Section 7.

1 - Linear Inequalities in One Variable ♦ 249

1.6
7.1 RadicalInequalities
Linear Equations in One Variable

A linear equation in one variable can be written in the form Ax + B = C . If the equality symbol is replaced with
an inequality symbol the linear equation becomes a linear inequality in one variable of the form: Ax + B 1 C ,
or Ax + B # C , or Ax + B 2 C , or Ax + B $ C .

Linear inequalities can be solved in three different ways: graphically, numerically, or algebraically. The steps
used to solve linear inequalities are similar to those used in linear equations, but with a few additions.

Linear Inequalities Definitions and Examples

Verbal: A first degree inequality

Algebraic: For constants A, B, and C , with A ! 0 ; Ax + B 1 C , Ax + B # C , Ax + B 2 C , Ax + B $ C

Algebraic Examples: x 1 1 , x # 1 , x 2 1 , x $ 1

Graphical Examples: ^ x 1 1h
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

^ x # 1h
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

^ x 2 1h
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

^ x $ 1h
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

The solution of an inequality is a value that makes the inequality a true statement. Most inequalities have an
infinite number of solutions; because of this, it is common to represent these solutions with a graph on a number
line.

Example 1 Determine which of the values from the set of numbers: " - 4, - 3, - 2, - 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 , are a
solution set to the graphed inequality.

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

►Solution: The graph represents the inequality x 1 1 . The graph does not include 1, but all the numbers
to the left of it. Therefore the solution set is: " 0, - 1, - 2, - 3, - 4 , .

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250 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Addition-Subtraction Principle

If the same number is added or subtracted from both sides of the inequality, the resulting inequality does not
change.

If a, b, and c are real numbers and a 2 b , then a + c 2 b + c , and a - c 2 b - c

Example 2 Solve 5w - 2 1 4w + 1 and graph the solution set.

►Solution: 5w - 2 1 4w + 1
5w - 2 + 2 1 4w + 1 + 2
5w 1 4w + 3
5w - 4w 1 4w - 4w + 3
w 1 3

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Multiplication-Division Principle

If both sides of an inequality are multiplied or divided by a positive number, the order is preserved and there is
no change in the resulting inequality.

If a, b, and c are real numbers and c 2 0 ; when a 2 b , then a $ c 2 b $ c and a 2 b

c c

If both sides of an inequality are multiplied or divided by a negative number, the order of the inequality is
reversed.

If a, b, and c are real numbers and c 1 0 ; when a 2 b , then a $ c 1 b $ c and a 1 b

c c

Example 3 Solve - 3b + 2 $ 2b - 8 and graph the solution set.

►Solution: - 3b + 2 $ 2b - 8
- 3b + 2 - 2 $ 2b - 8 - 2
- 3b $ 2b - 10
- 3b - 2b $ 2b - 2b - 10
- 5b $ - 10
- 5b # - 10 (dividing by a negative number changes the direction of the inequality)
-5 -5
b # 2

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

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 Section 7.1 - Linear Inequalities in One Variable ♦ 251

Example 4 Solve - 2 ^2 + 5x h + 12 # 3 ^4 - 2x h and graph the solution set.

►Solution: - 2 ^2 + 5x h + 12 # 3 ^4 - 2x h
- 4 - 10x + 12 # 12 - 6x
- 10x + 8 # 12 - 6x
- 10x + 8 - 8 # 12 - 6x - 8
- 10x # 4 - 6x
- 10x + 6x # 4 - 6x + 6x
- 4x # 4
` - 41 j $ - 4x $ ` - 41 j $ 4 (multiplying by a negative number changes the direction of the inequality)
x $- 1

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

In some cases, the variable can be eliminated from an inequality. These situations result in either true or false
statements, where the solution is either the entire number line, or it is the empty set.

Example 5 Solve 2x + 3 2 2x - 1 and graph the solution set.

►Solution: 2x + 3 2 2x - 1
- 2x + 2x + 3 2 - 2x + 2x - 1
3 2- 1

This is a true statement, therefore the graph of the solution set is the entire number line.

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

Example 6 Solve - 3x - 2 2 - 3x + 1 and graph the solution set.

►Solution: - 3x - 2 2 - 3x + 1
3x - 3x - 2 2 3x - 3x + 1
- 2 2 1

This is a false statement, therefore the graph of the solution is the empty set.

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

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252 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Compound Inequalities

A compound inequality is an inequality that has more than one restriction on a variable. For example the
statement 120 1 x 1 150 is a compound inequality. It is read as: x is between 120 and 150 , or x is greater
than 120 and less than 150.

The Intersection of Two Inequalities

The intersection of A and B is the set that contains all the parts in both A and B . The word ‘and’ indicates the
intersection of these two inequalities or the part that is common to both inequalities. In algebraic notation it is
denoted: A + B .

For example, the intersection of the expressions x $- 2 and x 1 3 can be written as - 2 # x 1 3 .

On a number line the above expression is:

and =
-3 -2 -1 0 1 0 1 2 3 4 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

The graph of the intersection of two inequalities shows the set of x-values that are in common.

