CHAPTER 3:

INEQUALITIES

MAT406
Hazwa Hanim binti Mohamed Hamzah
 MAT406 CHAPTER 3
INEQUALITIES

3.1 Introduction to Inequalities

In Chapter 1 we have discussed the concept of inequalities applied on real numbers. This chapter will
discuss on applying the concept of inequalities algebraically.
In this section we will get to know about:

• the concept of inequalities algebraically.

• review on interval notation.
• properties of inequalities.

Inequality
An inequality is a statement similar to an equation, but instead of using the equal sign (=) we use one
of the inequality signs; <, ≤, >, ≥. Instead of showing the equality of values, an inequality is used to
compare two numbers, showing that one number is greater or lower than the other number.
If we solve an equation, we will get exactly one value as the solution. In inequalities, generally the
solution of the variable is infinitely many solutions, expressed as an interval or union of intervals on
the real number line.
Let say for example, we are trying to solve for the inequality 4𝑥 + 7 ≤ 19. The solution is any value of
𝑥 that when substituted into the inequality, the result of 4𝑥 + 7 will always be less than 19 or equals
to 19.

The following table shows that when 𝑥 is substituted with 1, 2 and 3, the results are either less than
19 or equals to 19. These numbers satisfy the inequality 4𝑥 + 7 ≤ 19. On the opposite, when 𝑥 is
substituted with the number 4 and 5, the results are greater than 19. These numbers do not satisfy
the inequality 4𝑥 + 7 ≤ 19.

𝑥 4𝑥 + 7 ≤ 19
1 4(1) + 7 = 11 ✓
2 4(2) + 7 = 13 ✓
3 4(3) + 7 = 19 ✓
4 4(4) + 7 = 23 ✘
5 4(5) + 7 = 27 ✘
Table 3-1 Testing values into inequalities

From the explanation above, we can see that the numbers that would satisfy the inequality 4𝑥 + 7 ≤
19 are numbers that are less than or equal to 3, therefore the solution for this inequality is 𝑥 ≤ 3.

The following illustration shows the difference between solution for equation and solution for inequality.
Solution Real number line
Equation: 4𝑥 + 7 = 19 𝑥=3

Inequality: 4𝑥 + 7 ≤ 19 𝑥≤3

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Interval notation
Let’s review back the relation between intervals, inequalities, and number line as discussed previously
in Chapter 1.

Interval
Inequality Number line Remark
notation

(𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑎<𝑥<𝑏 Bounded, open interval

[𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑎≤𝑥≤𝑏 Bounded, closed interval

[𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑎≤𝑥<𝑏 Bounded interval

(𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑎<𝑥≤𝑏 Bounded interval

(𝑎, ∞) 𝑎>𝑥 Unbounded, open interval

[𝑎, ∞) 𝑎≥𝑥 Unbounded interval

(𝑎, ∞) 𝑏<𝑥 Unbounded, open interval

(−∞, 𝑏] 𝑏≤𝑥 Unbounded interval

(−∞, ∞) −∞ < 𝑥 < ∞ Unbounded interval

Table 3-2 Interval notations, inequalities, and number line.

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Properties of inequalities
Properties of inequalities is used to help us identify equivalent inequalities so that we can solve them.
Equivalent inequalities are two inequalities that have the same set of solution.

Properties of inequalities

Let 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, and 𝐷 be real numbers.

1. 𝐴≤𝐵 ⇔ 𝐴+𝐶 ≤ 𝐵 + 𝐶. Addition of a Constant

2. 𝐴≤𝐵 ⇔ 𝐴−𝐶 ≤ 𝐵 − 𝐶.

3. If 𝐶 > 0, then 𝐴≤𝐵 ⇔ 𝐶𝐴 ≤ 𝐶𝐵. Multiplying by a Positive Constant

4. If 𝐶 < 0, then 𝐴≤𝐵 ⇔ 𝐶𝐴 ≥ 𝐶𝐵. Multiplying by a Negative Constant

5. If 𝐴 > 0 and 𝐵 > 0 ,

1 1
then 𝐴≤𝐵 ⇔ ≥
A B

6. If 𝐴 ≤ 𝐵 and 𝐶 ≤ 𝐷 ,
then 𝐴+𝐶 ≤ 𝐵 + 𝐷. Addition of Inequalities

7. If 𝐴 ≤ 𝐵 and 𝐵 ≤ 𝐶 , then 𝐴 ≤ 𝐶. Transitive Property

The symbol ⇔ means “is equivalent to”

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3.2 Solving Inequalities

In this section we will discuss on solving various types of inequalities, starting with linear inequalities
to absolute value inequalities.

3.2.1 Solving linear inequalities

An inequality is linear if each term is constant or a multiple of the variable. Linear inequality in one
variable is the simplest type of inequality to solve.
To solve a linear inequality, we isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign.

