Notes on Quadratic Inequalities

I. Solving equations in ONE VARIABLE

Steps: Example: x2 + x – 2 < 0

1. Write the corresponding equation of the given
x2 + x – 2 = 0
inequality. Change the inequality symbol to =.
2. Solve for the roots of the corresponding
x2 + x – 2 = 0
equation. You may use FACTORING,
(x +2)(x – 1) = 0
COMPLETING THE SQUARE or QUADRATIC
FORMULA x+2=0 x–1=0
x = -2 x=1
3. Plot the points on the number line
Remember: o o
For > or <, use hollow point
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

For ≥ or ≤, use sold point

4. Identify the three intervals 1st 2nd 3rd
o o
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

5. Choose one point from each segment and test 1st 2nd 3rd
if it satisfies the given inequality. To do this, x = -4 x=0 x=2
substitute the chosen point to the given x +x–2<0
2 x +x–2<0
2 x +x–2<0
2
inequality. If it is TRUE, then that interval is a (-4) +(-4)-2< 0 (0)2+(0) - 2 < 0
2
(2)2+(2)-2< 0
solution to the inequality. If FALSE, then it is 16 – 4 – 2 < 0 0+0–2<0 4+2-2<0
not a solution. 10 < 0 -2 < 0 4<0
Remember: Avoid using the points you plotted. ∴ FALSE ∴ TRUE ∴ FALSE
6. Write the solution. 2nd
Remember: o o
Use > or < when the point is not included -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5

(hollow point).
Use ≥ or ≤ when the point is included (solid x > -2 ; x < 1
point)

II. Solving equations in TWO VARIABLES

Steps: Example: y ≥ x2 + 2
1. Write the corresponding equation
of the given inequality. Change the y = x2 + 2
inequality symbol to =.
2. Identify the vertex of the graphs OPENS UPWARD
and which way the parabola open
(upward or downward). 𝒃
𝒙=−
𝟐𝒂
Opens upward (a is positive) 0
=−
Opens downward (a is negative) 2(1)
𝒙=𝟎
Vertex:
𝑏 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐
𝑥=− = 02 + 2
2𝑎
𝑦 = (𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝒚=𝟐
𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒
𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) Coordinates of Vertex: (0,2)
3. Make a table of values by setting x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
the vertex at the middle and assig y 11 6 3 2 3 6 11
three x values to the left and to the
right of the vertex. Then, solve for x = -1 x = -2 x = -3
the y values. y = (-1)2 + 2 y = (-2)2 + 2 y = (-3)2 + 2
y=3 y=4+2 y=9+2
To solve for the y values, substitute y=6 y = 11
the x value to the corresponding
equation of the given, then simplify. x=1 x=2 x=3
y = 12 + 2 y = 22 + 2 y = 32 + 2
y=3 y=4+2 y=9+2
y=6 y = 11
2. Plot the points then connect to
make a parabola. 18
Remember, 16
> <, hollow point and broken line, 14
>=, <= solid point at solid line. 12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
-2
-4

3. Get one point from each region Inside Outside

then substitute it to the given (0, 8) (0,0)
inequality. True or false y ≥x + 2
2 y ≥ x2 + 2
Remember: 8 ≥ 02 + 2 0 ≥ 02 + 2
The point has to have a coordinate, 8≥2 0≥2
one pair of x and y value.
Choose points along the y axis so the TRUE FALSE
points have 0 value of x.

4. Shade the region where the point

tested true 18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
-2
-4