8.

4 Quadratic and Rational Inequalities (8-27) 473

b) What can you conclude about the values 3i, 3i, 3,
and 3 and their relationship to each other?
65. Cooperative learning. Work with a group to write a qua-
dratic equation that has each given pair of solutions.
a) 3  5, 3  5 b) 4  2i, 4  2i
1  i3
 1  i3

c) , 
2 2

GR APHING C ALCUL ATOR

W EXERCISES

W W
Solve each equation by locating the x-intercepts on the graph of
a corresponding function. Round approximate answers to two
decimal places.
W LW
66. (5x  7)2  (5x  7)  6  0
L
1, 2
FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 63 67. x4  116x2  1600  0
10, 4, 4, 10
GET TING MORE INVOLVED 68. (x2  3x)2  7(x2  3x)  9  0
64. Exploration. 4.25, 3.49, 0.49, 1.25
a) Given that P(x)  x4  6x2  27, find P(3i), P(3i), 69. x2  3x12  12  0
P(3), and P(3). 4.27

8.4 QUADRATIC AND RATIONAL

INEQUALITIES
We first solved inequalities in Chapter 2. In this section we solve inequalities
In this involving quadratic polynomials. We use a new technique based on the rules for
section multiplying real numbers.
● Solving Quadratic
Inequalities with a Sign Solving Quadratic Inequalities with a Sign Graph
Graph
● Solving Rational Inequalities
An inequality involving a quadratic polynomial is called a quadratic inequality.
with a Sign Graph
● Quadratic Inequalities That Quadratic Inequality
Cannot Be Factored
● Applications A quadratic inequality is an inequality of the form

ax2  bx  c  0,

where a, b, and c are real numbers with a  0. The inequality symbols , ,

and may also be used.

If we can factor a quadratic inequality, then the inequality can be solved with a sign
graph, which shows where each factor is positive, negative, or zero.
474 (8-28) Chapter 8 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

E X A M P L E 1 Solving a quadratic inequality

Use a sign graph to solve the inequality x2  3x  10  0.
Solution
Because the left-hand side can be factored, we can write the inequality as
calculator
(x  5)(x  2)  0.
This inequality says that the product of x  5 and x  2 is positive. If both factors
close-up are negative or both are positive, the product is positive. To analyze the signs of
each factor, we make a sign graph as follows. First consider the possible values of
Use Y to set y1  x  5 and the factor x  5:
y2  x  2. Now make a table
and scroll through the table. Value Where On the number line
The table numerically sup-
ports the sign graph in Fig. 8.4. x50 if x  5 Put a 0 above 5.
x50 if x  5 Put  signs to the right of 5.
x5 0 if x 5 Put  signs to the left of 5.

The sign graph shown in Fig. 8.3 for the factor x  5 is made from the information
in the preceding table.
(x + 5) negative here (x + 5) positive here
Note that the graph of
y  x2  3x  10 is above x+5 – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + +
the x-axis when x 5 or
when x  2. – 11 – 10 –9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1
10 FIGURE 8.3
Now consider the possible values of the factor x  2:
–8 4
Value Where On the number line
x20 if x  2 Put a 0 above 2.
–15
x20 if x  2 Put  signs to the right of 2.
x2 0 if x 2 Put  signs to the left of 2.

We put the information for the factor x  2 on the sign graph for the factor x  5
as shown in Fig. 8.4. We can see from Fig. 8.4 that the product is positive if
x 5 and the product is positive if x  2. The solution set for the quadratic
inequality is shown in Fig. 8.5. Note that 5 and 2 are not included in the graph be-
cause for those values of x the product is zero. The solution set is ( , 5)  (2, ).
Positive product because Positive product because
both factors are negative both factors are positive

x–2 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + +
x+5 – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

–9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

FIGURE 8.4

–9 –8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
FIGURE 8.5 ■
 8.4 Quadratic and Rational Inequalities (8-29) 475

In the next example we will make the procedure from Example 1 a bit more
efficient.

