9

Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 5:
Quadratic Inequalities
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the different ways in solving Quadratic Inequalities. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes
the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify/illustrate quadratic inequalities;
2. solve quadratic inequalities; and
3. solve word problems involving quadratic inequalities.

What I Know

On a separate sheet of paper, write the letter of the best answer.

1. Which of the following illustrates quadratic inequalities?

I. x 2 + 8x + 12 ≥ 0 II. (x – 2)(x + 4) = 0 III. 𝑥 2 – 1 < 0
A. I only B. II only C. I and II only D. I and III only

2. The ____________ of a quadratic inequality are the real roots of its related
quadratic equation.
A. solution set C. test points
B. critical numbers D. coordinates

3. What are the critical numbers of x 2 − 2x > 35?

A. 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 7 B. 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 7 C. −5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 7 D. −5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 7

4. What are the possible test numbers from each of the intervals bounded by the
critical numbers of x 2 − 2x > 35?
A. −8, 0, 10 B. −5, 0, 7 C. −7, 0, 5 D. −3, 0, 5

5. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the inequality (𝑥 +

2)(𝑥 – 1) ≥ 0?
A. The product of the factors must be a positive number.
B. The product of the factors must be zero or a positive number.
C. The product of the factors must be zero.
D. The domain is the set of all real numbers.
For numbers 6–9, compute for the solution set of the given inequality.
6. x 2 + 3x − 28 < 0
A. (−∞, −7) ∪ (4, +∞) C. (−7,4)
B. (−∞, −7] ∪ [4, +∞) D. [−7,4]

7. x 2 − x > 6
A. (−∞, −2) ∪ (3, +∞) C.(−2,3)
B. (−∞, −2] ∪ [3, +∞) D. [−2,3]
2
8. x(x + 3) ≤ −2
A. (−∞, −2] ∪ [−1, +∞) C. [1,2]
B. (−∞, 1] ∪ [2, +∞) D. [−2, −1]

9. 3x 2 + 16x ≥ 12
2 2
A. (−∞, −6] ∪ [3 , +∞) C. [−6, 3]
2 2
B. (−∞, − 3] ∪ [6, +∞) D. [− 3 , 6]

10. Which of the following is the graph of (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 – 1) ≤ 0?

11. Which of the following quadratic inequality can best describe the graph
below?
A. 𝑦 ≤ 𝑥 2 − 2
B. 𝑦 ≥ 𝑥 2 + 2
C. 𝑦 ≤ (𝑥 + 2)2
D. 𝑦 ≥ (𝑥 + 2)2

12. Which of the following describes the graph of quadratic inequality below?
A. All the coordinate points on the shaded region are
part of the solution set, except the broken line and
non-shaded region.
B. All the coordinate points on the shaded region and
the broken line are part of the solution set.
C. All the coordinate points on the broken line and
non-shaded region are part of the solution set.
D. All the coordinate points on the non-shaded region
are the solution set.

13. The length of a wall is 12 m more than its width. If the area of the wall is less
than 50 𝑚2, which of the following could be its length?
A. 3 m B. 4 m C. 15 m D. 16 m

For numbers 14–15: Given the problem.

Gino has 40 feet of metal fencing material to fence three sides of a rectangular
garden. A tall wooden fence serves as the fourth side. What measures for the
width will give an area of at least 150 square feet?

14. Which of the following represents the function for the area of the garden in
terms of x, the width in feet?
A. 150 < −2𝑥 2 + 40𝑥 C. 150 ≤ −2𝑥 2 + 40𝑥
B.150 > −2𝑥 + 40𝑥
2
D. 150 ≥ −2𝑥 2 + 40𝑥

15. Which of the following graphs satisfies the solution for the problem?

A. C.

B. D.
3
 Lesson

1 Quadratic Inequalities

In this lesson, we will learn how to define and identify quadratic inequalities. We
will then establish the basic techniques for solving these inequalities. These techniques,
later on, would be helpful in solving other polynomial and rational inequalities. Once we
have mastered solving quadratic inequalities, we will apply these in solving real-life word
problems.

