Unit 3 Solving Inequalities

3.3 QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES

In Unit 2 of Grade 9 mathematics, you have learnt how to solve quadratic equations.
\

(Recall that equations of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, a ≠ 0 are quadratic equations.)

Can similar methods be used to solve quadratic inequalities?

Definition 3.2
An inequality that can be reduced to any one of the following forms:
ax2 + bx + c ≤ 0 or ax2 + bx + c < 0,
ax2 + bx + c ≥ 0 or ax2 + bx + c > 0,
where a, b and c are constants and a ≠ 0, is called a quadratic inequality.

For example x2 – 3x + 2 < 0, x2 + 1 ≥ 0, x2 + x ≤ 0 and x2 − 4 > 0 are all quadratic

inequalities.
The following activity will help you to recall what you have learned about quadratic
equations in Grade 9.

ACTIVITY 3.5
1 Which of the following are quadratic equations?
a x – 2 = x2 + 2x b x2 – 2x = x2 + 3x + 6
c 2 (x – 4) – (x – 2) = (x + 2) (x – 4) d x3 – 3 = 1 + 4x + x2
e (x – 1) (x + 2) ≥ 0 f x(x –1) (x + 1 ) = 0.
2 Which of the following are quadratic inequalities?
a 2x2 ≤ 5x + x2 – 3 b 2x2 > 2x + x2 + 8
c x (1 – x) ≤ (x + 2) (1 – x) d 3x2 + 5x + 6 > 0
e 5 – 2 (x2 + x) < 6x – 2x2 f (x – 2) (x + 1) ≥ 2 – 2x
2
g – 1 > (x + 1) (x + 2).
3 If the product of two real numbers is zero, then what can you say about the two
numbers?
4 Factorize each of the following if possible:
1
a x2 + 6x b 35x – 28x2 c − 25 x 2 d 4x2 + 7x + 3
16
e x2 – x + 3 f x2 + 2x – 3 g 3x2 –11x – 4 h x2 + 4x + 4.
5 Given a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0,
a what is its discriminant?
b state what must be true about the discriminant so that the equation has one real
root, two distinct real roots, and no real root.

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3.3.1 Solving Quadratic Inequalities Using

Product Properties
Suppose you want to solve the quadratic inequality
(x – 2) (x + 3) > 0.
Check that x = 3 makes the statement true while x = 1 makes it false. How do you find
the solution set of the given inequality? Observe that the left hand side of the inequality
is the product of x – 2 and x + 3. The product of two real numbers is positive, if and
only if either both are positive or both are negative. This fact can be used to solve the
given inequality.

Product properties:
1 m.n > 0, if and only if
i m > 0 and n > 0 or ii m < 0 and n < 0.
2 m.n < 0, if and only if
i m > 0 and n < 0 or ii m < 0 and n > 0.
Example 1 Solve each of the following inequalities:
a (x + 1) (x –3) > 0 b 3x2 – 2x ≥ 0
c − 2x2 + 9x + 5 < 0 d x2 – x – 2 ≤ 0
Solution:
a By Product property 1, (x +1) (x – 3) is positive if either both the factors are
positive or both are negative.
Now, consider case by case as follows:
Case i When both the factors are positive
x +1 > 0 and x – 3 > 0
x > – 1 and x > 3
The intersection of x > – 1 and x > 3 is x > 3. This can be illustrated on the
number line as shown in Figure 3.16 below.
x>3

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

Figure 3.16

The solution set for this first case is S1 = {x: x > 3} = (3, ∞).