E X A M P L E 2 Solving a quadratic inequality

Solve 2x2  5x 3 and graph the solution set.
calculator Solution
Rewrite the inequality with 0 on one side:
2x2  5x  3 0
close-up (2x  1)(x  3) 0 Factor.
Use Y to set y1  2x  1 Examine the signs of each factor:
and y2  x  3. The table of
1
values for y1 and y2 supports 2x  1  0 if x  
the sign graph in Fig. 8.6. 2
1
2x  1  0 if x  
2
1
2x  1 0 if x 
2
x  3  0 if x  3
x  3  0 if x  3
Note that the graph of x  3 0 if x 3
y  2x 2  5x  3 is below Make a sign graph as shown in Fig. 8.6. The product of the factors is negative be-
the x-axis when x is between
1 tween 3 and 1, when one factor is negative and the other is positive. The product
3 and . 2
2 is 0 at 3 and at 1. So the solution set is the interval 3, 1
 . The graph of the
2 2
10
solution set is shown in Fig. 8.7.

x+3 – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
–6 2 2x – 1 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + +

1
–7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 —
2 1 2 3 4
–10 Positive product Negative product Positive product
FIGURE 8.6

1
—
2

–7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4
FIGURE 8.7 ■
We summarize the strategy used for solving a quadratic inequality as follows.

Strategy for Solving a Quadratic Inequality

with a Sign Graph

1. Write the inequality with 0 on the right.

2. Factor the quadratic polynomial on the left.
3. Make a sign graph showing where each factor is positive, negative, or zero.
4. Use the rules for multiplying signed numbers to determine which regions
satisfy the original inequality.
476 (8-30) Chapter 8 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

Solving Rational Inequalities with a Sign Graph

The inequalities
x2 2x  3 2 1
 2,  0 and  
x3 x5 x4 x1
are called rational inequalities. When we solve equations that involve rational ex-
pressions, we usually multiply each side by the LCD. However, if we multiply each
side of any inequality by a negative number, we must reverse the inequality, and
when we multiply by a positive number, we do not reverse the inequality. For this
reason we generally do not multiply inequalities by expressions involving variables.
The values of the expressions might be positive or negative. The next two examples
show how to use a sign graph to solve rational inequalities that have variables in the
denominator.

E X A M P L E 3 Solving a rational inequality

Solve x2 2 and graph the solution set.
x3

Solution
We do not multiply each side by x  3. Instead, subtract 2 from each side to get 0
helpful hint on the right:
By getting 0 on one side of the x2
inequality, we can use the   2 0
rules for dividing signed num- x3
bers. The only way to obtain a x  2 2(x  3)
   0 Get a common denominator.
negative result is to divide x3 x3
numbers with opposite signs.
x  2 2x  6
   0 Simplify.
x3 x3
x  2  2x  6
 0 Subtract the rational expressions.
x3
x  8
 0 The quotient of x  8 and x  3 is
x3 less than or equal to 0.

Examine the signs of the numerator and denominator:

x  3  0 if x  3 x  8  0 if x  8
x  3  0 if x  3 x  8  0 if x 8
x  3 0 if x 3 x  8 0 if x  8
Make a sign graph as shown in Fig. 8.8. Using the rule for dividing signed numbers
and the sign graph, we can identify where the quotient is negative or zero. The
solution set is ( , 3)  [8, ). Note that 3 is not in the solution set because the
quotient is undefined if x  3. The graph of the solution set is shown in Figure 8.9.

–x + 8 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 0 – – – – – – –
x–3 – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Negative quotient Negative quotient
FIGURE 8.8
 8.4 Quadratic and Rational Inequalities (8-31) 477

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
FIGURE 8.9 ■

CAUTION Remember to reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or

dividing by a negative number. For example, x  3  0 is equivalent to x  3. But
x  8  0 is equivalent to x  8, or x 8.