What’s In

Let us review the basic concepts we learned about Inequalities and Quadratic
Equations. Skills on these topics are essential in our discussion of quadratic
inequalities.
A. QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
An equation that can be written as 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where a, b, and c are real-
number constants and a≠ 0, is called a second-degree polynomial equation,
or quadratic equation, in the variable x. Some examples are:
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 = 0 9𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 7 11 − 𝑥 2 = 0 10𝑥 2 = 4𝑥
There are four methods in solving a quadratic equation:
1. Extracting square roots; 2. Factoring; 3. Completing the square; and
−𝒃±√𝒃𝟐 −𝟒𝒂𝒄
4. using the Quadratic Formula given by 𝒙 = 𝟐𝒂
.

B. INEQUALITIES

An inequality is a statement saying that one expression is less than (or

greater than) or equal to another.
4𝑥
4𝑥 − 7 < 3 + 2𝑥 9 − 5𝑥 ≥ 3𝑥 + 1 2 + 11𝑥 ≤ 5−8𝑥 |10 − 𝑥| > 3

Solving an inequality is the process of finding the set of numbers that make the
inequality a true statement. These numbers are called the solutions of the inequality
and we say that they satisfy the inequality.

Note that an inequality can have 1. One solution (unique); 2. Infinitely many
solutions; or 3. No solutions. The set of all solutions is called the solution set of the
inequality. We can either use the set-builder notation or the interval notation to
represent these solution sets.
NOTE: In plotting the solution set on the number line, remember to use:
a. Shaded circles on the critical numbers when the inequality is ≥ or ≤ since these
numbers are INCLUDED in the solutions.

b. Hollow circles on the critical numbers when the inequality is > or < since these
numbers are EXCLUDED in the solutions.
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 What’s New

This is an application about gardening (geometric) problem wherein knowledge

about quadratic inequalities will be applied. How are we going to help the school’s
Brigada Eskwela Coordinator in answering those questions below?

Problem: In response to the Department of Education’s project, “Gulayan sa Paaralan,”

the school’s Brigada Eskwela Coordinator plans to use 50 feet of fencing to surround
the three sides of a rectangular vegetable garden. The fourth side of the vegetable garden
is bordered by a wall:

A. Write a function that models the area (A) of the vegetable garden in square feet
in terms of its width x.
B. For what width is the area of the vegetable garden greater than 200 square feet?

What is It

A quadratic inequality is one of the form 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 < 𝟎 (the symbol can be
replaced by >, ≤, 𝑜𝑟 ≥), where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are real numbers and 𝑎 ≠ 0.
Some examples of quadratic inequalities are:

𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 9 > 0 3𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 ≥ 4 − 2𝑥 −9 + 7𝑥 ≤ −6𝑥 2

Are −8, 0, 6 solutions of 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 9 > 0? Here, we see that among the 3, -8, & 6 are
solutions.
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 9 > 0 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 9 > 0 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 9 > 0
(−𝟖)2 − 4(−𝟖) − 9 > 0 (𝟎)2 − 4(𝟎) − 9 > 0 (𝟔)2 − 4(𝟔) − 9 > 0

64 + 32 − 9 > 0 0−0−9>0 36 − 24 − 9 > 0

87 > 0  −9 > 0  3>0 

A. SOLVING QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES USING THE SIGN TABLE METHOD

To solve quadratic inequalities algebraically using the SIGN TABLE METHOD:

1. Write the factored form of the quadratic inequality.
2. Write and solve the related quadratic equation.
3. Plot the critical numbers on the real number line and write the intervals formed.
4. Use a test number to determine the sign of the factors of the quadratic inequality
on each interval.
5. Graph the solution set on the real number line.

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Let us look at some examples on solving quadratic inequalities using this method.
EXAMPLE 1: Solve the quadratic inequality 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 < 𝟐𝟖 and graph the solution
set on the real number line.