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Case ii When both the factors are negative

x + 1 < 0 and x – 3 < 0
x < –1 and x < 3
The intersection of x < –1 and x < 3 is x < – 1.
This can be illustrated on the number line as shown below in Figure 3.17.
x < –1

x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 3.17
The solution set for this second case is S2 = {x: x < – 1} = (–∞, –1).
Therefore, the solution set of (x + 1) (x – 3) > 0 is:
S1 ∪ S2 = {x: x < –1 or x > 3} = (–∞ , − 1) ∪ (3, ∞)
b First, factorize 3x2 – 2x as x (3x – 2)
So, 3x2 – 2x > 0 means x (3x – 2) > 0 equivalently.
i x > 0 and 3x – 2 > 0 or
ii x < 0 and 3x – 2 < 0
Case i When x ≥ 0 and 3x – 2 ≥ 0
2
x ≥ 0 and x ≥
3
2 2
The intersection of x ≥ 0 and x ≥ is x ≥ . Graphically,
3 3
2
x≥
3

x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 3.18
2 2
So, S1 = { x : x ≥ }=[ ,∞)
3 3
2
Case ii When x ≤ 0 and 3x – 2 ≤ 0 that is x ≤ 0 and x ≤
3
2
The intersection of x ≤ 0 and x ≤ is x ≤ 0. Graphically,
3
x≤0

x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 2 1 2 3 4
3
Figure 3.19
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So, S2 = {x: x < 0} = (–∞ , 0]

Therefore, the solution set for 3x2 – 2x > 0 is
2 2
S1 ∪ S2 = { x: x < 0 or x > } = (– ∞, 0] ∪ [ , ∞ )
3 3
c − 2x2 + 9x + 5 = (–2x – 1) (x – 5) < 0
By Product property 2, (–2x – 1) (x – 5) is negative if one of the factors is negative
and the other is positive.
As before, consider case by case as follows:
Case i When –2x – 1 > 0 and x – 5 < 0
1
x< − and x < 5
2
1 1
The intersection of x < − and x < 5 is x < − . Graphically,
2 2

1
x<−
2
x
1
-4 -3 -2 -1 − 0 1 2 3 4 5
2

Figure 3.20
1 1
So, S1 = {x: x < − } = ( − ∞, − )
2 2
Case ii When – 2 x – 1 < 0 and x – 5 > 0
1
x >− and x > 5
2
1
The intersection of x > 5 and x > − is x > 5. Graphically,
2
x>5

x
–4 –3 –2 –1 − 1 0 1 2 3 4 5
2
Figure 3.21
So, S2 = {x: x > 5} = (5, ∞)
Therefore, the solution set for (–2 x–1) (x – 5) < 0 is
1 1
S1 ∪ S2 = {x: x < − or x > 5} = ( − ∞, − ) ∪ (5,∞ )
2 2

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d x2 – x – 2 = (x + 1) (x – 2)
So, x2 – x – 2 ≤ 0 means (x + 1) (x – 2) ≤ 0
By Product property 2, (x + 1) (x – 2) is negative if one of the factors is negative and
the other is positive. To solve (x + 1) (x – 2) < 0, consider case by case as follows:
Case i x + 1 ≥ 0 and x – 2 ≤ 0
x ≥ –1 and x ≤ 2
The intersection of x ≥ –1 and x ≤ 2 is –1 ≤ x ≤ 2. Graphically,

–1 ≤ x ≤ 2
x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 3.22
So, S1 = {x: –1 ≤ x ≤ 2} = [–1, 2]
Case ii x + 1 ≤ 0 and x – 2 ≥ 0
x ≤ –1 and x ≥ 2
There is no intersection of x ≤ − 1 and x ≥ 2. Graphically,
x ≤ -1 x≥2
x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 3.23
So, S2 = ∅
Therefore, the solution set for x2 – x – 2 ≤ 0 is
S1 ∪ S2 = {x: − 1 ≤ x ≤ 2} ∪ ∅ = {x: –1 ≤ x ≤ 2} = [–1, 2]