More examples: - 1 # x 1 2 and - 3 # x 1 4 "

-1 0 1 2

x 2-3 + x # 2 "
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2

x $ 2 and x #- 1 "
-2 -1 0 1 2

-3 # x # 0 "
-3 -2 -1 0

Example 7 Solve - 5 1 1 - 2x # 3 algebraically, and graph the solution on a number line.

►Solution: - 5 1 1 - 2x # 3 - 5 1 1 - 2x # 3
- 5 1 1 - 2x and 1 - 2x # 3 5 - 1 1 - 2x # 3 - 1
2x 1 6 and - 2x # 2 or - 6 1 - 2x # 2
x 1 3 and x $- 1 3 2 x $ 1
- 1 # x 1 3 - 1 # x 1 3

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

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 Section 7.1 - Linear Inequalities in One Variable ♦ 253

Example 8 Solve 4 - 2y # 3y - 1 1 3 - y algebraically, and graph the solution on a number line.

►Solution: 4 - 2y # 3y - 1 1 3 - y
4 - 2y # 3y - 1 and 3y - 1 1 3 - y
- 2y - 3y # - 1 - 4 and 3y + y 1 3 + 1
- 5y # - 5 and 4y 1 4
y $ 1 and y 1 1

The graph of this inequality is the empty set, since there are no points in common.

The Union of Two Inequalities

The union of A and B is the set that contains all the parts in A or B or both. The word ‘or’ indicates the union
of these two inequalities. In algebraic notation it is denoted: A , B .

For example, the union of the expressions - 3 # x 1 4 or x $ 2 can be written as x $- 3 .

On a number line the above expression is:

or =
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 -3 -2 -1 0 1

Example 9 Solve - 3 ^ y + 3 h $ 2y + 6 or 2 ^ y - 2 h 2 y - 6 algebraically, and graph the solution.

►Solution: - 3 ^ y + 3 h $ 2y + 6 or 2 ^ y - 2 h 2 y - 6
- 3y - 9 $ 2y + 6 or 2y - 4 2 y - 6
- 5y $ 15 or y 2- 2
y #- 3

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1

Example 10 Solve x - 2 1 2 3- 1 , 3x 4- 1 $ x - 1 algebraically, and graph the solution.

x

►Solution: x - 2 1 2x - 1 or 3x - 1 $ x - 1
3 4
3x - 6 1 2x - 1 or 3x - 1 $ 4x - 4
x 1 5 or - x $ - 3
x 1 5 or x # 3
x 1 5

-1 0 1 2 3 4 5

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254 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

7.1 Exercise Set

1. Fill in the blanks.

a) An inequality of the first degree is a _______________ inequality.

b) The exponent of a linear inequality is _______________ .

c) By the ____________________________ principle, if a 1 b , then a + c 1 b + c .

d) By the ____________________________ principle, a 2 b is equivalent to 3x 2 3y

e) By the ____________________________ principle, if a 1 b is equivalent to - 3x 2 - 3y

f) If a 2 0 , then x 2 y is equivalent to ax ____ ay.

g) If a 1 0 , then x 2 y is equivalent to ax ____ ay.

h) The _______________ inequality a # x # b is equivalent to x $ a ________ x # b .

i) The _______________ of set A and B is the set of elements that are in both A and B .

j) The _______________ of set A and B is the set of elements that are in both A or B .

2. Fill in the blank with the correct inequality.

a) If x 2 y , then x - 1 _____ y - 1 b) If x 1 y , then x + 2 _____ y + 2

y
c) If x 2 y , then x _____ d) If x 1 y , then 3x _____ 3y
2 2
y
e) If x 2 y , then - 3x _____ - 3y f) If x 1 y , then - x _____ -
2 2
g) If x 2 y , then y _____ x h) If x 1 y , then - x _____ - y

3. Solve each inequality, then graph the solution on a number line.

a) 3x - 2 2 - x - 4 b) - 2 x $ 6
3

c) - 2x - 3 # x - 2 d) - 2 ^ x - 1 h # 3 - x

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 Section 7.1 - Linear Inequalities in One Variable ♦ 255

3. e) 9.8 - 7 ^6.5x + 4h 2 3.2 - x f) 0 1 5 ^3 - 2x h 1 25

g) - 8 1 11 y - 10 # 1 h) 4 # 5 + 23 z 1 9
4 2 3 9

i) - 8 # 3 - 2 ^ x - 10 h # 4 j) 13 1 4 - 9 ^2y - 20 h 1 31
5 4

4. Write each inequality as two separate inequalities.

a) - 3 # x 1 9 b) - 2 # x - 1 1 4

c) - 5 # 2x - 3 1 7 d) - 1 # 3 - 2x 1 7

5. Write each inequality expression as a single compound inequality.

a) x $- 3 + x 2 4 b) x 2 - r and x # 2r

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256 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

6. Determine A + B and A , B for the given inequalities A and B .

a) A: - 4 1 x # 8 , B: 3 # x 1 10 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

b) A: - 5 1 x # 7 , B: 1 # x 1 12 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

c) A: x $- 3 , B: 4 # x 1 9 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

d) A: x $ 4 , B: 2 # x 1 9 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

e) A: x #- 3 , B: x $- 5 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

f) A: x # 5 , B: x $ 1 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

7. Solve the inequality. Express the answer in interval notation.

a) - 3 # 2x + 1 # 5 b) - 2 # 3x - 2 # 4

c) 0 1 - x + 3 1 4 d) - 3 1 2x + 1 1 3

e) 0 # x + 2 1 3 f) 3 #- 2x + 1 1 7
3

g) - 2 # 2 - x 1 1 h) - 4 # - 1 - 2x 1 2
3 2

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 Section 7.2 - Linear Inequalities in Two Variables ♦ 257

1.6
7.2 Radical
Linear Inequalities
Equations in Two Variables

This section will extend linear inequalities from one variable, to two variables and systems of these inequalities.
A solution to a linear inequality in two variables is an ordered pair of values, that when substituted into the
inequality, makes a true statement.