SOLUTION:
Step 1: Write the factored form of the quadratic inequality.
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 28 < 0 Write the inequality in standard form: 𝐴 > 0, 𝐴 < 0, 𝐴 ≥ 0, 𝐴 ≤ 0
(𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟕) < 𝟎 Factor the quadratic expression on one side of the inequality.
Step 2: Write and solve the related quadratic equation.
(𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟕) = 𝟎 Replace the inequality symbol with the equal sign.
𝑥 + 4 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 7 = 0 Apply the Zero Product Property (ZPP). ZPP states that for any
real numbers a and b, if 𝑎𝑏 = 0 then either 𝑎 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑏 = 0.
Then solve for x.
𝒙 = −𝟒 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = 𝟕 These roots are called the critical numbers of the quadratic
inequality.
Step 3: Plot the critical numbers on the number line and write the intervals formed.
The critical numbers −4 and 7 divide the number line into three intervals:
(−∞, −𝟒), (−𝟒, 𝟕), (𝟕, +∞) in interval notation.

Step 4: Use a test number to determine the sign of the factors of the quadratic
inequality on each interval.
𝑥 + 4 and 𝑥 − 7 are the factors of the quadratic inequality. On each of the intervals, the
sign of (𝑥 + 4) (𝑥 − 7) is constant. To determine the sign on an interval, choose an
arbitrary test number in the interval and compute the sign of each of the factors 𝑥 +
4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 − 7 with this test number.
Chosen test numbers: −5 in (−∞, −4), 0 in (−4,7), and 8 in (7, +∞).
Create a SIGN TABLE to summarize the results:

FACTOR Sign at −𝟓 Sign at 0 Sign at 8

𝑥+4 − + +
𝑥−7 − − +
(𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟕) − ∙ −= + + ∙ −= − + ∙ += +

Step 5: Graph the solution set on the number line.

From the table, label the intervals on the number line with their corresponding signs of
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 7). The solution set is the interval where (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 7) < 0.

6
The solution set is: {𝒙| − 𝟒 < 𝒙 < 𝟕} in set-builder notation, or (−𝟒, 𝟕) in interval notation.
We use hollow circles on the critical numbers in graphing the solution set:

EXAMPLE 2: Solve the quadratic inequality 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 ≥ 𝟏𝟓 and graph the solution set
on the real number line.
SOLUTION:
Step 1: Write the factored form of the quadratic inequality.
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 15 ≥ 0 Write the inequality in standard form.
(𝒙 − 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟓) ≥ 𝟎 Factor.
Step 2: Write and solve the related quadratic equation.
(𝐱 − 𝟑)(𝐱 + 𝟓) = 𝟎 Replace the inequality symbol with the equal sign.
𝑥 − 3 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 5 = 0 Apply ZPP and solve for x.
Critical numbers: 𝑥 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −5

Step 3: Plot the critical numbers on the number line and write the intervals
formed.
The critical numbers −5 and 3 divide the number line into three intervals:
(−∞, −𝟓), (−𝟓, 𝟑), (𝟑, +∞) in interval notation.

Step 4: Use a test number to determine the sign of the factors of the quadratic
inequality on each interval.
𝑥 − 3 and 𝑥 + 5 are the factors of the quadratic inequality. On each of the intervals, the
sign of (𝑥 − 3) (𝑥 + 5) is constant. To determine the sign on an interval, choose an
arbitrary test number in the interval and compute the sign of each of the factors 𝑥 −
3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 5 at this test number.
Chosen test numbers: −6 in (−∞, −3), 0 in (−5,3), and 4 in (3, +∞).
Create a SIGN TABLE to summarize the results:

7
 FACTOR Sign at −𝟔 Sign at 0 Sign at 4
𝑥−3 − − +
𝑥+5 − + +
(𝒙 − 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟓) − ∙ −= + − ∙ += − + ∙ += +

Step 5: Graph the solution set on the number line.

From the table, label the intervals with their corresponding signs of (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5).
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5) > 0 if x is either in (−∞, −5) or (3, + ∞).