E X A M P L E 4 Solving a rational inequality

Solve 2 1
 and graph the solution set.
x4 x1

Solution
We do not multiply by the LCD as we do in solving equations. Instead, subtract 1
x1
from each side:
2 1
   0
x4 x1
2(x  1) 1(x  4)
   0 Get a common denominator.
(x  4)(x  1) (x  1)(x  4)
2x  2  x  4
 0 Simplify.
(x  1)(x  4)
x2
 0
(x  1)(x  4)
study tip
x+1 – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + +
If you must miss class, let your x+4 – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
instructor know. Be sure to get x–2 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + + + +
notes from a reliable class-
mate. Take good notes your- –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
self in case a classmate comes FIGURE 8.10
to you for notes.
Make a sign graph as shown in Fig. 8.10. The computation of
x2

(x  1)(x  4)
involves multiplication and division. The result of this computation is positive if all
of the three binomials are positive or if only one is positive and the other two are
negative. The sign graph shows that this rational expression will have a positive
value when x is between 4 and 1 and again when x is larger than 2. The solu-
tion set is (4, 1)  [2, ). Note that 1 and 4 are not in the solution set be-
cause they make the denominator zero. The graph of the solution set is shown in
Fig. 8.11.

–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
FIGURE 8.11 ■
478 (8-32) Chapter 8 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

Solving rational inequalities with a sign graph is summarized below.

Strategy for Solving a Rational Inequality

with a Sign Graph

1. Rewrite the inequality with 0 on the right-hand side.

2. Use only addition and subtraction to get an equivalent inequality.
3. Factor the numerator and denominator if possible.
4. Make a sign graph showing where each factor is positive, negative, or zero.
5. Use the rules for multiplying and dividing signed numbers to determine the
regions that satisfy the original inequality.

Another method for solving quadratic and rational inequalities will be shown in
Example 5. This method, called the test point method, can be used instead of the
sign graph to solve the inequalities of Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Quadratic Inequalities That Cannot Be Factored

The following example shows how to solve a quadratic inequality that involves a
prime polynomial.

E X A M P L E 5 Solving a quadratic inequality using the quadratic formula

Solve x2  4x  6  0 and graph the solution set.
Solution
The quadratic polynomial is prime, but we can solve x2  4x  6  0 by the qua-
dratic formula:
4  1 6
(14)(
 6) 4  4 0 4  210
x        2  10
2(1) 2 2
As in the previous examples, the solutions to the equation divide the number line
into the intervals ( , 2  10), (2  10, 2  1 0), and (2  10, ) on
which the quadratic polynomial has either a positive or negative value. To deter-
mine which, we select an arbitrary test point in each interval. Because
2  1 0 5.2 and 2  1 0 1.2, we choose a test point that is less than
1.2, one between 1.2 and 5.2, and one that is greater than 5.2. We have selected
2, 0, and 7 for test points, as shown in Fig. 8.12. Now evaluate x2  4x  6 at
each test point.
—– —–
2 – √10 2 + √10
Test point ≈ –1.2 Test point ≈ 5.2 Test point

–2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
FIGURE 8.12

Test point Value of x2  4x  6 Sign of x2  4x  6

at the test point in interval of test point
2 6 Positive
0 6 Negative
7 15 Positive
 8.4 Quadratic and Rational Inequalities (8-33) 479

calculator Because x2  4x  6 is positive at the test points 2 and 7, it is positive at every

point in the intervals containing those test points. So the solution set to the inequal-
ity x2  4x  6  0 is
close-up ( , 2  10)  (2  10, ),
Notice that the graph of and its graph is shown in Fig. 8.13.
y  x2  4x  6
—– —–
2 – √10 2 + √10
lies above the x-axis when

x 2  10
 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
or x  2  10
. FIGURE 8.13 ■
20
The test point method used in Example 5 can be used also on inequalities that do
factor. We summarize the strategy for solving inequalities using test points in the
–3 8 following box.

