MAT 1100 LECTURE NOTES

3 INEQUALITIES
An inequality is a relation which makes a comparison between two quantities or numbers or
mathematical expressions. The following are different mathematical symbols used to
represent different kinds of inequalities: < (read as less than); ≤ (read as less or equal to); >
( read as greater than); ≥ ( read as greater or equal to).

3.1 Linear Inequalities

Example 3.1.1 Find the set of values of x which satisfy each of the following inequalities:
x4 x2 5
1.   .
6 9 18
Solution:

Multiplying through by 18, we obtain

x4 x2 5
18 × (   )
6 9 18
i.e. 3(𝑥 − 4) − 2(𝑥 − 2) ≤ 5
⇒ 3𝑥 − 12 − 2𝑥 + 4 ≤ 5 ⇒ 𝑥 ≤ 13.
In set builder notation, the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≤ 13}.
In interval notation, the solution set is (−∞, 13].

x x 1 x  2
2.   4.
2 5 10
Solution:
x x 1 x  2
10 × (   4)
2 5 10
5𝑥 − 2(𝑥 − 1) ≥ (𝑥 + 2) − (10 × 4)
5𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 2 ≥ 𝑥 + 2 − 40
5𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 ≥ 2 − 2 − 40 ⇒2𝑥 ≥ −40 ⇒ 𝑥 ≥ −20.
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≥ −20} or [−20, ∞).
4𝑥+3
3. −3 < ≤ 1.
2

Solution:
This can be written as
4𝑥+3 4𝑥+3
−3 < and ≤1 (*)
2 2
4𝑥+3 4𝑥+3
2 × (−3 < ) and 2 × ( ≤ 1)
2 2

⇒−6 < 4𝑥 + 3 and 4𝑥 + 3 ≤ 2

⇒ −6 < 4𝑥 + 3 and 4𝑥 + 3 ≤ 1

1
 ⇒ −6 − 3 < 4𝑥 and 4𝑥 ≤ 1 − 3
⇒ −9 < 4𝑥 and 4𝑥 ≤ −2
−9 −2 1
⇒ < 𝑥 and 𝑥 ≤ = −2
4 4

The required values of x of the given inequality must satisfy the two
inequalities marked (*). Thus we need to take the intersection of the sets
9 1
− 4 < 𝑥 and 𝑥 ≤ − 2.

9 1
𝑥 <− −
4 2
9 9
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < − 4} or (−∞, − 4].

7−2𝑥
4. 3 ≥ 2 ≥ −5
Solutions:
This also can be written as
7−2𝑥 7−2𝑥
3≥ and ≥ −5 (**)
2 2
7−2𝑥 7−2𝑥
2 × (3 ≥ ) and 2 × ( ≥ −5)
2 2

⇒6 ≥ 7 − 2𝑥 and 7 − 2𝑥 ≥ −10
⇒ 2𝑥 ≥ 7 − 6 = 1 and −2𝑥 ≥ −10 − 7 = −17
1 17
⇒ 𝑥 ≥ 2 and ≤ .
2

Note that when you multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number the
inequality sign changes direction, either from " ≤ 𝑡𝑜 ≥ "
(or from " < "𝑡𝑜" > ") or from " ≥ 𝑡𝑜 ≤ " (or from " < "𝑡𝑜" > ").
Thus the required values of x of the given inequality must satisfy the two
inequalities marked (**). Thus we need to take the intersection of the sets
1 17
𝑥 ≥ 2 and 𝑥 ≤ .
2

1 17
≤𝑥≤
2 2

1 17 1 17
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ } or [2 , 2 ].
2

2
3.2 Quadratic Inequalities
Example 3.2.1 Solve each of the following inequalities:

1. x2  x  6  0
Solution:
Graphical method: Using this method you need first to sketch the graph of the quadratic
function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6. Then from the graph determine the values of x for which
𝑓(𝑥) < 0. y

−3 0 2 x
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

−6

From the graph we see that for all values of x between −3 and 2, 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) < 0. Therefore
the solution set for the inequality is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −3 < 𝑥 < 2} or (−3,2).