Further, −5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3 are in the solution set because (𝑥 + 5) (𝑥 − 3) = 0 if 𝑥 is either of these

numbers. Thus, the solution set is:
{𝒙|𝒙 ≤ −𝟓 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 ≥ 𝟑} in set-builder notation, or (−∞, −𝟓] ∪ [𝟑, + ∞) in interval notation.
We use shaded circles on the critical numbers in graphing the solution set:

B. SOLVING QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES USING THE SHORTCUT METHOD

Alternatively, we can also use the SHORTCUT METHOD in solving quadratic
inequalities using the quadratic inequality property. This property is derived from the
graph of the quadratic function related to the quadratic inequality. These properties are
summarized in the table below:

To solve quadratic inequalities using the shortcut method, we apply the

QUADRATIC INEQUALITY PROPERTY
Quadratic Inequality in SOLUTION SET
factored form with critical
Set-builder Notation Interval Notation
nos. r and s where r<s
1. (𝒙 − 𝒓)(𝒙 − 𝒔) > 𝟎 {𝑥|𝑥 < 𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 > 𝑠} (−∞, 𝑟) ∪ (𝑠, +∞)
2. (𝒙 − 𝒓)(𝒙 − 𝒔) < 𝟎 {𝑥|𝑟 < 𝑥 < 𝑠} (𝑟, 𝑠)

EXAMPLE 3: Solve the quadratic inequality 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝟒 ≤ 𝟐𝒙 and graph the solution set
on the real number line.
SOLUTION:
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 24 ≤ 0 Write the inequality in standard form.

(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 6) ≤ 0 Factor.
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 6) = 0 Replace the inequality symbol with the equal sign.
𝑥 + 4 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 6 = 0 Apply ZPP and solve for x.
Critical numbers: 𝑥 = −4 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 6.

−4 < 6 and the inequality involves ≥. Thus, the solution set is: {𝒙| − 𝟒 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟔} or
[−𝟒, 𝟔].

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The graph of the solution set is:

NOTE: Sometimes, there are no factored form of the quadratic inequality. Hence, we
can use the quadratic formula to solve for the critical numbers.

EXAMPLE 4: Solve the quadratic inequality 𝒙𝟐 > 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 and graph the solution
set on the real number line.

The standard form of the inequality is 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 5 > 0. However, upon checking, it is not
factorable. We could resort to the quadratic formula to solve 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 5 = 0. Substituting
the values 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = −3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = −5 to the quadratic formula, we have

−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 −(−3) ± √(−3)2 − 4(1)(−5) 3 ± √29

𝑥= = =
2𝑎 2(1) 2
3−√29 3+√29
Hence, the critical numbers are 𝑟 = 2
≈ −1.19 and 𝑠 = 2
≈ 4.19.

The given inequality symbol is >. Using Property 1 of the quadratic inequality, the
𝟑−√𝟐𝟗 𝟑+√𝟐𝟗 𝟑−√𝟐𝟗 𝟑+√𝟐𝟗
solution set is, therefore: {𝒙|𝒙 < 𝟐
𝒐𝒓 𝒙 > 𝟐
} or (−∞, 𝟐
) ∪( 𝟐
, +∞).

The graph of the solution set is:

C. SOLVING WORD PROBLEMS INVOLVING QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES

The challenging part of a word problem is actually understanding it and determining

the operation/s to be used. Take note of the keywords for problems involving
inequalities listed below:

> ≥ < ≤
is smaller
is more than minimum maximum
than
is greater than at least is less than at most
is larger than is not less than below not more than
not smaller
above is not greater than
than

Let us look at some examples.

EXAMPLE 5: A rectangular room could fit at least 7 tables which have 1 square
meter of surface area each. The perimeter of the room is 16 m.
What could be the width and the length of the room be?
(https://www.mathisfun.com/algebra/inequality-questions-solving.html)

REPRESENTATION:
Let 𝑙 = length of the room and 𝒘 = width of the room. It is better to express one variable in
terms of the other variable so that the equation to be solved involves only one variable.
Here, we express 𝑤 in terms of 𝑙 by using the value of the perimeter.