Exercise 3.3
1 Solve each of the following inequalities using product properties:
a x (x + 5 ) > 0 b ( x – 1 )2 ≤ 0
c (4+ x) (x – 4) > 0 d (5x – 3)( x + 7) < 0
1
e (1 + x )(3 – 2x) ≥ 0 f x) ≤ 0
(5 – x)(1 –
3
2 Factorize and solve each of the following inequalities using product properties:
a x2 + 5x + 4 < 0 b x2 – 4 > 0 c x2 + 5x + 6 ≥ 0
d x2 – 2x + 1 ≤ 0 e 3x2 + 4x + 1 >0 f 2x2 – 7x + 3 < 0
1
g 25x2 – <0 h x2 + 4x + 4 > 0.
16
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3 a Find the solution set of the inequality x2 < 25.

b Why is {x : x < 5} not the solution set of x2 < 25?
4 If x < y, does it follow that x2 < y2 ?
5 If a ball is thrown upward from ground level with an initial velocity of 24 m/s, its
height h in metres after t seconds is given by h (t) = 24t – 16t2. When will the ball
be at a height of more than 8 metres?

3.3.2 Solving Quadratic Inequalities Using the

Sign Chart Method
Suppose you need to solve the quadratic inequality
x2 + 3x – 4 < 0.
Consider how the sign of x2 + 3x – 4 changes as you vary the values of the unknown.
As x is moved along the number line, the quantity x2 + 3x – 4 is sometimes positive,
sometimes zero, and sometimes negative. To solve the inequality, you must find the
values of x for which x2 + 3x – 4 is negative. Intervals where x2 + 3x – 4 is positive are
separated from intervals where it is negative by values of x for which it is zero. To
locate these values, solve the equation x2 + 3x – 4 = 0.
Factorize x2 + 3x – 4 and find the two roots (–4 and 1). Divide the number line into
three open intervals. The expression x2 + 3x – 4 will have the same sign in each of these
intervals ( − ∞, − 4), ( − 4, 1) and (1, ∞).
The “sign chart” method allows you to find the sign of x2 + 3x – 4 in each interval.
Step 1 Factorize x2 + 3x – 4 = (x + 4) ( x – 1)
Step 2 Draw a sign chart, noting the sign of each factor and hence the whole
expression as shown below.
-4 1

x+4 – – – – 0 + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + +
x–1 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –0+ + + +
(x + 4)(x – 1) + + + + 0 – – – – – – – – – – – 0 + + + + +

Figure 3.24
Step 3 Read the solution from the last line of the sign chart
x 2+ 3x – 4 < 0 for x ∈ (–4, 1)
Therefore, the solution set is the interval (–4, 1)

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Example 2 Solve each of the following inequalities using the sign chart method:
a 6 + x – x2 ≤ 0 b 2x2 + 3x – 2 ≥ 0.
Solution:
a Factorize 6 + x – x2 so that 6 + x – x2 = (x + 2) (3 – x) ≤ 0.
We may identify the sign of x + 2 and 3 – x as follows.
x + 2 < 0 for each x < –2, x + 2 = 0 at x = –2 and x + 2 > 0 for each x > –2.
Similarly, 3 – x < 0 for each x > 3, 3 − x = 0 at x = 3 and 3 – x > 0 for each x < 3.
Therefore, the above results are shown in the sign chart given below in Figure 3.25.
-2 3

x+2 – – – – 0 + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + +
3–x + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + 0– – – –
(x + 2)(3 – x) – – – – 0 + + + + + + + + + + + 0 – – – –

Figure 3.25
From the sign chart, you can immediately read the following
i The solution set of (3 – x)(x + 2) < 0 is {x: x < − 2 or x > 3}= ( − ∞, − 2)∪(3, ∞).
ii The solution set of (3 – x) (x + 2) > 0 is {x : – 2 < x < 3} = (– 2 , 3).
iii The solution set of (3 – x) (x + 2) = 0 is {– 2 , 3}.
iv The solution set of (3 – x) ( x + 2) ≤0 is (– ∞ , − 2] ∪ [3, ∞)
Therefore, the solution set of 6 + x – x2 ≤ 0 is (–∞, − 2] ∪ [3, ∞).
b 2x2 + 3x – 2 = (2x – 1)(x + 2) ≥ 0.
1 1 1
2x – 1< 0 for each x < , 2x – 1 = 0 at x = , and 2x – 1 > 0 for each x > .
2 2 2
Similarly, x + 2 < 0 for each x < – 2 , x + 2 = 0 at x = − 2 and x + 2 > 0 for each
x > − 2.
The above results are shown in the sign chart given below:
1
-2 2