Table Method: In this method you first need to factorize the quadratic expression
𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 and find the critical points by solving the equation (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0. Here the
critical points are −3 and 2. Then draw the table and label it as follows:
−3 2
Factors 𝑥 < −3 −3 < 𝑥 < 2 𝑥 > 2
𝑥+3 − + +
𝑥−2 − − +
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) < 0 + − +

Now, note that for 𝑥 < −3 the factor (𝑥 + 3) is negative, for −3 < 𝑥 < 2 it is positive and
for 𝑥 > 2 it is positive. For 𝑥 < −3 the factor (𝑥 − 2) is negative, for −3 < 𝑥 < 2 it is
negative and for 𝑥 > 2 it is positive. Then from the table, for 𝑥 < −3 the product
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) is positive, for −3 < 𝑥 < 2 it is negative and for 𝑥 > 2 it is positive. But we
are looking for the values of x for which (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 < 0. We note that the
required values of x which satisfy the given inequality lie between −3 and 2.
Therefore the solution set is again {𝑥𝜖ℝ: −3 < 𝑥 < 2} or (−3,2).

2. 6 + 𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ≤ 0 .

Graphical method: Just like in (1) we first sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 6 + 𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 .

3
 y
6
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

3
−2 0 2 x

3
From the graph we see that for all values of x less or equal to − 2 or greater or equal to 2,

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 6 + 𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ≤ 0. Therefore the solution set for the inequality is

3 3
{𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≤ − 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 2} or (−∞, − 2] ∪ [2, ∞).

3
Table Method: Here the critical points are − 2 and 2. The table and its contents is as follows:
3
− 2
2
3 3
Factors 𝑥 < −2 −2 < 𝑥 < 2 𝑥 > 2

2𝑥 + 3 − + +
2−𝑥 + + −
(2𝑥 + 3)(2 − 𝑥) ≤ 0 − + −

Therefore, from the table the solution set is again

3 3
{𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≤ − 2 or 𝑥 ≥ 2} or (−∞, − 2] ∪ [2, ∞).

Method of considering Cases

In this method we use the fact that if a and b are real numbers, then either 𝑎𝑏 > 0 or 𝑎𝑏 < 0
or 𝑎𝑏 = 0.

If 𝑎𝑏 < 0, then we have two cases, either

1. 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑏 < 0 or

2. 𝑎 < 0 and 𝑏 > 0.

Similarly, if 𝑎𝑏 > 0, then either

1. 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑏 > 0 or

2. 𝑎 < 0 and 𝑏 < 0.

If 𝑎𝑏 = 0, then either

1. 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 0 or

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 2. 𝑎 ≠ 0 and 𝑏 = 0 or

3. both 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑏 = 0.

Now, if we consider the inequality (2𝑥 + 3)(2 − 𝑥) ≤ 0, we shall have the following cases:

CASE 1: (2𝑥 + 3) ≤ 0 and (2 − 𝑥) ≥ 0. Note that since one factor is negative and the other
3
is positive, their product will be negative. From the inequalities 𝑥 ≤ − and 𝑥 ≤ 2. But the
2
required values of x must satisfy both inequalities (2𝑥 + 3) ≤ 0 and (2 − 𝑥) ≥ 0. We
determine the required values of x by finding the intersection of the two sets using the number
line.

3
−2 2
3
From the number line we see that the intersection set is 𝑥 ≤ − 2. Therefore the set
3
{𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≤ − 2} is part of the solution set.

We also need to consider the other case.