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𝑃 = 2𝑙 + 2𝑤 = 16 The perimeter P of a rectangle is the sum of twice its width and twice
its length.
𝑙 +𝑤 =8 Simplify the equation by dividing both sides by 2.
𝒍= 𝟖−𝒘 Express the length in terms of the width.
ILLUSTRATION: REQUIRED INEQUALITY:

𝐴 = 𝑙𝑤 ≥ 7 The rectangular room fits at least 7

tables which have 1 m2 of surface
area each. Thus, the room’s surface
area is at least 7 m2.

(8 − 𝑤)𝑤 ≥ 7 Substitute 8-w to l.

8w − w 2 ≥ 7 Distribute w.
𝒘𝟐 − 𝟖𝒘 + 𝟕 ≤ 𝟎 Multiply both sides by -1. Take note that the inequality symbol changes
whenever we multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number.
SOLUTION: We will use the shortcut method in solving the quadratic inequality.
(𝑤 − 7)(𝑤 − 1) ≤ 0 Write the factored form of the quadratic inequality.
𝑤 = 1,7 These are the critical numbers of the quadratic inequality.
Since the inequality is (𝑤 − 7)(𝑤 − 1) ≤ 0, the solution set is [1, 7]. Thus, the width of
the room can range from 1 m to 7 m. Consequently, the minimum and maximum
values for the length of the room are 𝑙 = 8 − 𝑤 = 8 − 7 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙 = 8 − 𝑤 = 8 − 1 = 7. In
short, the length can range from 1 m to 7 m, too.

EXAMPLE 2: Let us solve the problem mentioned in the What’s New Section of this
module. A prior knowledge on quadratic functions is needed to solve
this.
Let x be the width of the rectangular garden. Since the fencing material is
50 m, the length parallel to the concrete wall is, therefore, 𝑙 = 50 − 2𝑥. The
area of function is, therefore, written as 𝐴 = 𝑙𝑤 = (50 −
2𝑥)(𝑥) 𝑜𝑟 𝑨(𝒙) = 𝟓𝟎𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙 .𝟐

We are focused on finding x that would get an area 50𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 greater than
200𝑓𝑡 2 . We can write the required inequality as: 50𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 > 200.
Multiplying the whole inequality by −1, we have 2𝑥 2 − 50𝑥 < −200 or 𝟐𝒙𝟐 −
𝟓𝟎𝒙 + 𝟐𝟎𝟎 < 𝟎.

2𝑥 2 − 50𝑥 − 200 = 0 Write the related quadratic equation in standard form.

𝑥 2 − 25𝑥 + 100 = 0 To simplify, divide both sides by 2.
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 − 20) = 0 Solve for x.
Critical numbers: 𝑥 = 5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 20

Since the inequality symbol used is <, and using the shortcut method, the solution set
is (𝟓, 𝟐𝟎). This means that the width should be between 5 and 20 feet to have an area of
the rectangular garden greater than 200 𝑓𝑡 2 .

10
 What’s More

Activity:

1. Determine the solution set of𝑥 2 + 70 ≤ 17𝑥 by using the SIGN TABLE METHOD. Write
the solution set in set-builder notation and graph it on the number line.

𝑥 2 − 17𝑥 + 70 ≤ 0 Write the inequality in standard form.

(𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 − 10) ≤ 0 Factor

(𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 − 10) = 0 Replace the inequality symbol with the equal sign.

𝑥 − 7 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 10 = 0 Apply ZPP and solve for x.

Critical numbers: 𝑥 = 7, 10
Intervals formed: (−∞, 7), (7, 10), (10, +∞)
Chosen test numbers: 0, 8, 11

.
SIGN TABLE:

FACTOR Sign at 𝟎 Sign at 8 Sign at 11

𝑥−7 − + +
𝑥 − 10 − − +
(𝒙 − 𝟕)(𝒙 − 𝟏𝟎) − ∙ −= + + ∙ −= − + ∙ += +

(𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 − 10) < 0 if x is in the interval (7,10).

Further, 7 𝑎𝑛𝑑 10 are in the solution set because (𝑥 − 7) (𝑥 − 10) = 0 if 𝑥 is either of these
numbers.