2x – 1 – – – – – – – – – – – – 0+ + + + + + +

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

(2x – 1)(x + 2) + + + + + + 0– – – – – 0+++++++++

Figure 3.26
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From the sign chart, you can conclude that

1 
(2x – 1) (x + 2) ≥ 0 for each x ∈ (– ∞, – 2] ∪  , ∞  and
2 
 1
(2x – 1) (x + 2) < 0 for each x ∈  −2 ,  .
 2
1 
Therefore, the solution set of 2x2 + 3x – 2 ≥ 0 is ( − ∞ , − 2] ∪  , ∞ 
2 
2
Example 3 For what value(s) of k does the quadratic equation kx – 2x + k = 0 has
i only one real root? ii two distinct real roots?
iii no real roots?
Solution: The quadratic equation kx2 – 2x + k = 0 is equivalent to the quadratic
equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 with a = k, b = − 2 and c = k
The given quadratic equation has
i one real root when b2 – 4ac = 0
So, ( − 2)2 – 4 (k) (k) = 0
4 – 4k2 = 0 equivalently (2 – 2k) (2 + 2k) = 0
2 – 2k = 0 or 2 + 2k = 0
k = 1 or k = − 1
Therefore, kx2 – 2x + k = 0 has only one real root if either k = 1 or k = –1.
ii two distinct real roots when b2 – 4ac > 0
It follows that, 4 – 4k2 > 0
(2 – 2k) (2 + 2k) > 0 ⇒ 4 (1 – k) (1 + k) > 0
Now, use the sign chart shown below:
-1 1

2 + 2k – – – – – – 0+ + + + + + + + + + + + +

2 – 2k + + + + ++ + + + + + 0– – – – – – – –

(2 + 2k)(2 − 2k) – – – – – – 0 + ++ + 0– – – – – – – –

Figure 3.27
Therefore, for each k∈ ( − 1, 1), the given quadratic equation has two distinct real
roots.
iii kx2 – 2x + k = 0 has no real root for each k∈ ( − ∞ , − 1) ∪ (1 , ∞) where
b2 – 4ac < 0

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What do you do if ax2 + bx + c, a ≠ 0 is not factorizable into linear factors?

That is, there are no real numbers x1 and x2 such that ax2 + bx + c = a(x – x1)(x – x2).
In this case, either ax2 + bx + c > 0 for all values of x or ax2 + bx + c < 0 for all values of x.
As a result, the solution set of ax2 + bx + c > 0 or ax2 + bx + c ≥ 0 is either ( − ∞, ∞) or { }.
Take a test point and substitute, in order to decide which is the case.
Example 4 Solve each of the following quadratic inequalities:
a x2 – 2x + 5 ≥ 0 b − 3x2 + x – 1 ≥ 0.
Solution:
a For x2 – 2x + 5 ≥ 0
a = 1, b = − 2, c = 5 and b2 – 4ac = ( − 2)2 – 4 (1) (5) = − 16 < 0.
Hence, x2 – 2x + 5 cannot be factorized.
Take a test point, say x = 0. Then, 02 – 2(0) + 5 = 5 > 0
So, x2 – 2x + 5 > 0 for all x∈ ( − ∞, ∞)
Therefore, the solution set S = ( − ∞, ∞)
b For −3x2 + x −1 ≥ 0
b2 – 4ac = (1)2 – 4 ( − 3) (– 1) = 1 – 12 = − 11 < 0
Hence, − 3x2 + x – 1 cannot be factorized. Take a test point, say x = 0.
− 3(0)2 + 0 – 1 = − 1< 0. Hence, − 3x2 + x – 1 ≥ 0 is false.
Therefore, S = { }

