Objectives:

1. Graph quadratic inequalities on a number line

2. Solve quadratic inequalities
3. Model real-life word problems using quadratic inequalities

Materials:
● Math notebook, writing implements, ruler, calculator, or graphing calculator
● Computer, laptop, or mobile phones with an internet connection

Due Dates: On or before Nov 26, 2022 , Saturday (12:00 noon)

Lesson Proper
Solving linear inequalities, such as 𝑥 + 3 > 0, is fast and pretty straightforward, as long as you remember to flip the
inequality sign whenever you multiply or divide the inequality by a negative number.

The inequality 𝑎 < 𝑏 is equivalent to:

𝑎+𝑐<𝑏+𝑐
𝑎𝑐 < 𝑏𝑐 for 𝑐 > 0
𝑎𝑐 > 𝑏𝑐 for 𝑐 < 0.
The same properties also apply to second-degree inequalities or quadratic inequalities.

● Quadratic Inequalities are sentences that can be written in one of the following forms,
where 𝑎 ≠ 0:
2 2
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 < 0 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 > 0
2 2
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 ≤ 0 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 ≥ 0

● The graph of any such inequality consists of all solutions (x, y) of the inequality.

Example 1.
2
1) Solve − 𝑥 + 4 < 0. Graph the solution set on a number line.
Solution:
First, write and solve the equation obtained by replacing < with =.
2
− 𝑥 +4 = 0 Write the related equation.
Solve the equation by factoring.
2
− 𝑥 +4 = 0
2
𝑥 − 4= 0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) = 0
𝑥 = 2 or 𝑥 = − 2
SY 2022 - 23 Page 1 of 9
 The numbers −2 and 2 are the critical values of the original inequality. This means that the quadratic
crosses the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 at 𝑥 = 2 and at 𝑥 = − 2. Plot −2 and 2 on a number line, using open dots
because the values are not part of the solution of the inequality.

The critical 𝑥 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 partition the number line into three intervals. Test an 𝑥 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 in each interval
to determine whether it satisfies the inequality.

Test 𝑥 = −3 Test 𝑥 = 0 Test 𝑥 = 3

2 2 2
− (− 3) + 4 < 0 − (0) + 4 < 0 − (3) + 4 < 0
−9 +4 < 0 0 +4< 0 − 9 +4 < 0
− 5 < 0 yes 4 < 0 no − 5 < 0 yes

Thus, 𝑥 < − 2 or 𝑥 > 2.

The solution set is (− ∞, − 2) ∪ (2, ∞).

2
2) Solve 𝑥 + 3𝑥 < 4. Graph the solution set on a number line.
Solution:
Transpose the constant to the left side, then write the equation obtained by replacing < with =.
2
𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 4 = 0

Solve the equation by factoring.

(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝑥 = − 4 or 𝑥 = 1

The numbers −4 and 1 are the critical values of the original inequality. Test an 𝑥 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 in each interval
to determine whether it satisfies the inequality.

Consider two cases:

Case 1: 𝑥 + 4 < 0 and 𝑥 − 1 > 0
Thus, 𝑥 < − 4 and 𝑥 > 1.
Since no number satisfies this condition, the solution set is { }.

Case 2: 𝑥 + 4 > 0 and 𝑥 − 1 < 0

Thus, the solution is 𝑥 > − 4 and 𝑥 < 1.

The graph of the solution set looks like the one below. We use open dots because − 4 and 1
are not part of the solution set of the inequality.

SY 2022 - 23 Page 2 of 9
 Every quadratic inequality has a quadratic function associated with it. The graph of this associated function is
often helpful in graphing the inequality.

For our first example (1), the given is a negative quadratic. It means, it graphs as an upside-down parabola as
shown below.

In other words, the graph is above the axis in the middle, and below the axis on either end. To solve the original
inequality, we need to find the intervals where the graph is below the x-axis (so the 𝑦 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 are less than
zero). For this graph, the intervals are on either end. The interval in the middle of the graph does not satisfy the
equation and is not included in the solution.

Clearly, the solution to the inequality is 𝑥 < − 2 or 𝑥 > 2.

2
3) Solve 𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 5 ≥ 0. Graph the solution set on a number line.

Solution:
Write the equation by replacing the inequality symbol with =, then solve by factoring.
2
𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 5 = 0
(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝑥 = − 5 or 𝑥 = 1

The critical numbers are –5 and 1. The graph of the solution set looks like the one below. We use solid
dots since − 5 and 1 are parts of the solution set of the inequality.