CASE 2: (2𝑥 + 3) ≥ 0 and (2 − 𝑥) ≤ 0. Even here, since one factor is positive and the
3
other is negative, their product will be negative. From the inequalities, 𝑥 ≥ − 2 and 𝑥 ≥ 2.
Again from the number line,

3
− 2
2

we see that the intersection set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≥ 2}, and it forms part of the solution set.
Combining the two intersection sets by taking their union we get the required solution set,
which is
3 3
{𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≤ − 2 𝒐𝒓 𝑥 ≥ 2} = (−∞, − 2] ∪ [2, ∞).

3.3 Inequalities Involving Polynomials

Example 3.3.1 Solve each of the following inequalities:

1. x 3  2 x 2  3x  0 .
Solution:
Graphical method: 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1) > 0
y 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

−3 0 1

5
 From the graph note that 𝑦 > 0 for values of x beween −3 and 0 or values of x greater than 1
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −3 < 𝑥 < 0 𝒐𝒓 𝑥 > 1} = (−∞, 0) ∪ (1, ∞).
Table method:
The critical points are −3, 0 and 1.
−3 0 1
Factors 𝑥< −3 < 𝑥 < 0 0<𝑥<1 𝑥>1
−3
𝑥 − − + +
𝑥+3 − + + +
𝑥−1 − − − +
𝑥(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1) > 0 − + − +

From the table note that x  2 x  3x  0 for −3 < 𝑥 < 0 or 𝑥 > 1,

3 2

Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −3 < 𝑥 < 0 𝒐𝒓 𝑥 > 1} = (−∞, 0) ∪ (1, ∞).

Using the cases method, note that for 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ∈ ℝ, 𝑎𝑏𝑐 > 0 if either
1. 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 > 0 or
2. 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 < 0 or
3. 𝑎 < 0, 𝑏 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 > 0 or
4. 𝑎 < 0, 𝑏 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 < 0
Exercise: Use the method for considering cases to find the solution set for the inequality
x 3  2 x 2  3x  0 .

3.4 Inequalities Involving Rational expressions

Example 3.4.1 Solve each of the following inequalities:
x2
1. 0
x4
Solution: It is possible to find the solution set of inequalities involving rational functions
using the graphical method.
𝑥+2
For example, the graph of the function 𝑦 = is given below.
𝑥+4

y
𝑥 = −4
𝑦=1

−4 −2 0 x

6
 x2
From the graph we see that  0 for values of x between −4 and −2. Therefore the
x4
solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −4 < 𝑥 < −2} or (−4, −2).

But for now, since we have not yet done the graphing of rational functions we shall not use
the graphical method to solve inequalities involving rational functions.

Table method:
The critical points are −4 and − 2.
−4 −2
Factors 𝑥 < −4 −4 < 𝑥 < −2 𝑥 > −2
𝑥+2 − − +
𝑥+4 − + +
𝑥+2 + − +
<0
𝑥+4

From the table, the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −4 < 𝑥 < −2} or (−4, −2).

x2
Method of considering cases: Here  0 when either case 1: 𝑥 + 2 < 0 and 𝑥 + 4 > 0 or
x4
case 2: 𝑥 + 2 > 0 and 𝑥 + 4 < 0.
CASE 1: 𝑥 + 2 < 0 and 𝑥 + 4 > 0 i.e. 𝑥 < −2 and 𝑥 > −4. From the number line

−4 −2
we see that x lies between −4 and −2. Thus the set {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −4 < 𝑥 < −2} or (−4, −2) is
part of the solution set.

CASE 2: 𝑥 + 2 > 0 and 𝑥 + 4 < 0 i.e. 𝑥 > −2 and 𝑥 < −4. From the number line

−4 −2
we see that the two lines do not intersect, thus we discard this case. Therefore we conclude
that the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: −4 < 𝑥 < −2} or (−4, −2).