Group Work 3.3

1 Solve each of the following inequalities using
i product properties ii sign charts:
2
a x2 − x<0 b 2 x 2 + 5x > 3
3
c ( x − 1) 2 ≥ 2 x 2 − 2 x d (2 x − 1)( x + 1) ≤ x( x − 3) + 4
2 What must be the value (s) of k so that (3k – 4) x2 +2k x – 1 = 0 has
i two distinct real roots? ii one real root? iii no real roots?
3 A manufacturer determines that the profit obtained from selling x units of a certain
item in Birr is P(x) = 10x – 0.002x2
a How many units must be produced to secure profit?
b In the process of production, at how many units level will there be no profit
and no loss?

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Exercise 3.4
1 Solve each of the following quadratic inequalities using sign charts:
a x (x + 5) > 0 b (x – 3)2 ≥ 0
 x
c (4 + x) (4 – x) < 0 d  1 +  (5 − x ) < 0
 3
e 3 – x – 2x2 > 0 f − 6x2 + 2 < x
g 2x2 ≥ – 3 – 5x h 4x2 – x – 8 < 3x2 – 4x + 2
i − x2 + 3x < 4.
2 Solve each of the following quadratic inequalities using either product properties
or sign charts:
a x2 + x – 12 > 0 b x2 – 6x + 9 > 0 c x2 – 3x – 4 ≤ 0
d 5x – x2 < 6 e x2 + 2x < – 1 f x – 1 ≤ x2 + 2
3 For what value(s) of k does each of the following quadratic equations have
i one real root? ii two distinct real roots? iii no real root?
a (k + 2) x2 – (k + 2)x – 1 = 0
b x2 + (5– k) x + 9 = 0
4 For what value (s) of k is
a kx2 + 6x + 1 > 0 for each real number x?
b x2 – 9x + k < 0 only for x ∈ (– 2, 11)?
5 A rocket is fired straight upward from ground level with an initial velocity of
480 km/hr. After t seconds, its distance above the ground level is given by
480t – 16t2.
For what time interval is the rocket more than 3200km above ground level?
6 A farmer has 8m by 10m plot of land. He needs to construct a water reservoir at
one corner of the plot with equal length and width as shown below.
10 m

x
8m

For what values of x is the area of the remaining part less than the area needed for
the reservoir?

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3.3.3 Solving Quadratic Inequalities Graphically

In order to use graphs to solve quadratic inequalities, it is necessary to understand the
nature of quadratic functions and their graphs.
i If a > 0, then the graph of the quadratic function
f (x) = ax2 + bx + c is an upward parabola.
ii If a < 0, then the graph of the quadratic function
f (x) = ax2 + bx + c is a downward parabola.

ACTIVITY 3.6
1 For a quadratic function f (x) = ax2 + bx + c, find the point at
which the graph turns upward or downward. What do you call
this turning point?
2 Sketch the graph and find the turning point of:
a f (x) = x2 – 1 b f (x) = 4 – x2
3 What is the condition for the quadratic function f (x) = ax2 + bx + c to have a
maximum value? When will it have a minimum value?
4 What is the value of x at which the quadratic function f (x) = ax2 + bx + c attains
its maximum or minimum value?
The graph of a quadratic function has both its ends going upward or downward
depending on whether a is positive or negative. From different graphs you can observe
that the graph of a quadratic function
f (x) = ax2 + bx + c
i crosses the x-axis twice, if b2 – 4ac > 0.
ii touches the x-axis at a point, if b2 – 4ac = 0.
iii does not touch the x-axis at all, if b2 – 4ac < 0.
To solve a quadratic inequality graphically, find the values of x for which the part of the
graph of the corresponding quadratic function is above the x-axis, below the x-axis or on
the x-axis. Consider the following examples.
Example 5 Solve the quadratic inequality x2 – 3x + 2 < 0, graphically.
Solution: Begin by drawing the graph of f (x) = x2 – 3x + 2. Some values for x
and f (x) are given in the table below and the corresponding graph is
given in Figure 3.28. Complete the table first.
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Mathematics Grade 10