–20 Strategy for Solving Quadratic Inequalities Using Test Points

1. Rewrite the inequality with 0 on the right.

2. Solve the quadratic equation that results from replacing the inequality
symbol with the equals symbol.
3. Locate the solutions to the quadratic equation on a number line.
4. Select a test point in each interval determined by the solutions to the
quadratic equation.
5. Test each point in the original quadratic inequality to determine which
intervals satisfy the inequality.

Applications
The following example shows how a quadratic inequality can be used to solve a
problem.

E X A M P L E 6 Making a profit
Charlene’s daily profit P (in dollars) for selling x magazine subscriptions is deter-
mined by the formula
P  x2  80x  1500.
For what values of x is her profit positive?
Solution
We can find the values of x for which P  0 by solving a quadratic inequality:
x2  80x  1500  0
x2  80x  1500 0 Multiply each side by 1.

(x  30)(x  50) 0 Factor.

Make a sign graph as shown in Fig. 8.14 on the next page. The product of the two
factors is negative for x between 30 and 50. Because the last inequality is equivalent
480 (8-34) Chapter 8 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

to the first, the profit is positive when the number of magazine subscriptions sold is
greater than 30 and less than 50.
x – 50 – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + +
x – 30 – – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + +

10 20 30 40 50 60 70
FIGURE 8.14 ■

WARM-UPS
True or false? Explain.
1. The solution set to x2  4 is (2, ). False
2. The inequality x  2 is equivalent to x  2x  6. False
x3
3. The inequality (x  1)(x  2) 0 is equivalent to x  1 0 or
x  2 0. False
4. We cannot solve quadratic inequalities that do not factor. False
5. One technique for solving quadratic inequalities is based on the rules for
multiplying signed numbers. True
6. Multiplying each side of an inequality by a variable should be avoided.
True
7. In solving quadratic or rational inequalities, we always get 0 on one side.
True
8. The inequality x  3 is equivalent to x  6. True
2
9. The inequality x3 1 is equivalent to x3  1 0. True
x2 x2
10. The solution set to x2 0 is ( , 2]  [4, ). False
x4

8. 4 EXERCISES
Reading and Writing After reading this section, write out the Solve each inequality. State the solution set using interval nota-
answers to these questions. Use complete sentences. tion and graph the solution set. See Examples 1 and 2.
1. What is a quadratic inequality? 5. x 2  x  6 0 (3, 2)
A quadratic inequality has the form ax2  bx  c  0. In
place of  we can also use , , or .
2. What is a sign graph? 6. x 2  3x  4 0
A sign graph shows signs of the factors for all possible ( , 1]  [4, )
values of x.
3. What is a rational inequality? 7. y 2  4  0
A rational inequality is an inequality involving a rational ( , 2)  (2, )
expression.
8. z2  16 0
4. Why don’t we usually multiply each side of an inequality
(4, 4)
by an expression involving a variable?
Multiplying each side by a positive number does not 9. 2u2  5u 12
change the direction of the inequality, but multiplying by a 3
negative number does. So if we multiply by a variable, it is ( , 4]  ,
2
difficult to know which way the inequality goes.
 8.4 Quadratic and Rational Inequalities (8-35) 481

10. 2v2  7v 4 m 3
27.     0
1 m5 m1
4, 
2 ( , 5)  (1, 3)  (5, )
11. 4x 2  8x 0 p 2
28.    0
( , 0]  [2, ) p  16 p  6
[4, 6)  [8, 16)
12. x 2  x  0
x 8
( , 1)  (0, ) 29.  
x3 x6
13. 5x  10x 2 0 [6, 3)  [4, 6)
1 x 2
( , 0)  , 30.    ( , 20)  (10, 8)  (4, )
2 x  20 x  8
14. 3x  x2  0
(0, 3)
15. x 2  6x  9 0 ( , ) Solve each inequality. State and graph the solution set. See
16. x 2  25 10x Example 5.
Solve each rational inequality. State and graph the solution set. 31. x 2  2x  4  0 ( , 1  5)  (1  5, )
See Examples 3 and 4.
x
17.   0
x3
32. x 2  2x  5 0 [1  6, 1  6]
( , 0)  (3, )
a
18.   0
a2
( , 2)  (0, )
3  3
 3  3