SY 2022 - 23 Page 3 of 9
 Test an 𝑥 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 in each interval to determine whether it satisfies the inequality.
Test 𝑥 = −6 Test 𝑥 = 0 Test 𝑥 = 2
2 2 2
(− 6) + 4(− 6) − 5 ≥ 0 (0) + 4(0) − 5 ≥ 0 (2) + 4(2) − 5 ≥ 0
36 − 24 − 5 ≥ 0 −5≥0 4 + 8 − 5≥0
7 ≥ 0yes − 5 ≥ 0 no 7 ≥ 0 yes

Thus, 𝑥 ≤ − 5 or 𝑥 ≥ 1.
The solution set is (− ∞, − 5] ∪ [1, ∞).

2
4) Solve − 3𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 6 ≥ 0. Graph the solution set on a number line.
Solution:
Since the expression is not factorable, the roots are apparently irrational.
2
−𝑏 ± 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐
Use the quadratic formula: 𝑥 = 2𝑎
2
−4 ± 4 − 4(−3)(6)
𝑥= 2(−3)

−4 ± 16 − 4(−3)(6)
𝑥= 2(−3)

−4 ± 88
𝑥= −6

−4 ± 2 22
𝑥= −6

2 + 22 2 − 22
𝑥= 3
and 𝑥 = 3

The solution set is 𝑥: { 2 + 22

3
< 𝑥 <
2 − 22
3 }.
2 + 22 2 − 22
Use solid dots since
3
and 3
are parts of the solution set of the inequality.

2
5) Solve 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 1 > 0. Graph the solution set on a number line.
Solution:
Since the expression is not factorable, let’s use the quadratic formula.
2
−1 ± 1 − 4(1)(1)
𝑥= 2(1)

−1 ± 1 − 4
𝑥= 2

−1 ± −3
𝑥= 2

SY 2022 - 23 Page 4 of 9
 Notice that there is a negative number inside the square root, meaning there are no 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑠. In
the previous module, you learned that if a parabola has no 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑠, the quadratic must be either
above the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 or below, because it can never cross or touch the axis.

2
Since 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 1 has a positive coefficient for the x2, the parabola is right-side-up, meaning it
opens upward. This parabola does not cross the x-axis. It is always above the axis, as shown below:

Since the inequality is greater than zero, the graph representing the solution is always above the
𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
The solution is: 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑥

2
6) Solve 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 1 < 0. Graph the solution set on a number line.
Solution:
This looks just like the previous problem, except that the parabola is now below the axis. We already
know that there are no 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑠because this is a right-side-up parabola and the graph is always
above the axis.

If we test an 𝑥 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒, there are no points in this interval that satisfy the given inequalities.
Then the solution is: 𝑛𝑜 𝑥

The above solution could also be stated as 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 or represented by the symbol ∅.

2
7) Solve − 𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 9 ≥ 0. Graph the solution set on a number line.
Solution:
Write the equation by replacing ≥ with =, then solve by factoring.
2
− 𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 9 = 0
2
𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 9 = 0
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 3) = 0
𝑥=3
In this case, there is exactly one 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡. When you have only one intercept, the graph of the
parabola doesn't cross the axis; instead, it just touches it as shown below:

SY 2022 - 23 Page 5 of 9
 However, this inequality is an ≥ inequality, so the 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 part counts as part of the solution. That is, the intercept
is part of the solution. In this case, it is actually the only solution, because the graph only touches the axis (is equal
to zero); it never goes above (is never greater than zero).

Thus, 𝑥 = 3. The solution set of the inequality is {3}.

The graph of the solution set looks like the one below.

Take Note!

Whenever you have a quadratic inequality where the associated quadratic equation does not have real number
solutions (that is, where the associated parabola does not cross the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠), the solution to the inequality will
either be 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑥 or 𝑛𝑜 𝑥.
(1) If the inequality is more than 0 and the graph is above the x-axis, the solution is all values of x.
(2) If the inequality is more than 0 and the graph is below the x-axis, no value or x will satisfy the
inequality.
(3) If the inequality is less than 0 and the graph is below the x-axis, the solution is all values of x.
(4) If the inequality is less than 0 and the graph is above the x-axis, there is no solution to the inequality.
Guidelines for Solving Quadratic Inequalities:
1. Transpose the constant to the left side, then write the equation obtained by replacing < with =.
2. Solve the obtained equation by factoring or by using the quadratic formula.
3. Plot those numbers on the number line as open or closed points based upon the original inequality
symbol.
4. Choose a test value in each interval to see if the interval satisfies the inequality or not. If the test value
produces a true statement, the entire interval will be true. If the interval produces a false statement, the
entire interval is false.
5. Clearly graph your solution and state the solution using interval notation or inequalities.

