MATHEMATICS I/FBM0015

Chapter 1
Learning Outcome
At the end of the module , you should be able to:

ü solve inequalities involving polynomials

ü solve inequalities involving rational function
ü solve inequalities involving absolute value
 Inequality

§ An inequality is a statement that one mathematical

expression is greater or less than another
§ Inequalities may be manipulated in much the same way
as equations
Inequality

The symbols used in an equality are:

§ < less than
§ ≤ less than or equal to
§ > greater than
§ ≥ greater than or equal to
Equation Vs Inequality

Equations have only one Inequalities have a range of

solution continuum numbers that
make the statement true
Example:
3𝑥 + 5 = 7
Example:
3𝑥 = 2 3𝑥 + 5 ≤ 7
2 3𝑥 ≤ 2
𝑥= 2
3 𝑥≤
3
Equation Vs Inequality

Example: Example:
2
𝑥= 2
3 𝑥≤
3
intervals

If 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers such that 𝑎 < 𝑏, then the set
of all real numbers 𝑥 satisfying

𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏 is called the open interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏

𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏 is called the closed interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏
𝑎 < 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏 is called the half-open interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏
𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 < 𝑏 is called the half-open interval from 𝑎 to 𝑏
intervals

The points 𝑎 and 𝑏 are called the endpoints of the

interval.

Notice that
§ a closed interval contains both its endpoints
§ an open interval does not include either endpoint
§ a half-open interval contains only one of its endpoints
Inequality

a b Closed [𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑎≤𝑥≤𝑏

a b Open 𝑎, 𝑏 𝑎<𝑥<𝑏

Half-open 𝑎, 𝑏 𝑎≤𝑥<𝑏
a b

Half-open 𝑎, 𝑏 𝑎<𝑥≤𝑏
a b
intervals

Infinite Intervals

If 𝑎 is a real number, then the set of all real number 𝑥

satisfying any of the conditions 𝑥 < 𝑎, 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎, 𝑥 > 𝑎 or
𝑥 ≥ 𝑎 is called an infinite interval
intervals

∞ 𝑎, ∞ 𝑥≥𝑎
a

∞ 𝑎, ∞ 𝑥>𝑎
a

−∞
a −∞, 𝑎 𝑥≤𝑎

−∞ −∞, 𝑎 𝑥<𝑎
a
Inequality

Example 1
Expressing Inequalities Using Interval Notation & Graph
𝑥 > −3

𝑥≤5

−1 ≤ 𝑥 < 4

0≤𝑥≤4
Union and intersection

UNION
𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 = 𝑥|𝑥 is in 𝐴 𝐨𝐫 𝑥 is in 𝐵
Example:
1,2,3 ∪ 2,3,4,5 = 1,2,3,4,5

INTERSECTION
𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = 𝑥|𝑥 is in 𝐴 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝑥 is in 𝐵
Example:
1,2,3 ∩ 2,3,4,5 = 2,3
Union and intersection
Example
If A = −3,2 and B = 1,7 , determine A ∪ B and A ∩ B.
Write these sets in interval notation and graph.
Set Interval Graph
𝐴
𝐵
𝐴∪𝐵
𝐴∩𝐵
Linear inequalities

To solve linear inequalities

§ Follow the same procedures that is used in linear
equation
§ One general exception
o When multiplying or dividing with negative
numbers, must CHANGE THE
DIRECTION of inequality sign
Linear inequalities

Example Solving Linear Inequality

Solve the inequality 3𝑥 < 9𝑥 + 4

and
sketch the solution set
Linear inequalities

Solution Solving Linear Inequality

3𝑥 < 9𝑥 + 4
3𝑥 − 9𝑥 < 4 (
2
−6𝑥 < 4 −
3

2 !
𝑥>− Interval notation: − " , ∞
3
Linear inequalities

Example Solving A Pair of Simultaneous Inequality

Solve the inequality 4 ≤ 3𝑥 − 2 < 13

and
sketch the solution set
Linear inequalities

Solution Solving A Pair of Simultaneous Inequality

4 ≤ 3𝑥 − 2 < 13
] (
6 ≤ 3𝑥 < 15
2 5
2≤𝑥<5
Interval notation: [2, 5)
Linear inequalities

Example

Solve the inequality

−3 ≤ 4 − 7x < 18
Express the solution set in interval notation and graph
Linear inequalities