A linear inequality, with two variables, can be written in standard form or slope-intercept form.

Standard Form Slope-Intercept Form

ax + by 1 c y 1 mx + b
ax + by # c y # mx + b
ax + by 2 c y 2 mx + b
ax + by $ c y $ mx + b

Example 1 Determine if each ordered pair is a solution of 2x - 3y $ 6 (standard form), or an equivalent

equation of y # 23 x - 2 (slope-intercept form).
a) ^0, - 5 h b) ^- 3, 0 h
y

►Solution: a) 2x - 3y $ 6 " 2 ^0 h - 3 ^- 5 h $ 6 " 15 $ 6 " True

y # 23 x - 2 " - 5 # 23 ^0 h - 2 " - 5 # 2 " True (-3, 0)
x
Therefore ^0, - 5 h is a solution.

b) 2x - 3y $ 6 " 2 ^- 3 h - 3 ^0 h $ 6 " - 6 $ 6 " False (0, -5)

y # 23 x - 2 " 0 # 23 ^- 3 h - 2 " 0 # - 4 " False

These two answers graphically
Therefore ^- 3, 0 h is not a solution. indicate the answer is the lower
half-plane

Graphing Linear Inequalities

The graph of a linear equation is a line. The graph of a linear inequality is a half-plane with a boundary that is
a straight line. A vertical line divides a plane into left and right half-planes. A non-vertical line divides a plane
into upper and lower half-planes.

y y

Left Right Upper

Half-Plane Half-Plane Half-Plane
x x
Lower
Half-Plane
Boundary
Boundary Line Line

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258 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Consider the half-planes determined by the linear equation y = 2x - 1 . The four inequalities using this linear
equation are: y $ 2x - 1, y 2 2x - 1, y # 2x - 1, y 1 2x - 1 . When graphing these inequalities, a solid
line is used when the boundary lines are included, and a dashed line is used when the boundary line is not
included.
y y y y

x x x x

y $ 2x - 1 y 2 2x - 1 y # 2x - 1 y 1 2x - 1

Rules for Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

1. Graph ax + by = c as a solid line if equality is included, and a dashed line if equality is not included.
2. Choose a test point anywhere but on the line itself. (Use the origin, (0, 0), if possible)
3. Replace x and y in the inequality with the coordinates of that point. If the test point satisfies the inequality,
shade the side that contains the point. If the test point does not satisfy the inequality, shade the other side
of the boundary line.

Example 2 Graph 3x - 2y 1 6 .

►Solution: Method 1
y
Graph 3x - 2y = 6 with a dashed line since the
boundary is not included.

Test Point (0, 0): 3x - 2y 1 6

3 ^0h - 2^0h 1 6 x
0 1 6 (True)
Therefore shade the region above the boundary line.

Method 2

Re-write standard form equation in y-intercept form.

3x - 2y 1 6
- 2y 1 - 3x + 6
y 2 23 x - 3 (remember to invert inequality when dividing by a negative number)
The graph of y 2 3
2 x - 3 has a y-intercept of − 3, and a slope of 3
2 .
y is greater than, therefore shade above the boundary line.

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 Section 7.2 - Linear Inequalities in Two Variables ♦ 259

Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities

To solve a system of inequalities, a graph of all ordered pairs of real numbers (x, y) that satisfy all the
inequalities of the system must be found. The graph is called the solution region of the system.

Example 3 Solve the system: 2x - y $ 4

x+y 2 2

►Solution: Method 1

Graph 2x - y = 4 with a solid line, and x + y = 2 with a dashed line.

Test points in 4 regions:

1. ^1, 3 h : 2x - y $ 4 x+y 2 2
2 ^1h - 3 $ 4 1+3 2 2 x+y=2 y 2x - y = 4
- 1 $ 4 no 4 2 2 yes
Region 1
2. ^0, 0 h : 2x - y $ 4 x+y 2 2
2 ^0h - 0 $ 4 0+0 2 2
0 $ 4 no 0 2 2 no Region 4
x

3. ^2, - 3 h : 2x - y $ 4 x+y 2 2 Region 2

2 ^2h - ^- 3h $ 4 2 + ^- 3h 2 2
7 $ 4 yes - 1 2 2 no Region 3

4. ^3, 0 h : 2x - y $ 4 x+y 2 2
2 ^3h - 0 $ 4 3+0 2 2
6 $ 4 yes 3 2 2 yes

Only in region 4 are both statements true, therefore the solution is region 4 is shaded, which
includes points on the solid line boundary, but not those on the dotted line boundary.