x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

f (x) 12 2 0

4
y
3
2
1

•2 x
3 -2 -1 1 3 4
-1 3 1
 ,− 
2 4
-2
-3
Figure 3.28 Graph of f (x) = x2 – 3x + 2
From the graph, f (x) = 0 when x = 1 and when x = 2. On the other hand, f (x) > 0
when x < 1 and when x > 2 and f (x) < 0 when x lies between 1 and 2.
3 3 1 3
This inequality could be tested by setting x = , giving f   = − . So f   < 0.
2 2 4 2
It follows that the solution set of x2 – 3x + 2 < 0 consists of all real numbers
greater than 1 and less than 2. That is, S.S = {x : 1 < x < 2} = (1 , 2).
Example 6 Solve the inequality x2 + 4x + 5 > 0, graphically.
Solution: Make a table of values and complete the table for some selected values of
x and f (x) as in the table below and sketch the corresponding graph.

x –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3

f (x) 2 2 10
y
6

5
4
3
2
• 1
(-2, 1) x
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3
-1
-2

Figure 3.29 Graph of f (x) = x2 + 4x + 5

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 Unit 3 Solving Inequalities

As shown in the Figure 3.29 above, the graph of f (x) = x2 + 4x + 5 does not cross
the x-axis but lies above the x-axis. Thus, the solution set of this inequality
consists of all real numbers. So, S.S = ( − ∞, ∞).
Note that, if you use the process of completing the square, you obtain
x2 + 4x + 5 > 0 ⇒ x2 + 4x > – 5
x2 + 4x + 4 > – 5 + 4
(x + 2)2 > – 1
Since the square of any real numbers is non-negative, (x + 2)2 > −1 is true for all
real numbers x.
Based on the above information, could you show that the solution set of the
inequality x2 + 4x + 5 < 0 is the empty set? Why?
Example 7 Solve the inequality – x2 + 2x + 3 < 0, graphically.
Solution: Make a table of selected values for x and f (x). The graph passes through
(0, 3) and (–1, 0) as shown in Figure 3.30.
y (1, 4)
4 •
3
2
1
x
- 2 -1 1 2 3 4
-1
-2
-3

Figure 3.30 Graph of f (x) = –x2 + 2x + 3

The graph of f (x) = 2x – x2 + 3 crosses the x-axis at x = –1 and x = 3. So, the
solution set of this inequality is
S.S = {x| x < – 1 or x > 3}.
If the quadratic equation ax2 +bx +c = 0, a ≠ 0 has discriminant b2 – 4ac < 0, then the
equation has no real roots. Moreover,
i the solution set of ax2 + bx + c ≥ 0 is the set of all real numbers if
a > 0 and is empty set if a < 0.
ii the solution set of ax2 + bx + c ≤ 0 is the set of all real numbers if
a < 0 and is empty set if a > 0.

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Exercise 3.5
1 Solve each of the following quadratic inequalities, graphically:
a x2 + 6x + 5 ≥ 0 b x2 + 6x + 5 < 0
c x2 + 8x + 16 < 0 d x2 + 2x + 3 ≥ 0
e 3x – x2 + 2 < 0 f 4x2 – x ≤ 3x2 + 2
g x (x – 2) < 0 h (x + 1) (x – 2) > 0
i 3x2 + 4x + 1 > 0 j x2 + 3x + 3 < 0
k 3x2 + 22x + 35 ≥ 0 l 6x2 + 1 ≥ 5x.
2 Suppose the solution set of 2x2 + kx + 1 > 0 consists of the set of all real
numbers. Find all possible values of k.