x2 33. 2x 2  6x  3 0  ,   ,
19.  0 2 2
x
[2, 0)
w6
20.  0
w
(0, 6] 4  1
0 4  1
0
t3 34. 2x 2  8x  3 0 , 
21.   0 2 2
t6
( , 6)  (3, )
x2
22.  0
2x  5
3  35
 3  35
5
, 2 35. y2  3y  9 0 , 
2 2
2
x
23.   1
x2
( , 2)  (1, )
x3 3 5  53
5  5
24.  2 36. z2  5z  7 0 , 
x 2 2
[1, 0)
2 1
25.   
x5 x4
(13, 4)  (5, ) In Exercises 37–60, solve each inequality. State the solution set
3 2 using interval notation.
26.   
x2 x1 37. x 2 9 [3, 3]
(2, 1)  (7, ) 38. x 2 36 ( , 6]  [6, )
482 (8-36) Chapter 8 Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

39. 16  x 2  0 (4, 4) 63. Flying high. An arrow is shot straight upward with a
40. 9  x 2 0 ( , 3)  (3, ) velocity of 96 feet per second (ft/sec) from an altitude of
41. x 2  4x 0 ( , 0]  [4, ) 6 feet. For how many seconds is this arrow more than
86 feet high?
3 3
42. 4x 2  9  0  ,   , 4 seconds
2 2
64. Putting the shot. In 1978 Udo Beyer (East Germany) set a
3 5 world record in the shot-put of 72 ft 8 in. If Beyer had pro-
43. 3(2w2  5) w , 
2 3 jected the shot straight upward with a velocity of 30 ft/sec
3 4 from a height of 5 ft, then for what values of t would the
44. 6(y2  2)  y 0 ,  shot be under 15 ft high?
2 3
t 0.43 second or t  1.44 seconds
45. z 2 4 (z  3) ( , 2]  [6, )
46. t 2 3(2t  3) If a projectile is fired at a 45° angle from a height of s0 feet with
initial velocity v0 ft/sec, then its altitude S in feet after t seconds
47. (q  4)2  10q  31 ( , 3)  (5, )
is given by
48. (2p  4)( p  1) ( p  2)2 (2, 4)
v0
1 2 S  16t2   t  s0.
49. x 4  x ( , 4]  [2, ) 2
2
1 2 65. Siege and garrison artillery. An 8-inch mortar used in the
50. x x  12 [4, 6] Civil War fired a 44.5-lb projectile from ground level a
2
distance of 3,600 ft when aimed at a 45° angle (Harold R.
x4 Peterson, Notes on Ordinance of the American Civil War).
51.  0 (3, 4]
x3 The accompanying graph shows the altitude of the projec-
2x  1 1 tile when it is fired with a velocity of 2402 ft/sec.
52.  0 ( , 5)  , a) Use the graph to estimate the maximum altitude reached
x5 2
by the projectile.
53. (x  2)(x  1)(x  5) 0 [1, 2]  [5, )
900 ft
54. (x  1)(x  2)(2x  5) 0 ( , 2)  (1, 2.5)
b) Use the graph to estimate approximately how long the
55. x3  3x2  x  3 0 ( , 3)  (1, 1) altitude of the projectile was greater than 864 ft.
56. x3  5x2  4x  20 0 [5, 2]  [2, ) 3 seconds
57. 0.23x2  6.5x  4.3 0 (27.58, 0.68) c) Use the formula to determine the length of time for
58. 0.65x2  3.2x  5.1  0 ( , ) which the projectile had an altitude of more than 864 ft.
3 seconds
x 1
59.    
x2 x3
( , 2  6)  (3, 2  6)  (2, )
x 2 7  73 7  73 800
60.     , 5   , 3
3x x5 2 2
Height (ft)