Method 2

Change 2x - y $ 4 and x + y 2 2 to y-intercept form. y = -x + 2 y y = 2x - 4

2x - y $ 4 x+y 2 2 Region 1
- y $ - 2x + 4 y 2- x + 2
y # 2x - 4 Region 4
x
Graph y # 2x - 4 with a solid line, and y 2- x + 2 with Region 2
a dashed line.
Region 3
y # 2x - 4 shades in regions 3, 4
y 2- x + 2 shades in regions 1, 4

Region 4 is shaded in both equations, therefore the solution is region 4.

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260 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

7.2 Exercise Set

1. Fill in the blanks.

a) The equation x = 2 is a when graphing the inequality 3x 2 6 .

b) In graphing the inequality x - 2y 2 4 , the shaded solution would be the boundary line.

c) The boundary line in 2x + 3y $ 6 would be a line.

d) The boundary line in 2x + 3y 1 6 would be a line.

e) When using test points to determine a shaded region, never choose a point on the line.

2. Complete the graph by shading the correct region.

a) x + 2y $ 4 b) 2x - y $ 4 c) - 3x + 4y 1 12
y y y

x x x

d) x 1 2y e) x $- 2 f) y12
y y y

x x x

g) 3x - 2y 1 - 6 h) - 2x - 3y $ 6 i) 2x + 3y # 6
y y y

x x x

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 Section 7.2 - Linear Inequalities in Two Variables ♦ 261

3. Graph the inequalities.

y y
a) 3x + y $ 6 b) 2x - y 1 4

x x

y y
c) 0.4x - 2 y 2 2 d) 1 x + 2 y $ 2
3 3 3

x x

y y
e) y $ 1 x + 3 f) y # 2x+2
2 3

x x

y y
g) x 1 2 h) y $- 3

x x

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262 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

4. Match the system of equations with its corresponding solution region.

y y
a) x - y # 2 i) ii)
- 2x + y # - 4

x x

b) x - y # 1
3x + y # 3

y y
c) x - y # 2 iii) iv)
- 2x + y $ - 4

x x

d) x - y # 1
3x + y $ 3

y y
e) x - y $ 2 v) vi)
- 2x + y $ - 4

x x

f) x-y $ 1
3x + y $ 3

y y
g) x - y $ 2 vii) viii)
- 2x + y # - 4

x x

h) x - y $ 1
3x + y # 3

y y
i) -1 # x # 3 ix) x)
1#y#3

x x

j) 1#x#3
-1 # y # 3

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 Section 7.2 - Linear Inequalities in Two Variables ♦ 263

5. Graph the system of linear inequalities.

y y
a) y $ x b) x + 2y 2 4
2y 1- x + 2 3x - 2y # 6

x x

y y
c) x + y # 2 d) y # x + 1
x + y $-2 y $- x + 1

x x

y y
e) 4x + 5y 1 20 f) x-y $ 1
2x - y # 4 x-y # 3
x$0 -1 # x # 3
y$0 x x

y y
g) x - y # 2 h) x + y # 4
x + 2y # 4 2x - y $ 2
x #- 1 x$0
x y#0 x

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264 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

6. Write a system of linear inequalities for each graph.

y y
a) b)

x x

y y
c) d)

x x

7. Write a system of inequalities with the given information.

a) The solution is in Quadrant IV b) The solution is the y-axis.

c) The solution is the negative x-axis. d) The solution is the point ^2, - 3 h

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 Section 7.3 - Solving Quadratic Inequalities ♦ 265

1.6
7.3 Radical Equations
Solving Quadratic Inequalities

A quadratic inequality is one that can be written as ax 2 + bx + c 2 0 , ax 2 + bx + c $ 0 , ax 2 + bx + c 1 0 , or

ax 2 + bx + c # 0 , a ! 0 . Solutions to a quadratic inequality can be found by both a graphical approach or
an algebraic approach.

Graphs of y = f ^ x h
y y y y

x x x x

f ^ xh $ 0 f ^ xh 2 0 f ^ xh # 0 f ^ xh 1 0

Graphical Solutions of y = f ^ x h
y y y y

a b a b a b a b
x x x x

f ^ xh $ 0 f ^ xh 2 0 f ^ xh # 0 f ^ xh 1 0

Algebraic Solutions of y = f ^ x h

a 0 b a 0 b a 0 b a 0 b

f ^ xh $ 0 f ^ xh 2 0 f ^ xh # 0 f ^ xh 1 0

Solving a Quadratic Inequality by a Graphical Approach

1. Graph the function y = f ^ x h on a coordinate system.

2. Shade the area corresponding to: f ^ x h $ 0 , f ^ x h 2 0 , f ^ x h # 0 , f ^ x h 1 0 .
3. The part of the x-axis that is shaded is the solution.
4. Include the boundary points for $ or #; do not include the boundary points for 2 or 1.