𝑥+3
2. ≤1
𝑥−7
𝑎𝑥+𝑏
To solve this inequality, we first need to express it in the form 𝑐𝑥+𝑑 ≤ 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 and 𝑑

are real numbers and then use the method of our choice.
DO NOT CROSS MULTIPLY WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH INEQUALITIES
INVOLVING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS.
3. In most cases, when you cross multiply by an algebraic expression you will get a wrong
𝑥+3
solution. For example, in this case, if we multiply both sides of the inequality ≤1
𝑥−7

7
by (𝑥 − 7) we obtain 𝑥 + 3 ≤ 𝑥 − 7 ⇒ 3 ≤ −7 or 0 ≤ −10. This doesn’t make sense
because 0 cannot be less than −10.
𝑥+3
4. Therefore in this case, from ≤ 1we need to subtract −1 from both sides so that
𝑥−7
𝑥+3 𝑥+3−(𝑥−7) 10
−1≤0⇒ ≤ 0 ⇒ 𝑥−7 ≤ 0.
𝑥−7 𝑥−7

Now, using the table, we see that the solution set

7
𝑥<7 𝑥>7
10 + +
𝑥−7 − +
10 − +
≤0
𝑥−7

is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < 7} or (−∞, 7). Note that for 𝒙 = 𝟕 the inequality does not hold.
10
When we look at the inequality ≥ 0 and use the cases method, we see that 10 > 0
𝑥−7

for all values of 𝑥 ∈ ℝ. Thus (𝑥 − 7) must also be negative i.e. (𝑥 − 7) < 0 or 𝑥 < 7.
Therefore the solution set is simply {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < 7} or (−∞, 7).

2 3
5. ≥
𝑥−1 𝑥+4
Similarly here don’t cross multiply. Just take one term to the other side of the
2 3 2(𝑥+4)−3(𝑥−1) 2𝑥+8−3𝑥+3
inequality. − ≥0⇒ ≥0 ⇒ ≥0 ⇒
𝑥−1 𝑥+4 (𝑥−1)(𝑥+4) (𝑥−1)(𝑥+4)
−𝑥+11 𝑥−11
≥ 0 or ⇒ ≤ 0 (𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑
𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 − 1
)
(𝑥−1)(𝑥+4) (𝑥−1)(𝑥+4)

By table method,
−4 1 11
Factors 𝑥 < −4 −4 < 𝑥 < 1 1 < 𝑥 < 11 𝑥>1
𝑥 − 11 − − − +
𝑥−1 − − + +
𝑥+4 − + + +
𝑥 − 11 − + − +
<0
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 4)

From the table note that the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < −4 or 1 < 𝑥 ≤ 11} or
(−∞, −4) ∪ (1,11].

8
Note that −4 and 11 are not part of the solution set because the inequality is not
defined at these points.

To use the cases methods we need to considered the following cases:

Case 1: 𝑥 − 11 ≥ 0, 𝑥 − 1 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 4 < 0;
Case 2: 𝑥 − 11 ≥ 0, 𝑥 − 1 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 4 > 0;
Case 3: 𝑥 − 11 ≤ 0, 𝑥 − 1 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 4 > 0;
Case 4: 𝑥 − 11 ≤ 0, 𝑥 − 1 < 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 4 < 0;
Exercise: Solve the inequality using the cases method and compare the solutions.
x2
6. 2 4
x3
To solve this inequality, we first need to break the inequality into two.
𝑥−2 𝑥−2
−2 ≤ and < 4.
𝑥+3 𝑥+3
𝑥−2 𝑥−2 𝑥−2 𝑥−2
Then ≥ −2 and <4⇒ + 2 ≥ 0 and −4<0
𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3
𝑥−2+2(𝑥+3) 𝑥−2−4(𝑥+3)
⇒ ≥ 0 and <0
𝑥+3 𝑥+3
3𝑥−4 −3𝑥−14 3𝑥−4 3𝑥+14
⇒ ≥ 0 and <0⇒ ≥ 0 and >0
𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3 𝑥+3
Here we shall have two tables:
4
−3 3