Thus, the solution set is {𝒙|𝟕 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟏𝟎}.

Graph of the solution set:

11
 2. Determine the solution set of 2𝑥 2 > 5𝑥 − 2 by using the SHORTCUT METHOD.
Write the solution set in interval notation and graph it on the number line.

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2 > 0 Write the inequality in standard form.

(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) > 0 Factor.
(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 Replace the inequality symbol with the equal sign.
2𝑥 − 1 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 2 = 0 Apply ZPP and solve for x.
1
Critical Numbers: 𝑥 = , 2
2

1 𝟏
Since the inequality symbol used is >, and that 2
< 2, the solution set is: (−∞, 𝟐) ∪
(𝟐, +∞).

The graph of the solution set is:

Assessment:

A. Determine whether the algebraic expression is a quadratic inequality.

1. 𝑥 2 > 3 − 12𝑥 2. 4𝑥 2 − 7 = 10𝑥 3. 6𝑥 3 + 1 ≤ 8𝑥 2 − 3𝑥

B. Solve the following quadratic inequalities by using the SIGN TABLE METHOD.
Write the solution set in set-builder notation and graph it on the number line.

1. 𝑥 2 − 8 < 2𝑥 2. 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 ≥ −8 3. 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 ≥ 3

4. 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 < 6 5. 5𝑥 2 + 32𝑥 ≤ 21
C. Solve the following quadratic inequalities by using the SHORTCUT METHOD.
Write the solution set in interval notation and graph it on the number line.

1. 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 ≤ −3 2. 𝑥 2 > 25 3. 2𝑥 2 ≥ 3 − 𝑥

4. (3𝑥 + 5)(2𝑥 − 3) < 0 5. 4 − 3𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ≥ 0

What I Have Learned

To solve quadratic inequalities algebraically using the SIGN TABLE METHOD:

1. Write the factored form of the quadratic inequality.
2. Write and solve the related quadratic equation.
3. Plot the critical numbers on the real number line and write the intervals
formed.
4. Use a test number to determine the sign of the factors of the quadratic
inequality on each interval.
5. Graph the solution set on the real number line.

12
To solve quadratic inequalities using the shortcut method, we apply the
QUADRATIC INEQUALITY PROPERTY
Quadratic Inequality in SOLUTION SET
factored form with critical
Set-builder Notation Interval Notation
nos. r and s where r<s
1. (𝒙 − 𝒓)(𝒙 − 𝒔) > 𝟎 {𝑥|𝑥 < 𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 > 𝑠} (−∞, 𝑟) ∪ (𝑠, +∞)
2. (𝒙 − 𝒓)(𝒙 − 𝒔) < 𝟎 {𝑥|𝑟 < 𝑥 < 𝑠} (𝑟, 𝑠)

Note that in cases where the quadratic inequality does not have critical numbers, the
sign table method or the shortcut method cannot be applied. Thus, the inequality can
be solved by observation of the graph of its related quadratic function.

What I Can Do

1. A rectangular room fits at least 6 tables which have 1 square meter of surface
area each. The perimeter of the room is 10 m. What could the width of the room
be?
2. A ball is thrown straight upward with an initial velocity of 40 fps from a height of
180 feet above the ground. The height, h, of the ball above the ground t seconds
after it is thrown upward is given by the equation ℎ(𝑡) = −16𝑡 2 + 40𝑡 + 180, for
what value of t is the ball at least 196 ft above the ground? Answer in interval
notation.
3. A tour guide models his profit in the function 𝑃(𝑥) = −10𝑥 2 + 200𝑥, where x
represents the people who signed up for a tour. How many people need to sign
up for a tour in order for him to profit at least 750 pesos? Answer in set builder
notation.

Assessment

On a separate sheet of paper, write the letter of the best answer.