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266 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Example 1 Solve f ^ x h = 2x 2 - x - 3 # 0
y
►Solution: Graph f ^ x h = 2x 2 - x - 3
= ^2x - 3 h^ x + 1h = 0
x = 3 ,- 1
2
x
Using point ^0, 0 h : f ^0 h = 2 ^0 h - 0 - 3 =- 3
2

- 3 is # 0 , therefore shade the area with point ^0, 0 h

The solution is - 1 # x # 3
2

Example 2 Solve f ^ x h = 2x 2 - x - 3 > 0

y
►Solution: Graph f ^ x h = 2x - x - 3
2

= ^2x - 3 h^ x + 1h = 0
x = 3 ,- 1
2
x
Using point ^0, 0 h : f ^0 h = 2 ^0 h2 - 0 - 3 =- 3
- 3 is not 2 0 , therefore shade the area without point ^0, 0 h

The solution is x 1- 1 or x 2 3
2

Example 3 Solve f ^ x h =- 1 x 2 - 1 1 0
2
y
►Solution: Graph f ^ x h =- 1 x 2 - 1
2
Using point ^0, 0 h : f ^0 h =- 1 ^0 h2 - 1 =- 1 x
2
- 1 is 1 0 , therefore shade the area with point ^0, 0 h

The solution is all real numbers

Example 4 Solve f ^ x h =- 1 x 2 - 1 $ 0
2
y
►Solution: Graph f ^ x h =- 1 x 2 - 1
2
Using point ^0, 0 h : f ^0 h =- 1 ^0 h2 - 1 x
2
- 1 is not $ 0 , therefore shade the area without point ^0, 0 h

The solution is the empty set.

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 Section 7.3 - Solving Quadratic Inequalities ♦ 267

Solving a Quadratic Inequality by a Algebraic Approach

1. Write the inequality as a quadratic equation and solve it to produce boundary points.
2. Use the solution of the quadratic equation to divide a number line into intervals.
3. Select a test value for each interval and substitute into the original equation to determine whether the
interval(s) satisfy the inequality.
4. If $ or #, include boundary points. If 2 or 1, do not include boundary points.

Example 5 Solve f ^ x h = x 2 - 4x - 5 # 0

►Solution: x 2 - 4x - 5 = 0 0 5

^ x - 5 h^ x + 1 h = 0 Region A Region B Region C

x =- 1, 5 0 8

Select test points: − 3, 0, 8 (Any other value in the region will also work)

Test point − 3: x 2 - 4x - 5 # 0
^- 3 h2 - 4 ^- 3 h - 5 # 0
16 # 0

A false statement, therefore Region A does not belong to the solution set.

Test point 0: x 2 - 4x - 5 # 0
^0 h2 - 4 ^0 h - 5 # 0
-5 # 0

A true statement, therefore Region B belongs to the solution set.

Test point 8: x 2 - 4x - 5 # 0
^8 h2 - 4 ^8 h - 5 # 0
27 # 0

A false statement, therefore Region C does not belong to the solution set.

Graphically the solution is:

0 5

The algebraic solution is: - 1 # x # 5

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268 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Example 6 Solve f ^ x h = x 2 - 2x 2 2

►Solution: x 2 - 2x - 2 = 0 does not factor

-^- 2h ! 2 2 - 4 ^ 1 h^- 2h
= 2 ! 12 = 2 ! 2 3 = 1 ! 3 . - 0.7, 2.7
2^1h
x=
2 2

Select test points: − 4, 0, 6 1- 3 0 1+ 3

Test point − 4: x 2 - 2x 2 2 Region A Region B Region C

0 6
^- 4 h2 - 2 ^- 4 h 2 2
24 2 2

A true statement, therefore Region A belongs to the solution set.

Test point 0: x 2 - 2x 2 2
^0 h2 - 2 ^0 h 2 2
022

A false statement, therefore Region B does not belong to the solution set.

Test point 6: x 2 - 2x 2 2
^6 h2 - 2 ^6 h 2 2
24 2 2

A true statement, therefore Region C belongs to the solution set.

Graphically the solution is:

1- 3 0 1+ 3

The algebraic solution is: x 1 1 - 3 or x 2 1 + 3

Example 7 Solve f ^ x h = x 2 - x + 3 # 0

►Solution: x 2 - x + 3 = 0 does not factor

-^- 1 h ! ^- 1 h2 - 4 ^1 h^3 h
= 1 ! - 11 = Q under the real number system
2 ^1h
x=
2

There is no solution. The graph of y = x 2 - x + 3 is always above the x-axis.

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 Section 7.3 - Solving Quadratic Inequalities ♦ 269

7.3 Exercise Set

1. Solve the quadratic inequalities: i) graphically ii) algebraically

y
a) f ^ xh = 4 - x 2 $ 0

y
b) f ^ x h = x - 2x - 3 2 0
2

y
c) f ^ x h =- 2x 2 - 4x 1 0

y
d) f ^ x h = 1 x 2 - 2x # 0
2

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270 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

2. Refer to the graphs of the quadratic functions f, g, and h.

y
a) What is the solution of f ^ x h = 0 ?

b) What is the solution of f ^ x h 1 0 ? x

f (x)

c) What is the solution of f ^ x h 2 0 ?

y
d) What is the solution of g ^ x h = 0 ?

e) What is the solution of g ^ x h 1 0 ? x

g (x)
f) What is the solution of g ^ x h 2 0 ?

y
g) What is the solution of h ^ x h = 0 ?
h (x)

h) What is the solution of h ^ x h 1 0 ? x

i) What is the solution of h ^ x h 2 0 ?