Key Terms
absolute value linear inequality quadratic equation
closed intervals open downward quadratic function
complete listing open intervals quadratic inequality
discriminant open upward sign chart
infinity partial listing solution set
linear equation product property

Summary
1 The open interval (a, b) with end-points a and b is the set of all real numbers x
such that a < x < b.
2 The closed interval [a, b] with end-points a and b is the set of all real numbers x
such that a ≤ x ≤ b.
3 The half-open interval or half-closed interval [a, b) with end points a and b is the
set of all real numbers x such that a ≤ x < b.
4 If x is a real number, then x  is the absolute value of x defined by

 x, if x ≥ 0
x =
− x, if x < 0
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 Unit 3 Solving Inequalities

5 For any positive real number a, the solution set of:

i the equation x  = a is x = a or x = − a;
ii the inequality x  < a is – a < x < a and
iii the inequality x  > a is x < – a or x > a.
6 When two or more linear equations involve the same variables, they are called a
system of linear equations.

7 An inequality that can be reduced to either ax2 + bx + c ≤ 0, ax2 + bx + c < 0,

ax2 + bx + c ≥ 0 or ax2 + bx + c > 0, where a, b and c are constants and a ≠ 0, is
called a quadratic inequality.
8 Given any quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0,
i if b2 – 4ac > 0, it has two distinct real roots.
ii if b2 – 4ac = 0, it has only one real root.
iii if b2 – 4ac < 0, it has no real root.
9 When the discriminant b2 – 4ac < 0, then
i the solution set of ax2 + bx + c > 0 is the set of all real numbers, if a > 0 and
empty set if a < 0.
ii the solution set of ax2 + bx + c < 0 is the set of all real numbers, if a < 0 and
empty set if a > 0.
10 Product property:
i mn > 0, if and only if m > 0 and n > 0 or m < 0 and n < 0.
ii mn < 0, if and only if m > 0 and n < 0 or m < 0 and n > 0.

Review Exercises on Unit 3

1 Solve each of the following inequalities using product properties:

2 
a (x + 1) (x – 3) < 0 b  x + 3  ( x − 1) < 0
3 

c (x – 3 ) ( x + 2) > 0 d x2 > x

e x2 + 5x + 4 ≥ 0 f (x – 2)2 ≤ 2 – x
g 1 – 2x > (1+ x)2 h 3x2 – 6x + 5 < x2 – 2x + 3.
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Mathematics Grade 10

2 Solve each of the following inequalities using sign charts:

a (1 – x) (5 – x) > 0 b x2 ≤ 9 c (x + 2)2 < 25
d 1 – x ≥ 2x2 e 6t2 + 1 < 5t f 2t2 + 3t ≤ 5.
3 Solve each of the following inequalities graphically:
a x2 – x + 1 > 0 b x2 > x + 6 c x2 – 4x – 1 > 0
d x2 + 25 ≥ 10x e x2 + 32 ≥ 12x + 6 f x (6x – 13) > – 6
g x (10 – 3x) < 8 h (x – 3)2 ≤ 1
4 Solve each of the following quadratic inequalities using any convenient method:
a 2x2 < x + 2 b −2x2 + 6x + 15 ≤ 0
1 2 25
c x + ≥ 5x d 6x2 – x + 3 < 5x2 + 5x – 5
2 2
e x (10x + 19) ≤ 15 f (x + 2)2 > (3x + 1)2.
5 What must the value(s) of k be so that:
a kx2 – 10x – 5 ≤ 0 for all x?
b 2x2 + (k – 3) x + k –5 = 0 has one real root? two real roots? no real root?
6 The sum of a non–negative number and its square is less than 12. What could the
number be?
7 The sum of a number x and twice another is 20. If the product of these numbers is
not more than 48, what are all possible values of x?
1 2
8 The profit of a certain company is given by p ( x) = 10, 000 + 350 x − x
2
where x is the amount (Birr in tens) spent on advertising. What amount gives a
profit of more than Birr 40,000?

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