM - Lesson 2.3 Solving Rational Inequalities

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Lesson 2.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to

• solve rational inequalities.

Before you begin with this lesson, it is suggested that you

• Fractions and Rational Expressions

A rational inequality is a type of inequality involving at least

As an inequality, it tells that one quantity is less than (<),

The answer in this inequality is Examples:

How to solve rational inequalities?

1. Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side of the

2. Determine the critical values for which the rational expression is

3. Mark the numbers found in Step 2 on a number line. These

How to solve rational inequalities?

4. Select a test point within each interval from Step 3 to determine

Rewrite the inequality where all the terms

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 3: List the intervals.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

These test points will be substituted in the numerator and in the

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

It is also good to note what would be the result substituting the

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 3: List the intervals.

−∞, −3 −3,0 0,3 3, +∞

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

−𝟑, 𝟎 ∪ (𝟑, +∞)

Notice the use of the symbol ∪ (union) to combine two separate

Observe that the given inequality is already written as a single

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 3: List the intervals.

−∞, −4 −4, −2 −2, −1 −1,4 4, +∞

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Notice the use of brackets [ ] to include −2 and −1 as part of the

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 2: Determine the critical values.

Step 3: List the intervals.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 4: Select a test point and create a table of signs.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.

Step 5: Determine the solution set.