3. Solve each of the inequalities, then graph the solution on a number line.

a) ^ x - 3 h^ x + 1h $ 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

b) ^ x + 1 h^2x - 7 h 1 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

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 Section 7.3 - Solving Quadratic Inequalities ♦ 271

3. c) x ^3x - 8 h # 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

d) ^ x - 1 h^2x - 5 h 2 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

e) x 2 - x - 6 # 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

f) ^ x - 3 h2 2 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

g) x 2 - 2x - 4 # 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

h) 2x 2 - 2 2 x - 3 2 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

i) 2x 2 - 3x + 5 1 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

j) x 2 - 2x + 4 $ 0
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

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272 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

1.6
7.4 Radical
CombinedEquations
Inequality Systems

In many applications of linear and quadratic functions, it is useful to know when the values of the functions are
positive or negative so that equalities of the form f ^ x h $ 0 or f ^ x h 1 0 , can be solved. This section will solve
combined linear-quadratic and quadratic-quadratic inequality systems by the algebraic approach. The method
will be the same as the previous section but with compound equations.

Solving Combined Linear-Quadratic Inequalities

Example 1 Solve 9 - x 2 $ 0 and - 2x # 0 .

►Solution: Solve for x: 9 - x 2 = 0 " ^3 - x h^3 + x h = 0 " x =- 3, 3

- 2x = 0 " x = 0

-3 0 3
Region: A B C D

Region: A B C D
Test numbers: - 5 - 1 1 4
9 - x2 $ 0 : F T T F
- 2x # 0 : F F T T

The only region that is True for both inequalities is Region C. Therefore 0 # x # 3 .

Example 2 Solve x 2 - x - 6 # 0 and 2x - 10 $ 0 .

►Solution: Solve for x: x 2 - x - 6 = 0 " ^ x - 3 h^ x + 2 h = 0 " x =- 2, 3

2x - 10 = 0 " 2x = 10 " x = 5

-2 0 3 5
Region: A B C D

Region: A B C D
Test numbers: - 3 - 1 4 6
x - x - 6 # 0:
2
F T F F
2x - 10 2 0 : F F F T

There is no region that is True for both inequalities. Therefore the answer is the empty set.

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 Section 7.4 - Combined Inequality Systems ♦ 273

Solving Combined Quadratic-Quadratic Inequalities

Example 3 Solve x 2 + x - 6 $ 0 and 16 - x 2 $ 0 .

►Solution: Solve for x: x 2 + x - 6 = 0 " ^ x + 3 h^ x - 2 h = 0 " x =- 3, 2

16 - x 2 = 0 " ^4 - x h^4 + x h = 0 " x =- 4, 4

-4 -3 0 2 4
Region: A B C D E

Region: A B C D E
Test numbers: - 5 - 3 0 3 5
x + x - 6 $ 0:
2
T T F T T
16 - x $ 0 :
2
F T T T F

Regions B and D are True for both inequalities. Therefore - 4 # x # - 3 or 2 # x # 4 .

Example 4 Solve 1 x 2 - x - 1 1 0 and ^ x + 4h2 $ 0 .

2

►Solution: Solve for x: 1 x 2 - x - 1 = 0 does not factor.

2
1 ! ^- 1h2 - 4 ^1 h^- 1h
x= = 1 ! 5 . - 1.2, 3.2
1
^ x + 4 h2 = 0 " x =- 4

-4 1- 5 0 1+ 5

Region: A B C D

Region: A B C D
Test numbers: - 6 - 2 0 5
1 x2 - x - 1 1 0 : F F T F
2
^ x + 4h $ 0 :
2
T T T T

The only region that is True for both inequalities is Region C. Therefore 1 - 5 1 x 1 1 + 5 .

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274 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

7.4 Exercise Set

1. Match the inequalities with the number line.

a) 0 # x 1 2 or x 1- 3 _______ i)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

b) - 2 1 x # 0 _______ ii)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

c) - 3 # x # 1 , 1 # x 1 2 _______ iii)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

d) - 3 1 x # 2 _______ iv)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

e) x $ 3 , x #- 2 _______ v)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

f) x # 0, 1 # x 1 3 _______ vi)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

g) x = 3 , - 3 # x # 0 _______ vii)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

h) - 2 1 x 1 3 _______ viii)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

i) -1 1 x # 3 _______ ix)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

j) -4 # x #-1, 2 # x 1 4 _______ x)
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

2. Solve each inequality by the interval test method.

a) f ^ x h =- x 2 + 4x , f ^ x h 2 0 b) h ^ x h = x 2 + 4x - 5 , h ^ x h $ 0

c) q ^ x h = 2x 2 - 5x - 7 , q ^ x h 1 0 d) s ^ x h = 7 - x 2 , s ^ x h $ 0

e) r ^ x h = 3x 2 - 2x - 5 f) t ^ x h = x 2 - 8x + 16 , t ^ x h 2 0

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 Section 7.4 - Combined Inequality Systems ♦ 275