1. Which of the following illustrates quadratic inequalities?

I. 4x 2 − 3x + 1 ≤ 0 II. (x + 9)(x − 7) > 0 III. 𝑥 2 + 9 = 0
A. I only B. II only C. I and II only D. II and III only
2. Which of the following numbers is NOT a solution of 𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 54 ≥ 0?
2

A. 0 B. −11 C. 7 D. 4
3. What are the critical numbers of x 2 − 6x < 16?
A. −2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 8 B. −8 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2 C. −2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 8 D. 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 8
4. What are the possible test points from each of the intervals bounded by the
critical numbers of x 2 − 6x < 16?
A. −1, 0, 9 B. −7, 0, 10 C. −5, 0, 5 D. −4, −3, 9
5. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the inequality
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 – 8) < 0?
A. The product of the factors must be a positive number.
B. The product of the factors must be zero or a negative number.
C. The product of the factors must be negative number.
D. The domain is the set of all real numbers.

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 6. Which of the following is the graph of 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 < 24?

7. Which of the following is the graph of (𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 5) ≥ 0?

8. Compute for the solution set of: x 2 − 33 > −8x

A. (−∞, −11) ∪ (3, +∞) C.(−11,3)
B. (−∞, −11] ∪ [3, +∞) D. [−11,3]

9. Compute for the solution set of: (x − 6)x ≥ 7

A. (−∞, −7] ∪ (1, +∞) C. [−7,1
B. (−∞, −1] ∪ [7, +∞) D. [−1,7]

10. Compute for the solution set of: 15x 2 − 17x ≤ −4

1 4 1 4
A. (−∞, 3] ∪ [5 , +∞) C. [3 , 5]
4 1 4 1
B. (−∞, − ] ∪ [− , +∞) D. [− , − ]
5 3 5 3

11. Which of the following quadratic inequality can best describe the graph
below?
A. 𝑦 > −𝑥 2 − 2
B. 𝑦 < −𝑥 2 + 2
C. 𝑦 < −(𝑥 + 2)2
D. 𝑦 > −(𝑥 − 2)2

12. Which of the following describes the graph of quadratic inequality below?
A. All the coordinate points on the shaded region
are part of the solution set, except the broken
line and non-shaded region.
B. All the coordinate points on the shaded region
and on the parabola are part of the solution
set.
C. All the coordinate points on the broken line
and non-shaded region are part of the solution
set.
D. All the coordinate points on the non-shaded
region are the solution set.

13. One leg of the right triangle is 17 cm shorter than the other leg. How long
should the shorter leg be to ensure that the hypotenuse is at least 25
cm?
I.8 cm II. 7 cm III. 6 cm IV. 5 cm
A.I and II only C. III and IV only
B. II and III D. I, II, III and IV
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 For numbers 14–15: Given the problem:

A ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 96 ft per second.

The distance (s) of the ball from the ground after (t) second is 𝑠(𝑡) = 96𝑡 − 16𝑡 2 .
For what time, t, is the ball more than 128 feet above the ground?

14. Which of the following represents the function velocity of the ball?
A. −16𝑡 2 + 96𝑡 ≥ 128 C. −16𝑡 2 + 96𝑡 > 128
B. −16𝑡 + 96𝑡 ≤ 128
2
D. −16𝑡 2 + 96𝑡 < 128

15. Which of the following is the solution for the problem using set-builder
notation?
A. {𝑡|2 < 𝑡 < 4} C. {𝑡|𝑡 < 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑡 > 4}
B. B. {𝑡|2 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 4} D. {𝑡|𝑡 ≤ 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑡 ≥ 4}

Additional Activities

A. Determine the solution set of the following quadratic inequalities by using any
preferred method. Write the solution set in set-builder notation.

1. 𝑥2 < 8
2. 𝑎2 + 25 < 10𝑎
3. 𝑡 2 > −3𝑡 + 12
4. 𝑥 2 ≥ 4𝑥 − 20
5. 2𝑥 3 < 𝑥 2

B. Problem solving:

1. Your teacher in math made an argument that the solutions of 𝑦 > 2𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 7

are also solution of 𝑦 > 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3. Do you agree? Justify your answer.

2. One leg of a right triangle is 7 cm shorter than the other leg. How long should the
shorter leg be to ensure that the hypotenuse is at least 13 cm?

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