≥

PO
LY
NO We are going to
MI use what we’ve
AL learned about
the graphs of
AND polynomial and
rational
A L functions to
ON
T I solve

R A polynomial and
rational
inequalities.
INEQUALITIES
Consider the inequality: ( x − 5)( x + 2) > 0
Let’s look at the graph f ( x ) = ( x − 5)( x + 2 )
It is a parabola with x intercepts (5, 0) and (-2, 0)
and y intercept (0, -10).

We could also find the

vertex by FOILing and
then using –b/2a but we
will see that this will not
be necessary to solve
the inequality.
 ( x −f5()(xx) +>20) > 0 is still the problem we want to
solve

We have a graph of: f ( x ) = ( x − 5)( x + 2 )

Since the left hand side of the inequality is f(x),
the inequality is asking, “Where is f(x) > 0”?

Look at the graph to (-∞,-2) or (5, ∞)

answer this
question. f(x) is the
y value so where is
the function value or
y value above the x
axis?
Let’s try another one: x + 7 x ≤ −12
2

First of all we want the right hand side to be

zero so that when we look at the graph we are
looking where the function is either above or
below the x axis depending on the inequality.
x + 7 x + 12 ≤ 0
2 Factor f ( x ) = ( x + 4 )( x + 3)
( x + 4)( x + 3) ≤ 0 Graph
f(x) = left
hand side,
Where is this graph by finding
less than or equal to 0? intercepts
Using interval notation: [-4, -3]
Using inequality notation: { x − 4 ≤ x ≤ −3}
Let’s try another one: x + 2 x − 3x > 0
3 2

The right hand side already is 0 so factor

(
x x + 2x − 3 >
2
) Factor
0 more x( x + 3)( x − 1) > 0
Graph f(x) = left hand side, by finding
intercepts and using left & right hand
behavior

Where is this graph (the y value) f ( x ) = x( x + 3)( x − 1)

greater than 0?

Using interval notation: (-3, 0) or (1, ∞)

Using inequality notation:

{ x − 3 < x < 0 or x > 1}

 Let’s try a rational function: x −3
>0
x +1
Graph f(x) = left hand side, by finding
intercepts, asymptotes, other points etc.

x −3
Where is this graph (the y value)
greater than 0? f ( x) =
x +1
Using interval notation: (-∞, -1) or (3, ∞)
Using inequality notation:

{ x x < −1 or x > 3}
 Summary of Steps for Solving
Polynomial or Rational Inequalities
•Write the inequality so the polynomial or rational function
is on the left hand side and the right hand side is zero.
•If you have a rational function, get a common denominator
if you don’t already have one.
•Graph the function given on the left hand side of the
inequality by methods learned previously in this chapter.
•Look at the inequality to determine if you want function
values above (greater than 0) or below (less than 0) the x-axis
•State solution after looking at the graph. Make sure to
include the endpoints if “or equal to” in the inequality
(unless that would make a denominator 0).
•Remember you are giving the x values where the y values
make the inequality true.