3. Solve x 2 - 4 $ 0 and - 2x + 8 2 0

4. Solve x 2 - 2x - 8 1 0 and 1 x + 2 2 0
2

5. Solve x 2 - 2x - 3 $ 0 and 2x + 8 # 0

6. Solve 1 x 2 - x - 1 # 0 and - 1 x - 2 # 0
2 2

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276 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

7. Solve x 2 + 1 $ 0 and x 2 - 1 $ 0

8. Solve ^ x - 1 h2 # 0 and x 2 - 4x + 3 $ 0

9. Solve x 2 - 9 $ 0 and x 2 - 1 # 0

10. Solve 2x 2 - 5x - 7 1 0 and - 2x 2 - 3x + 5 2 0

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 Section 7.5 - Applications of Inequalities ♦ 277

1.6
7.5 Radical Equations
Applications of Inequalities

Strategy for Solving Word Problems

1. Read the problem carefully, more than once. Know what you need to solve for, and what you are given.
2. Let x represent the unknown variable, and represent everything else in terms of x.
3. If possible, make a diagram to illustrate your problem.
4. Write an equation relating your unknown quantities to what you are given.
5. Solve the equation.
6. Check your solutions in terms of the original problem to make sure your answer makes sense.

Example 1 The total resistance of two electric circuits is given by R 2 - R + 1 , where R is the resistance in
ohms. When is the resistance more than 7 ohms?

►Solution: R2 - R + 1 2 7
R2 - R - 6 2 0
^ R - 3 h^ R + 2 h 2 0
R =- 2, 3

Resistance cannot be negative, therefore test intervals 0 1 R 1 3 and R > 3 .

0 3
Region A Region B
1 5

Test point 1: R2 - R + 1 2 7
^1 h2 - ^1 h + 1 2 7
127
A false statement, therefore Region A does not belong to the solution set.

Test point 5: R2 - R + 1 2 7
^5 h2 - ^5 h + 1 2 7
21 2 7
A true statement, therefore Region B belongs to the solution set.

Therefore R 2 3 ohms.

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278 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Example 2 The height in metres of a projectile shot from the top of a building is given by
h ^ t h =- 16t 2 + 60t + 25 , where t represents the time in seconds the projectile is in the air.
a) Find the time the projectile is in the air before hitting the ground.
b) Find the time interval that the projectile is above 25 m.

►Solution: a) The projectile hits the ground when h ^ t h = 0

- 16t 2 + 60t + 25 = 0 does not factor.

- 60 ! 60 2 - 4 ^- 16 h^25 h
= - 60 ! 5200 =- 0.378, 4.128
2 ^- 16 h
t=
- 32
Omit the negative time, therefore t = 4.128 seconds.

b) - 16t 2 + 60t + 25 2 25 15
- 16t 2 + 60t 2 0 0 4

4t 2 - 15t 1 0 Region A Region B

t ^4t - 15 h 1 0 1 6
t = 0, 154

Test point 1: 4t 2 - 15t 1 0 Test point 6: 4t 2 - 15t 1 0

4 ^1 h - 15 ^1 h 1 0
2
4 ^6h - 15 ^6 h 1 0
2

- 11 1 0 54 1 0
A true statement, therefore Region A A false statement, therefore Region B
belongs to the solution set. does not belong to the solution set.

Therefore when 0 1 t 1 15 seconds, the ball is above 25 m.

4

Example 3 The price a stereo will be sold for is given by S ^ x h = 200 - 0.1x, 0 # x # 2000 , where x is
the number of stereos produced each day. It costs $18 000 per day to operate the factory and
$15 for material to produce each stereo.
a) Find the daily revenue.
b) Find the daily cost of producing the stereos.
c) Find the interval that produces a profit.

►Solution: a) R ^ x h = the number of stereos produced # price per stereo

= x ^200 - 0.1x h
= 200x - 0.1x 2

b) C ^ x h = 18 000 + 15x

c) P ^ x h = R ^ x h - C ^ x h = ^200x - 0.1x 2 h - ^18 000 + 15x h

=- 0.1x 2 + 185x - 18 000

- 185 ! 185 2 - 4 ^- 0.1 h^- 18 000 h

2 ^- 0.1 h
x= = 103.04, 1746.96

Since the number of stereos must be a whole number, 104 1 x 1 1746 will produce a profit.

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 Section 7.5 - Applications of Inequalities ♦ 279

7.5 Exercise Set

1. A salesperson earns $250 per week in salary plus 2. The total cost of a certain type of desktop computer
25% commission on total sales. How much must ranges from $2100 to $3360. The total cost includes
the sales person generate in sales in one week to two sales taxes of 5% and 7%. Setup and solve an
earn a total of at least $1200 for the week? inequality to find the range of prices for the computer
before taxes.

3. A triangle can have a maximum perimeter of 50 cm. 4. A student scores 82%, 90%, and 80% on her first
If two sides are 10 cm and 15 cm, what are the three math tests. What score must she have on the
possible lengths of the third side? next exam to have an A average of 86% or greater?

^ h
5. Tony is buying lunch for himself and some friends. 6. If n is positive, then 1 + 2 + g + n = n n2+ 1 .
He decides to buy hamburgers and fries; the burgers For what value of n will the sum, 1 + 2 + g + n ,
are $3.00 and fries are $2.40. If tax on food is 5%, be greater than or equal to 78?
what is the most he can buy if he wants the same
number of burgers and fries and has $30 to spend?