Example 1 (Solving linear inequality)

Solve the following inequalities:
1. 3𝑥 < 9𝑥 + 4
3𝑥 < 9𝑥 + 4
3𝑥 − 9𝑥 < 4 Subtract 9𝑥 from both sides.
−6𝑥 < 4 Simplify.
6𝑥 > −4 Multiply −1 to both sides.

2  1
∴ 𝑥 >− Multiply   to both sides and simplify.
3  6

2. 5𝑥 − 7 > 3𝑥 + 9
5𝑥 − 7 > 3𝑥 + 9
5𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 7 < 9 Subtract 3𝑥 from both sides.
2𝑥 < 9 + 7 Add 7 to both sides.
2𝑥 < 16 Simplify.

1 
∴ 𝑥<8 Multiply   to both sides.
 2

Exercise 3.2.1a
Solve the following inequalities.
1. 8𝑥 − 3 < 6𝑥 + 15 2. 9𝑥 − 8 ≤ 7𝑥 + 16 3. 5 − 3𝑥 ≤ 2 − 9𝑥
1 1 1 1 2
4. 4(5 − 2𝑥) ≥ (8 − 𝑥) 5. (3 − 𝑥) > (2 − 3𝑥) 6. 𝑥 − >2
2 2 3 2 3

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Example 2 (Solving linear inequality)

Solve the following inequalities and express the solution in inequality form, number line, interval
notation, and set notation:

1. 3𝑥 − 5 > 8𝑥
3𝑥 − 8𝑥 > −5
−5𝑥 > −5
5𝑥 < 5
𝑥 <1
Inequality form: 𝑥<1

Number line:
0 1
Interval notation: (−∞, 1)
Set notation: { 𝑥 | 𝑥 < 1, 𝑥 ∈ ℝ}

6 + 4x
2. < 10𝑥 + 6
−3
6 + 4𝑥 > −30𝑥 − 18
4𝑥 + 30𝑥 > −18 − 6
34𝑥 > −24
12
𝑥 >−
17
12
Inequality form: 𝑥>−
17

Number line:
12 0
−
17

 12 
− 
Interval notation:  17 ,  
 
12
Set notation: {𝑥| 𝑥 > − , x ∈ ℝ}
17

Exercise 3.2.1b
Solve the following inequalities and express the solution in inequality form, number line, interval
notation, and set notation.
1. 3(𝑚 − 2) − 4 ≥ 7𝑚 + 14 2. 2(3𝑚 − 1) + 5 ≥ 8𝑚 − 7
3. 3 − 4(𝑥 − 2) ≤ −5𝑥 + 6 4. 8 − 6(𝑥 − 3) ≤ −4𝑥 + 12

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3.2.2 Solving compound inequalities

A compound inequality is a statement with two inequalities linked together either by the word “and” or
the word “or”.

Example 3 (Compound inequality linked with “or”)

Write the solution set in number line for the compound inequality

𝑥 < −1 or 𝑥 ≥ 3.

𝑥 < −1
−1 0
𝑥≥3
0 3

∴ 𝑥 < −1 or 𝑥≥3

−1 0 3

Example 4 (Compound inequality linked with “and”)

Write the solution set in number line for the compound inequality
𝑥 > −2 and 𝑥 < 3.

𝑥 > −2
−2 0
𝑥<3
0 3

∴ 𝑥 > −2 and 𝑥<3

−2 0 3

The compound inequality 𝑥 > −2 and 𝑥 < 3 from Example 4 can be written as −2 < 𝑥 < 3. The word
“and” no longer appear in inequality of this form and this inequality is known as double inequality.

 Solving compound inequalities

To solve compound inequalities, we solve the inequalities separately first, Then, for compound
inequalities connected with "or”, we let the solutions connected with “or” as well.

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Example 5 (Solving compound inequality linked with “or”)

Write the solution set in number line for the compound inequality
3𝑥 − 1 < 5 or 5𝑥 − 5 > 10.

3𝑥 < 6 or 5𝑥 > 15

𝑥<2 or 𝑥>3

𝑥<2
0 2
𝑥>3
0 3
∴ 𝑥<2 or 𝑥>3

0 2 3

For compound inequalities connected with “and”, we find the intersection between the two solutions.

Example 6 (Solving compound inequality linked with “and”)

Write the solution set in number line for the compound inequality

𝑥 + 7 < 13 and 𝑥 − 2 ≥ −5.

𝑥<6 and 𝑥 ≥ −3

𝑥<6
0 6
𝑥 ≥ −3
−3 0
∴ −3 ≤ 𝑥 < 6

−3 0 6

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 MAT406 CHAPTER 3
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We can solve double inequality by performing the same operation to all parts that are separated with
the inequality signs.

