Quadratic Inequalities

Lesson 3.4
Definition
 Recall the quadratic equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0
 Replace = sign with <, >, ≤, or ≥ makes it a
quadratic inequality

 Solving:
 Find where the equality occurs
 These values are the boundary numbers

2
Graphical Solutions
 Graph of the quadratic y = ax2 + bx + c is a
parabola
 Extends upward or downward
 Solution to y > 0 includes all
x-values where graph is
above the axis
 Solution to y < 0 includes
x-values where graph is
below the axis
3
Try It Out
Given 2 x  5 x  2  0
2


 Place in Y= screen, graph

3.14  x  0.64

 Determine boundary values (zeros of equation)

 Which values of x satisfy the inequality? 4
Another Version
 Consider 2x2 > 16
 Create a graph of both sides of the inequality
 Determine values of x which satisfy the
equation, then the inequality

x  2 2 or x2 2 5
Steps for Symbolic Solution
1. Write as an equation ax2 + bx + c = 0
 Solve resulting equation for boundary numbers
2. Use boundary numbers to separate number
line into disjoint intervals
3. Make a table of test values
 One value from each interval
4. Use this to specify which intervals satisfy the
original inequality

6
Example
Try x2 – 9 < 0
 Solve x2 – 9 = 0
 x = +3 or x = -3

• •

x -5 -2 7
y 16 -5 40
This is the interval 3  x  3 7
Using the Calculator Table
 Place function in the
Y= screen
x2 – 9 < 0
 Go to Table, ♦Y
 Adjust start, increment
as needed, F2
 View intervals where
results are
 negative,
 zero,
8
 or positive
Assignment

 Lesson 3.4
 Page 218
 Exercises 1 – 53 EOO