Solution

−3 ≤ 4 − 7𝑥 < 18
) [
−7 ≤ −7𝑥 < 14 −2 1

1 ≥ 𝑥 > −2
−2 < 𝑥 ≤ 1 Interval notation : (−2, 1]
Linear inequalities

Example Solving A Pair of Simultaneous Inequality

Solve the inequality

−2 − 3𝑥
1≤ <4
7
and
sketch the solution set
Linear inequalities

Solution Solving A Pair of Simultaneous Inequality

7 ≤ −2 − 3𝑥 < 28
9 ≤ −3𝑥 < 30 ) [
−10 −3
−3 ≥ 𝑥 > −10
−10 < 𝑥 ≤ −3 Interval notation : (−10, −3]
Linear inequalities

Example
Solving Linear Inequality Involving Fractions

Solve and graph

2𝑥 − 3 4𝑥
+6≥2+
4 3
Linear inequalities

Solution Solving Linear Inequality Involving Fractions

Combine the fraction on the LHS &
2𝑥 − 3 + 24 6 + 4𝑥
≥ RHS
4 3
Multiply both sides by 12, the
12 2𝑥 + 21 12 6 + 4𝑥
≥ LCM
4 3
6𝑥 + 63 ≥ 24 + 16𝑥
−10𝑥 ≥ −39
The order reverses when both sides are
𝑥 ≤ 3.9 divided by −10
Linear inequalities

Solution Solving Linear Inequality Involving Fractions

]
−3.9

Interval notation :(−∞, 3.9]

Quadratic inequalities

A quadratic inequality can easily be solved by using

§ Analytical Method
o Real Number Line
o Table of Sign
§ Graphical Method
Quadratic inequalities

Example Real Number Line Method

Solve
+
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 ≤ 5
using real number line method
Quadratic inequalities

Solution Real Number Line Method

2𝑥 ) + 3𝑥 ≤ 5
2𝑥 ) + 3𝑥 − 5 ≤ 0
2𝑥 + 5 𝑥 − 1 ≤ 0
*
If 2𝑥 + 5 ≥ 0, then 𝑥 ≥ −
)

𝑥 − 1 ≥ 0, then 𝑥 ≥ 1
Quadratic inequalities

Solution Real Number Line Method

5
The solution is𝑥 = − 2 , 1
Quadratic inequalities

Exercise Real Number Line Method

Solve the following inequalities using the real number line
method

1. −𝑥 ! < −𝑥 − 2
2. 𝑥 𝑥 + 1 ≥ 20
Quadratic inequalities

Example Table of Sign Method

Solve
+
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 ≤ 5
using table of sign
Quadratic inequalities

Solution Table of Sign Method

5
−
2 1
−3 0 2
2𝑥 + 5 − + +
𝑥−1 − − +
+ − +
5
The solution is𝑥 = − 2 , 1
Quadratic inequalities

Exercise Table of Sign Method

Solve the following inequalities using the table of sign

method

1. −2𝑥 ! + 7𝑥 < 3
2. 𝑥 ! + 𝑥 − 20 ≥ 0
Quadratic inequalities

Example Graphical Method

Graphically solve
+
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 ≤ 5
Quadratic inequalities

Solution Graphical Method

𝑦 = 2𝑥 ! + 3𝑥 − 5

5 1
−
2

5
The solution is𝑥 = − 2 , 1
Quadratic inequalities

Exercise Graphical Method

Solve the following inequalities graphically
!
1. 𝑥 − 8𝑥 + 15 > 0
2. 𝑥 ! < 24 − 5𝑥
Quadratic inequalities

Exercise Rational Inequalities

1. Solve using the real number line method:
2𝑥 − 1
>1
𝑥+1

2. Solve using the table of sign:

3 2
≥
𝑥+2 𝑥−1
Absolute Values

The absolute value or modulus of a real number 𝑎,

written as 𝑎 , is defined by

𝑎 if 𝑎 ≥ 0
𝑎 =<
−𝑎 if 𝑎 < 0
Absolute Values

When absolute value is involved in algebraic equation,

the definition of absolute value is as follows
Definition of Absolute Value Equation

If 𝑥 = 𝑎 then 𝑥 = −𝑎 or 𝑥 = 𝑎 where 𝑎 ≥ 0
Absolute Values

Example

Solve the equation

𝑥−3 =8
Absolute Values

Solution
If the absolute value of an expression is 8, then that
expression is -8 or 8
𝑥−3 =8
𝑥 − 3 = −8 or 𝑥−3=8
𝑥 = −5 𝑥 = 11

The solution set is −5,11

Absolute Values

Example

Solve the equation

!
5−𝑥 =1
Absolute Values

Solution
5 − 𝑥! = 1
5 − 𝑥 ! = −1 or 5 − 𝑥! = 1
−𝑥 ! = −6 −𝑥 ! = −4
𝑥 ! =6 𝑥 ! =4
𝑥=± 6 𝑥 = ±2