Example 7 (Solving double inequality)

Solve −1 ≤ 4𝑥 + 5 < 9.

−1 ≤ 4𝑥 + 5 < 9
−1 − 5 ≤ 4𝑥 <9−5 Subtract 5.
−6 ≤ 4𝑥 <4 Simplify.

3 1
∴ − ≤ 𝑥 <1 Multiply ( ) and simplify.
2 4

If there are variables in all sides in the double inequality, then we break them into two separate
inequalities and link them with “and”.

Example 8 (Solving double inequality)

Solve 𝑥 + 1 ≤ 10𝑥 − 5 < 7 − 2𝑥.
𝑥 + 1 ≤ 10𝑥 − 5 < 7 − 2𝑥

𝑥 + 1 ≤ 10𝑥 − 5 and 10𝑥 − 5 < 7 − 2𝑥

−9𝑥 ≤ −6 12𝑥 < 12
9𝑥 ≥ 6 𝑥<1
2
𝑥≥
3
2
∴ ≤ 𝑥 <1
3

Exercise 3.2.2a
Write the solution set in number line for the following compound inequality.
1. 𝑥 + 1 < −3 or 𝑥 − 2 > 6 2. 𝑥 − 2 > −5 or 𝑥 + 7 < 13
3. 3𝑥 + 2 ≤ 11 and 2𝑥 = 2 ≥ 0 4. 3𝑥 − 5 < 10 and 2𝑥 + 1 > −5
5. −3 < 2𝑥 + 1 < 5 6. −7 ≤ 2𝑥 − 3 ≤ 7
1 4 − 3x
7. ≥ > 8. − ≤ ≤
2 5
2x − 3 x 3
9. 𝑥 − 9 < 2𝑥 + 7 ≤ 8 + 5𝑥 10. ≤ + 4 < 5𝑥 +
3 3 2

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3.2.3 Solving quadratic inequalities

To solve inequalities involving squares and other powers of the variable, we use factoring.
Guideline for solving nonlinear inequalities

1. Move all terms to one side.

Rewrite the inequality so that all nonzero terms appear on one side of the inequality sign.
2. Factor.
Factor the nonzero side of the inequality.
3. Find the intervals.
List the intervals determined by critical values, as the result from the factor.
4. Make a table or a diagram.
Use test values to determine the sign for each interval.
5. Solve.
Find the intervals on which the inequality is satisfied from the table.

Example 9 (Solving quadratic inequality)

Solve 𝑥 2 ≤ 5𝑥 − 6.

𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 ≤ 0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) ≤ 0
① ② ③
Critical values: 𝑥 = 2, 𝑥 = 3
0 2 3
Intervals: ① (−∞, 2) or 𝑥 < 2

② (2, 3) or 2 < 𝑥 < 3

③ (3, ∞) or 𝑥 > 3

Test value Sign: (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3)

𝑥<2 1 +
2<𝑥<3 2.5 −
𝑥>3 4 +

Since (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) ≤ 0 , the solution is the interval where the sign is negative, as
value ≤ 0 is negative value. ⇒ 2 < 𝑥 < 3 or (2, 3)

Next, we need to check the endpoint. The question includes ≤ , that means the
endpoints are included.
Therefore, our solution is 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3 or [2, 3]

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Example 10 (Solving quadratic inequality)

Solve 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 > 1.

2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1 > 0
(2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) > 0

Critical values: 𝑥 = − 1⁄2 , 𝑥 = 1

1
− 0 1
2

Test value Sign: (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3)

𝑥 < − 1⁄2 −1 +

− 1⁄2 < 𝑥 < 3 0 −

𝑥>3 4 +
From the table, 𝑥 < − 1⁄2 or 𝑥 > 3,

∴ (−∞, − 1⁄2) ⋃ (3, ∞)

Exercise 3.2.3a
Solve the following quadratic inequalities.

1. 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 18 ≤ 0 2. 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 27 < 0 3. 𝑥2 < 𝑥 + 2
4. 𝑥 2 > 3(𝑥 + 6) 5. 4𝑥 2 − 23𝑥 ≤ 6 6. 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 ≥ 4

3.2.4 Solving rational inequalities

Steps to solve rational inequalities are similar to steps in solving quadratic inequalities but there is an
extra precaution when verifying the endpoints, that is, to check so that the denominator will never be
zero.