Factors 𝑥 < −3 4 4
−3 < 𝑥 < 𝑥>
3 3
3𝑥 − 4 − − +
𝑥+3 − + +
3𝑥 − 4 + − +
≥0
𝑥+3

3𝑥−4 4
The solution for the inequality ≥ 0 is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < −3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ } (I)
𝑥+3 3
14
and − −3
3

Factors 14 14 𝑥 > −3
𝑥<− − < 𝑥 < −3
3 3
3𝑥 + 14 − + −
𝑥+3 − − −
3𝑥 + 14 + − +
>0
𝑥+3

9
 3𝑥+14 14
The solution for the inequality > 0 is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < − 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 > −3} (II)
𝑥+3 3

To find the solution set for the given inequality we need to find the intersection of the
set (I) and the set (II) using the number line.

14 4
− −3
3 3
14 4 14 4
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: < − 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 3 } or (−∞, − 3 ) ∪ [3 , ∞).
3

3.5 Inequalities Involving the Modulus functions

Definition 3.5.1 For any real number k  0, x  k  k  x  k .

Definition 3.5.2 For any real number k  0, x  k  x  k or x  k .

To solve inequalities involving modulus functions, we use either Definition 3.5.1 or

Definition 3.5.2.
Example 3.5 Solve each of the following inequalities:

1. 2x  1  7 .

This inequality is of the form in Definition 3.5.2. Thus 2 x  1  7

⇔ 2𝑥 − 1 ≤ −7 or 2𝑥 − 1 ≥ 7
⇔ 2𝑥 ≤ −6 or 2𝑥 ≥ 8
⇔ 𝑥 ≤ −3 or 𝑥 ≥ 4.
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 ≤ −3 or 𝑥 ≥ 4} or (−∞, −3] ∪ [4, ∞).
x 1
2.  3.
x2

x 1
This inequality is of the form in Definition 3.5.1. Thus 3
x2
𝑥−1
⇔ −3 ≤ ≤3
𝑥+2
𝑥−1 𝑥−1
⇔ −3 ≤
𝑥+2
and ≤3
𝑥+2
𝑥−1 𝑥−1
⇔ 0≤ 𝑥+2 + 3 and −3 ≤0
𝑥+2
𝑥−1+3(𝑥+2) 𝑥−1−3(𝑥+2)
⇔ 0≤ 𝑥+2
and ≤0
𝑥+2
𝑥−1+3𝑥+6) 𝑥−1−3𝑥−6
⇔ 0≤ 𝑥+2
and ≤0
𝑥+2
4𝑥+5 −2𝑥−7 2𝑥+7
⇔ 0≤ 𝑥+2
and ≤ 0 𝑜𝑟 ≥0
𝑥+2 𝑥+2

10
Here we shall have two tables:
5
−2 −4

Factors 𝑥 < −2 5 5
−2 < 𝑥 < − 𝑥>−
4 4
4𝑥 + 5 − − +
𝑥+2 − + +
4𝑥 + 5 + − +
≥0
𝑥+2

4𝑥+5 5
The solution for the inequality ≥ 0 is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < −2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ − } (I)
𝑥+2 4
and
7
−2 −2

Factors 7 7 𝑥 > −2
𝑥<− − < 𝑥 < −2
2 2
2𝑥 + 7 − + +
𝑥+2 − − +
2𝑥 + 7 + − +
≥0
𝑥+2

2𝑥+7 7
The solution for the inequality ≥ 0 is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: 𝑥 < − 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ −2} (II)
𝑥+2 2

To find the solution set for the given inequality we need to find the intersection of the
set (I) and the set (II) using the number line.

7 5
−2 −2 −4
7 5 7 5
Therefore the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ: < − 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ − 4 } or (−∞, − 2) ∪ [− 4 , ∞).