600
Solve each problem by using a quadratic inequality. See
Example 6. 400
61. Positive profit. The monthly profit P (in dollars) that Big
Jim makes on the sale of x mobile homes is determined by 200
the formula P  x 2  5x  50. For what values of x is his
0
profit positive? 6, 7, 8, . . . 0 4 8 12 16
62. Profitable fruitcakes. Sharon’s revenue R (in dollars) on Time (sec)
the sale of x fruitcakes is determined by the formula FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 65
R  50x  x 2. Her cost C (in dollars) for producing x
fruit cakes is given by the formula C  2x  40. For
what values of x is Sharon’s profit positive? (Profit  66. Seacoast artillery. The 13-inch mortar used in the Civil
revenue  cost.) 1, 2, 3, . . . , 47 War fired a 220-lb projectile a distance of 12,975 ft when
aimed at a 45° angle. If the 13-inch mortar was fired from
If an object is given an initial velocity straight upward of v0 feet
a hill 100 ft above sea level with an initial velocity of
per second from a height of s0 feet, then its altitude S after t sec-
644 ft /sec, then for how long was the projectile more than
onds is given by the formula
800 ft above sea level?
S  16t 2  v0 t  s0. 25.2 seconds
 Chapter 8 Collaborative Activities (8-37) 483

68. Cooperative learning. Work in a small group to solve

45 ax 2  bx  c  0 for x in each case.
a) b 2  4ac  0 and a  0
( , b(2a))  (b(2a), )
100 ft
b) b 2  4ac  0 and a 0
c) b 2  4ac 0 and a  0 ( , )
d) b 2  4ac 0 and a 0
e) b 2  4ac  0 and a  0
b  b2
a
4c b  b2
a
4c
FIGURE FOR EXERCISE 66  ,   ,
2a 2a
f) b 2  4ac  0 and a 0
GET TING MORE INVOLVED b  b24ac b  b2
4ac
 , 
67. Cooperative learning. Work in a small group to solve each 2a 2a
inequality for x, given that h and k are real numbers with
h k. G R A P H I N G C ALC U L ATO R
a) (x  h)(x  k) 0 b) (x  h)(x  k)  0 EXERCISES
(h, k) ( , h)  (k, )
Match the given inequalities with their solution sets (a through
c) (x  h)(x  k) 0 d) (x  h)(x  k) 0 d) by examining a table or a graph.
(k, h) ( , k]  [h, )
69. x2  2x  8 0 c a. (2, 2)  (8, )
xh xh
e)  0 f)  0 70. x2  3x  54 d b. (2, 4)
xk xk
( , h]  (k, ) (k, h] x
71.   2 b c. (2, 4)
x2
3 5
72.   a d. ( , 6)  (9, )
x2 x2

COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES

Building a Room Addition Grouping: Two to four students per group

Topic: Applications of the quadratic formula
Leslie decides to build a rectangular studio on the south side of his
house. The studio is attached so that the north side of the studio
will be a portion of the current south side of the house. Because Leslie would also like to build a semicircular patio around
Leslie lives in the southwest, he decides to make the room from the studio (sliding glass doors will open from the studio out onto
rammed earth, thus making the walls of the studio 2 feet thick. the patio). The studio will be circumscribed by the semicircle.
Because of the cost of building materials and labor, Leslie decides A large tree, which he would like to keep for the summer shade
to limit the total area of the studio. He also decides to make the is 20 feet from the south side of the house. See the accompany-
studio’s inside south wall twice as long as its inside west wall. ing sketch Leslie made of the studio and patio.
1. Working in your groups, finish the drawing of the house
and studio, adding the given information. Define your vari-
able(s) and find the internal dimensions of the rectangular
studio if Leslie wants the external area of the studio to be
400 square feet. Round your answers to the nearest foot.
2. Determine how far the semicircular patio extends past the
house at the farthest point. Round your answer to the
nearest tenth of a foot.
3. Will Leslie be able to build the patio without removing the
tree? Give a reason for your answer.