Example 11 (Solving rational inequality)

1+ x
Solve ≥ 1.
1− x

1+ x
−1 ≥0
1− x

1 + x − 1 (1 − x )
≥0
1− x

1+ x −1+ x
≥0
1− x

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2x
≥0
1− x

Critical values: 𝑥=0 , 𝑥=1

0 1

2x
Test value Sign: >0
1− x
𝑥<0 −1 −
0<𝑥<1 0.5 +
𝑥>1 2 −

From the table, 0 <𝑥 < 1,

Check! 1 − 𝑥 ≠ 0, 𝑥≠1
Therefore, the solution is 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1

∴ [0, 1)

Example 12 (Solving rational inequality)

x +1
Solve > −2.
x −3

x +1
+2 >0
x −3

x + 1 + 2 ( x − 3)
>0
x −3

x + 1 + 2x − 6
>0
x −3

3x − 5
>0
x −3

Critical values: 𝑥 = 5⁄3 , 𝑥 = 3 5

0 3
3

3x − 5
2
Test value Sign:
Sign: >0
1 −x x− 3
𝑥𝑥<<50
⁄3 −1
0 −
+
0<𝑥<1 0.5 +
5⁄ 𝑥<>𝑥1< 3 2 −
3
𝑥>3 4 +
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From the table, 𝑥 < 5⁄3 or 𝑥 > 3,

Check! 𝑥 − 3 ≠ 0, 𝑥≠3

Therefore, the solution is 𝑥 < 5⁄3 or 𝑥>3

∴ (−∞, 5⁄3) ⋃ (3, ∞)

Exercise 3.2.4a
Solve the following rational inequalities.

2x + 1 3+ x 3x + 8
1. ≤3 2. >1 3. ≤4
x −5 3− x x −3
x +8 x 6 6
4. −2 <0 5. > 3𝑥 6. − ≥1
x +5 x +1 x −1 x

3.2.5 Solving absolute value inequalities

 Absolute value
Absolute value of a number 𝑎 is given by

where |𝑎| represents the distance from 𝑎 to the origin on the real number line, as shown in the figure
below.

|𝑎| |𝑎|

−𝑎 0 𝑎

Figure 3-1 Absolute value as a distance.

 Solving absolute value equations

Absolute value equation

|𝑥 | = 𝐶 is equivalent to 𝑥 = ±𝐶

The property above says that to solve an absolute value equation, we must solve two separate
equations. Let’s refer to the next example.

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Example 13 (Solving absolute value equations)

1. Solve |2𝑥 − 5| = 3.
2𝑥 − 5 = 3 or 2𝑥 − 5 = −3
2𝑥 = 8 2𝑥 = 2

∴ 𝑥=4 , 𝑥=1

2. Solve 3|𝑥 − 7| + 5 = 14.

3|𝑥 − 7| + 5 = 14
3|𝑥 − 7| = 9
|𝑥 − 7| = 3

𝑥−7 = 3 or 𝑥 − 7 = −3
∴ 𝑥=4 , 𝑥 = 10

Exercise 3.2.5a
Solve the following equations.
1. |2𝑥 − 3| = 11 2. |2 − 𝑥 | = 11 3. |5 − 2𝑥 | + 6 = 14
4. 3|𝑥 + 5| + 6 = 15 5. 3|4𝑥 + 5| = 12 6. 4|3 − 2𝑥 | + 3 = 1

 Solving absolute value inequalities

We use the following properties to solve inequalities involving absolute value.
Absolute value equation

Example 14 (Solving absolute value inequalities)

1. Solve |𝑥 − 5| < 2.
−2 < 𝑥 − 5 < 2
−2 + 5 < 𝑥 < 2 + 5
3<𝑥<7
∴ (3, 7)

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2. Solve |3𝑥 + 2| ≥ 4.
3𝑥 + 2 ≤ −4 or 3𝑥 + 2 ≥ 4
3𝑥 ≤ −6 3𝑥 ≥ 2
2
𝑥 ≤ −2 𝑥≥
3
2
∴ (−∞, −2] ⋃ [ , ∞)
3

Exercise 3.2.5b
Solve the following inequalities. Express the answer using interval notations.

1. |𝑥 − 4| ≤ 10 2. |𝑥 − 3| > 9 3. |2𝑥 + 1| ≥ 3
4. |5𝑥 − 2| < 6 5. |3𝑥 − 2| > 7 6. 4|𝑥 + 2| − 3 < 13
7. 3 − |2𝑥 + 4| ≤ 1 8. 8 − |2𝑥 − 1| ≥ 6 9. 7|𝑥 + 2| + 5 > 4

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REFERENCE:

3.1 Review on Number System

James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson, Algebra and Trigonometry, Cengage Learning, 2016.
Ron Larson, Algebra and Trigonometry: Real Mathematics, Real People, Cengage Learning, 2016.

3.2 Review on Algebra

Charles P. McKeague, Elementary Algebra, Cengage Learning, 2012.
James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson, Algebra and Trigonometry, Cengage Learning, 2016.
Ron Larson, Algebra and Trigonometry: Real Mathematics, Real People, Cengage Learning, 2016.

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