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280 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

y
7. Use the graph of the 8. Use the graph of f (x)
profit function to (50, 2000) f and g to solve (– 4, 6)
determine: the inequality. (0, 0)
Profit x
a) Business expenses a) f ^ x h $ g ^ x h g (x)
b) Profit interval (10, 0) (90, 0) b) f ^ x h # g ^ x h
c) Maximum profit Units Sold

9. A store sells two brands of computers. It stocks 10. The income of a small printing company is modeled
twice as many sets of brand X than brand Y. It by the function I ^ x h =- x 2 + 400x where the cost is
must carry at least 10 computers of brand Y. modeled by C ^ x h = 40 000 - 100x , where x is the
There is room for not more than 60 computers. number of hours the employees work. Determine the
Find a system of inequalities that describes all profit interval of working hours for the printing
possibilities. company.

11. A wine producer has 100 acres of land to produce 12. A rectangular dog run is to be built with 120 ft of
grapes. It costs $400 per acre to plant x acres of fencing. If one side of the dog run uses the side of
type X grapes, and $500 per acre to plant y acres of a barn, for what values will the width have the
type Y grapes. If no more than $48 000 is available enclosed area less than or equal to 1600 sq ft?
for planting, write a system of inequalities to
describe the situation.

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 Section 7.5 - Applications of Inequalities ♦ 281

13. The average cost in dollars of producing x units of 14. The height in metres of a ball thrown upward from a
golf clubs is x 2 - 18x + 140 . Determine the building is h ^ t h =- 4.9t 2 + 29.4t + 24.3 , where t is
number of golf clubs to produce each hour to keep the time in seconds after releasing the ball. During
the cost below $75 per club. what time interval will the ball be above 40 metres?

15. A golfer hits a drive up a hillside, in a trajectory 16. Two model rockets are launched into the air from the
given by y =- 0.0015x 2 + 0.5x . The hillside has same location and direction. The quadratic functions
slope 81 . What are the landing coordinates of the that express the height, h, of the rockets as a function
golf ball in yards? of the horizontal distance, d , in meters are given by
h ^d h #- 0.02 d 2 + 12 d and h ^d h $- 0.025 d 2 + 16 d .
What is the interval for the distance between the two
landing locations of the rockets?

y y
17. Find the maximum vertical 18. Find the maximum vertical
distance, d , between the distance, d , between the
parabola y =- 2x 2 + 4x + 2 , parabola y = x 2 - 2x - 2 ,
and line y = x - 2 , for the x and the line y =- x + 3 , x
shaded region. for the shaded region.

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282 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

1.6
7.6 Radical Equations
Chapter Review

Section 7.1
1. Solve and graph on a number line.

a) 2x 1 5x- 1 b) - 6 # 2x - 3 # 5
3 6 2

2. Determine A + B and A , B for the given inequalities A and B .

a) A: x 1- 2 , B: x 2 0 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

b) A: x $- 2 , B: x # 1 A + B _____________ A , B _____________

Section 7.2
3. Graph the system of inequalities.
y y
a) 2x - y $ - 5 b) - 4x + y 1 1
- x + 2y # 4 2x + y 2 - 5

x x

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 Section 7.6 - Chapter Review ♦ 283

Section 7.3

4. Solve the quadratic inequality f ^ x h =- 2x 2 - 8x $ 0 : a) graphically b) algebraically

5. Solve and graph 2x 2 + 5x - 3 $ 0 on a number line.

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

Section 7.4

6. Solve and graph on a number line.

a) x 2 - 4x + 3 $ 0 and - 1 x - 1 $ 0
2
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

b) 2x 2 - x - 3 # 0 and ^ x + 3 h2 $ 0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

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284 ♦ Chapter 7 - Inequalities

Section 7.5

7. Ji-woo is planning to invest a certain amount of 8. The number, N , of bacteria per m 3 , found in
money into various accounts. She wants to invest unchlorinated water depends on the temperature, T ,
25% of her savings in stocks, 15% into bonds, and in degrees celsius. If the number of bacteria is
half of her remaining money into gold. The amount given by N = 60T - T 2 , at what temperature will
of savings she will have left over is between $1500 the number of bacteria exceed 500 units per m 3 ?
and $2100. How much money did she start with?

9. A person has $16 000 to invest in stocks and bonds, 10. A window manufacturer projects that profit in
with at least $2000 in stocks, and at least three times dollars from making x windows per week will be
that amount in bonds. Find a system of inequalities P ^ x h =- x 2 + 45x - 450 . How many windows
that describes the possibilities of the investment. per week must be manufactured to make a profit?

y
11. Use the graph of f and g g (x) 12. The number of miles that a new electric-hybrid car
to solve the inequality. (– 1, 3) can travel on one gallon of gas is related to its speed
a) f ^ x h $ g ^ x h x in miles per hour. If the distance can be determined
b) f ^ x h # g ^ x h by M =- 20 v + 29 v , 0 1 v 1 100 , for what
1 2

f (x) (4, – 7) speeds will M be at least 40 miles per gallon?

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