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3.6 Inequalities Involving Radicals functions
To solve inequalities involving radicals we follow three steps below:
Step 1: Identify the values of the variable for which the radicand is nonnegative.
Step 2: Find critical points.
Step 3: Test values to check the solution or find intervals which contain values
that satisfy the inequality.
Example 3.6.1 Solve each of the following inequalities:
1. 3  2 x  7  6
Solution:
7
Step 1: The radicand must be nonnegative i.e. 2 x  7  0  x 
2
Step 2: Critical points:
3  2x  7  6  2x  7  3  2x  7  9  x  8

7
Thus critical points are x  and x  8 .
2
Step 3: We test some values which satisfy the given inequality:

7 7 x 8
x  x8
2 2

Take say x  0 : Take say x  4 : Take say x  9 :

3  2(0)  7  6 3  2(4)  7  6 3  2(8)  7  6

3   7  6 . Not defined 3  1  6 i.e. 4  6 , which 3  11  or  6 .

is true Not true

At critical points:
7
x , 3  2( 72 )  7  3  0  3  6 , which is true.
2
7
Thus x  is part of the solution set.
2

x  8, 3  2(8)  7  3  3  6  6  RHS , which is true.

Thus x  8 is also part of the solution set.

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  7  7 
Therefore the solution set is  x  R :  x  8   ,8 .
 2  2 

2. 2x  5  9  x
Solution:

Step 1: The radicand for both 2 x  5 and 9  x must be nonnegative i.e.

2 x  5  0 and 9  x  0
5
x and x  9
2
5
Both 2 x  5 and 9  x are defined for values of x   .
2
Step 2: Critical points:
2x  5  9  x  2x  5  9  x  x  4

5
The critical points are x   and x  4 .
2
Step 3: We test some values which satisfy the given inequality:

5 5 x4
x  x4
2 2

Take say x  0 : Take say x  5 :

Not defined
2(0)  5  9  0 2(5)  5  5  9

5  3 , which is true 15  14
Not true

At critical points:
5
x , 2( 52 )  5  9  ( 52 ) ,  0  13
2 , which is true.
2

x  4, 2(4)  5  9  4  13  13 , which is not true. Thus x = 4 is

not part of the solution set.

 5 
Therefore the solution set is  x  R :   x  4  [ 52 ,4) .
 2 

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3. x3  x7  4
Solution:

Step 1: The radicand for both x  3 and x  7 must be nonnegative i.e.

x  3  0 and x  7  0
x  3 and x  7

Both x  3 and x  7 are defined for values of x  3 .

Step 2: Critical points: x  3 is one the critical points.

To find other critical points we solve the equation
x3  x7  4

  x3   4 
2
x7 
2

 x  3  16  8 x  7  x  7

 8 x  7  20 or 2 x  7  5  4( x  7)  25  x   34 .

3
The critical points are x  3 and x   .
4
Step 3: We test some values which satisfy the given inequality:

x  3 3 3
3 x   x
4 4

Take say x  2 : Take say x  :

Not defined 03  07  4
23  27  4

1  5  4 , which is not true 3  7  4 , which is true.

At critical points:
x  3,  3  3   3  7  4 ,  0  2  2  4 , which is not true. Thus

x  3 is not part of the solution set.

14
 x   34 ,  34  3   34  7  4  32  52  4  4 , which is not true. Thus

x   34 is not part of the solution set.

Therefore the solution set is x  R : x   34   ( 34 , ) .

TUTORIAL SHEET 6

1. Solve each of the following inequalities:

5  3x 1
(a)  2  
4 2

(b) 2t 2  9t  5  0

(c) ( x  3)(3x  2)( x  4)  0

a 1
(d) 2
a5

1 1
(e) 
x2 x3

2. Solve each of the following inequalities:

x 1 n2
(a) 6 x  11  2 (b) 2 x  3  4 (c)  5 (d)  3 (e) x  6  x  2
x2 n

(f) k  2k  1

3. Solve each of the following inequalities:

(a) 10  2 x  7  3

(b) 3  2 x  5  6

(c) 2x  9  9  x  0

(d) 2  x6   x

(e) x 3  x  4 1.

15