SY 2022 - 23 Page 6 of 9
 Exercise 14.1

Solve and represent each solution set on a number line.

2
1) 𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 3 > 0

2) (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) > 0

2
3) 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 8 ≤ 0

2
4) − 𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 9 > 0

2
5) 𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 5 > 0

Application of Quadratic Inequalities

Solving real-life word problems that involve quadratic inequalities is very much like solving problems that involve
quadratic equations. Let’s try the example below.

Example 2
A rectangular parking lot must have a perimeter of 440 feet and an area of at least 8,000 square feet. What could be the
possible lengths of the parking lot?
Solution:
Use the perimeter and area formulas to write a quadratic inequality describing the possible lengths of the parking
lot.

Let 𝑙 =length (in feet) of the parking lot

𝑤 =width (in feet) of the parking lot
Perimeter = 440 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡→2𝑙 + 2𝑤 = 440

The area of the parking lot is at least 8,000 square feet.

𝐴 ≥ 8, 000
𝑙𝑤 ≥ 8, 000

Solve the perimeter equation for 𝑤.

2𝑙 + 2𝑤 = 440
2𝑤 = 440 − 2𝑙 Divide both sides by 2.
𝑤 = 220 − 𝑙

Substitute the value obtained into the area inequality to obtain a quadratic inequality in one variable.
𝑙𝑤 ≥ 8000
𝑙(220 − 𝑙) ≥ 8000 Substitute 220 − 𝑙 for 𝑤.
2
220𝑙 − 𝑙 ≥ 8000 Use the Distributive Property.
2
− 𝑙 + 220𝑙 − 8000 ≥ 0 Write in standard form.

SY 2022 - 23 Page 7 of 9
 2
−𝑏 ± 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐
Solve the value of 𝑙 using the quadratic formula: 𝑥 = 2𝑎
.
2
−220 ± (220) − 4(−1)(−8000)
𝑙= 2(−1)
Using your calculator, the values of 𝑙 are 𝑙 ≈ 45. 97 and 𝑙 ≈ 174. 03.
The solution consists of the 𝑙 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 for which the graph lies on or above the 𝑙 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 when 45.97 ≤ 𝑙
≤ 174.03.

Answer: The approximate length of the parking lot is at least 46 feet and at most 174 feet.

Exercise 14.2

1. In Example 2, what if the area must be at least 9,000 square feet? What could be the possible lengths of the
parking lot?

2. A ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 96 feet per second. The distance 𝑑 (in feet) of the
2
ball from the ground after 𝑡 seconds is 𝑑(𝑡) = 96𝑡 − 16𝑡 . For what time 𝑡 is the ball more than 128 feet
above the ground?

Click the link below to see a video that models a quadratic inequality, a situation that concerns a candy vending

👉
machine.
Quadratic Inequality Word Problem

Assessment
❧ You can find the Assessment 13 (15 points) file posted on our Google Classroom. Click the document in the
assigned box to complete the task. Don’t forget to submit or turn in your work by clicking the turn in button.

Answer Key
Exercise 14.1 Exercise 14.2
1. (− ∞, − 1) ∪ (3, ∞); 𝑥 < − 1 or 𝑥 > 3 1. The approximate length of the parking lot is at
least 54.3 feet and at most 165.68 feet.
2. The ball will be more than 128 feet above the
ground between 2 seconds and 4 seconds.
2. (− ∞, − 3) ∪ (2, ∞); 𝑥 < − 3 or 𝑥 > 2

3. − 4 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 or [− 4, + 2]
Because the inequality symbol includes the equal sign,
instead of parentheses, brackets are used to indicate

SY 2022 - 23 Page 8 of 9
 that the limits are included in the solution.

4. 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 or ∅

5. (− ∞, 1) ∪ (5, ∞); 𝑥 < 1 or 𝑥 > 5

References
Hall, B.C. & Fabricant, M. (1993). Algebra 2 with Trigonometry. Prentice-Hall Philippine Edition Reprinted by Anvil Publishing, Inc.
Khan Academy. (December 16, 2013) Quadratic Inequality Word Problem | Functions and Their Graphs

SY 2022 - 23 Page 9 of 9