The solution set is ±2, ± 6

Absolute Values

Example An Absolute Value Problem with Two Cases

Solve the equation

𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑥 − 8
Absolute Values

Solution An Absolute Value Problem with Two Cases

𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑥 − 8
− 𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑥 − 8 or 𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑥 − 8
−𝑥 − 4 = 3𝑥 − 8 −2𝑥 = −12
−4𝑥 = −4 𝑥=6
𝑥=1
Absolute Values

Solution An Absolute Value Problem with Two Cases

Checking Steps:

The solution set is 6

Absolute Value

Example

Solve the equation

7 − 2𝑥 = 5 − 𝑥
Inequalities involving absolute values

Properties
Inequality Equivalent Form Graph
𝑥 <𝑎 −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 )
)
−𝑎 0 𝑎

𝑥 ≤𝑎 −𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎 ]
]
−𝑎 0 𝑎

𝑥 >𝑎 𝑥 < −𝑎 or 𝑥 > 𝑎 )

)
−𝑎 0 𝑎

𝑥 ≥𝑎 𝑥 ≤ −𝑎 or 𝑥 ≥ 𝑎 ]
]
−𝑎 0 𝑎
Absolute Value

Example

Solve the inequality

3𝑥 − 2 ≤ 7
Absolute Values

Solution
−7 ≤ 3𝑥 − 2 ≤ 7 Apply property (2) and squeeze the absolute
value expression between −7 & 7
−5 ≤ 3𝑥 ≤ 9 Add 2 to all three parts

5
− ≤𝑥≤3 Divide all three parts by 3
3
"
The solution in interval notation is − ,3
#
Absolute Value

Example

Solve the inequality

1 − 2𝑥 > 5
Absolute Values

Solution
1 − 2𝑥 > 5
1 − 2𝑥 < −5 or 1 − 2𝑥 > 5
−2𝑥 < −6 −2𝑥 > 4
𝑥>3 𝑥 < −2

The solution in interval notation is −∞, −2 ∪ 3, ∞

Absolute Value

Example

Solve the inequality

4𝑥 − 1 ≥ 𝑥 + 1
Absolute Values

Solution
4𝑥 − 1 ≥ 𝑥 + 1
! !
4𝑥 − 1 ! ≥ 𝑥+1 ! Squaring both sides
! !
16𝑥 − 8𝑥 + 1 ≥ 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 1
15𝑥 ! − 10𝑥 ≥ 0
5𝑥 3𝑥 − 2 ≥ 0
!
The solution is −∞, 0 ∪ [# , +∞)
Absolute Value

Example

Solve the inequality

2 − 3𝑥 < 𝑥 + 3
Absolute Value

Example

Solve the inequality

2𝑥 − 1
≥1
𝑥+2
Absolute Values

Solution
2𝑥 − 1
≥1
𝑥+2
2𝑥 − 1 2𝑥 − 1
≥1 ∪ ≤ −1
𝑥+2 𝑥+2
2𝑥 − 1 2𝑥 − 1
−1≥0 ∪ +1≤0
𝑥+2 𝑥+2
𝑥−3 3𝑥 + 1
∪ ≤0
≥0 𝑥+2
𝑥+2
Using real number line method
1
𝑥 < −2 ∪ 𝑥 ≥ 3 ∪ −2 < 𝑥 ≤ −
3
Absolute Values

Solution Cont. Using real number line method

1
𝑥 < −2 ∪ 𝑥 ≥ 3 ∪ −2 < 𝑥 ≤ −
3

-2 1 3
−
3

!
The solution is −∞, −2 ∪ (−2, − ] ∪ [3, ∞)
"
Absolute Value

Exercise

Solve the following inequality:

1. 3𝑥 + 1
≤2
𝑥−1

2. 6𝑥 + 1
≥3
𝑥−1
Radical Inequalities

For any real number 𝑎,

! 𝑎 if 𝑎 ≥ 0
𝑎 =#
−𝑎 if 𝑎 < 0

This is similar to the definition of 𝑎

Radical Inequalities

Therefore, for any real number 𝑎,

𝑎 / = 𝑎
Radical Inequalities

Example

Solve the inequality

𝑥−2 ! ≤5
Radical Inequalities

Solution
𝑥−2 ! ≤5
𝑥 − 2 ≤ 5 Rewrite
−5 ≤ 𝑥 − 2 ≤ 5 Use properties of absolute inequalities
−3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 7 Add 2 to each member

The solution in interval notation is −3,7

Inequalities
Exercise
Solve the following
1. 1 − 3𝑥 = 7
2. 7 − 𝑥 ! =2
3. 2𝑥 + 1 < 11
4. 5 − 2𝑥 ≥ 1
&
Answer : −2, , ± 5, ±3 , −6,5 , /−∞, 2] ∪ [3, ∞)
'
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