Chapter 9 - Linear and Quadratic Inequalities

Sections 9.1 - 9.3 - Print Copies

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SECTION 9.1 - Section Goals
We will finish off the course by examining situations in which the solution
to a problem may not be a single value, but a range of values. For
example, a chemical engineer may need a reaction to occur within a
certain time frame, or a doctor may choose a dose of medication so that a
safe level remains in the body after a specified time.
In this section, we will focus on:
1 Sketching the graph of a linear inequality.

2 Explaining how to use test points to find the solution to an

inequality.

3 Solving a problem that involves a linear inequality.

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Linear Inequality
Examine the figure below. It outlines three of the five possible cases that
can exist in linear inequalities. Notice the following:
A dashed line is used if the inequality involves < or >
A solid line is used if the inequality involves ≤ or ≥
The other two cases are simply if a solid line is used (Ax + By ≥ C or
Ax + By ≤ C ).

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Example 1: Graph a Linear Inequality of the Form Ax + By ≤ C

a) Graph 2x + 3y ≤ 6.
b) Determine if the point (−2, 4) is part of the solution.

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Solution:
a) First, determine the boundary of the graph, and then determine which
region contains the solution. There are two methods you can use to
graph the boundary. I’ll outline both now; however, in future examples
I’ll choose to use one.
Method 1: Solve for y

2x + 3y ≤ 6
3y ≤ −2x + 6
2
y ≤− x +2
3
2
Now simply graph the line above using − as the slope and 2 as the
3
y -intercept. Since ≤ is included, use a solid line.

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Method 2: Use the Intercepts
Use the intercepts to graph the related line 2x + 3y = 6 as a solid line.
For x = 0: For y = 0:

2(0) + 3y = 6 2x + 3(0) = 6
3y = 6 2x = 6
y =2 x =3
Locate the points (0, 2) and (3, 0) and draw a line passing through them.
Now, after graphing the boundary, we need to determine the solution
region. The easiest way to do this is to simply select a test point from
each region (or one of the regions) to determine which contains the
solution.
Note: Do not select a point that is directly on the boundary. I’ll choose
the points (0, 0) and (2, 4). (See next slide).

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For (0, 0): For (2, 4):
? ?
2(0) + 3(0) ≤ 6 2(2) + 3(4) ≤ 6
0≤6 X 16 6

Since the point (0, 0) satisfies the inequality, shade that region as the
solution region (anything to the left of the boundary line).

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b) Determine if the point (−2, 4) is in the solution region. You can do
this by inspection of course. Find the (−2, 4) on the graph. Is it to the
left of the boundary? - No. Therefore, it isn’t a solution.
You could also solve this algebraically. Simply plug (−2, 4) into the
inequality and see if it satisfies it:
?
2(−2) + 3(4) ≤ 6
86

Therefore, the point (−2, 4) is not part of the solution to the inequality
2x + 3y ≤ 6.

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Practice 1:
a) Graph 4x + 2y ≤ 10.
b) Determine if the point (1, 3) is part of the solution.
[See Video 9.1]

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Example 2: Graph a Linear Inequality of the Form Ax + By > C
Graph 10x − 5y > 0.

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Solution: I will use Method 1 from the previous example to graph the
boundary.
We solve the inequality for y in terms of x.

10x − 5y > 0
−5y > −10x
y < 2x

Since the inequality contains <, we use a dotted line.

To determine the solution region, we choose a test point that is not on
the boundary. I’ll use (−2, 3).
?
10(−2) − 5(3) > 0
−35 6> 0

Since (−2, 3) does not satisfy the inequality, shade the other region (to
the right of the boundary) as the solution region. (See next slide).
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You can verify the solution by using any point in the shaded region.

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Practice 2: Graph 5x − 20y < 0. [See Video 9.1]

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Example 3: Write an Inequality Give Its Graph
Write an inequality to represent the graph.

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Solution:
It is quite simple to write the equation of the boundary in slope-intercept
form, y = mx + b.
The y -intercept is 1 and b = 1. To determine m, simply choose two points
on the boundary to compare. I’ll use the points (0, 1) and (1, 3).
y2 − y1 3−1 2
m= = = =2
x2 − x1 1−0 1
So we have: y = 2x + 1
Since the boundary is dashed, we know we are either using > or <. Use a
test point from the solution region to determine whether the inequality
symbol is > or <. Try (−2, 4).
y = 2x + 1
4 = 2(−2) + 1
4>3
Therefore, we have: y > 2x + 1

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Practice 3: Write an inequality to represent the graph. [See Video 9.1]

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Example 4: Write and Solve an Inequality
Suppose that you are constructing a tabletop using aluminum and glass.
The most that you can spend on materials is $50. Laminated safety glass
costs $60/m2 , and aluminum costs $1.75/ft. Find all possible
combinations of materials sufficient to make the tabletop. You may use
graphing technology to represent the solution region.

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Solution:
Let x represent the are of glass used and y represent the length of
aluminum used. The we have:
60x + 1.75y ≤ 50
Solve the inequality for y to arrive at:
−60x 50
y≤ +
1.75 1.75

Note: This is the solution. To represent the solution region graphically,

we turn to graphing technology (Desmos Online Graphing Calculator,
graphing calculators, etc.).
(See next slide)

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−60x 50
Graphing y ≤ + , we arrive at:
1.75 1.75

However, you cannot have a negative amount of safety glass or aluminum.

Therefore, we restrict the domain and range to quadrant 1.

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Practice 4: Find all possible combinations of tile and stone that can be
used to make a mosaic. Tile costs $2.50/ft2 , stone costs $6/kg, and the
budget for the mosaic is $150. (Use graphing technology to represent your
solution region). [See Video 9.1]

Complete Section 9.1 Practice Problems

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SECTION 9.2 - Section Goals
In this section, we will focus on:
1 Developing strategies to solve quadratic inequalities in one variable.

2 Solving problems using quadratic inequalities.

3 Interpreting quadratic inequalities to determine solutions to

problems.

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Different Cases
Like in linear inequalities, we have only a certain number of cases that can
occur. In quadratic inequalities (one variable) we have four cases:
ax 2 + bx + c < 0
ax 2 + bx + c ≤ 0
ax 2 + bx + c > 0
ax 2 + bx + c ≥ 0

The solution set to a quadratic inequality in one variable can have:

no values
one value
infinite number of values

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Example 1: Quadratic Inequality of the Form ax 2 + bx + c ≤ 0, a > 0
Solve x 2 − 2x − 3 ≤ 0.

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Solution: I’ll solve this inequality using two different methods. The first
method will involve graphing the corresponding quadratic function, while
the second method will involve test points.
Method 1: Graph the Corresponding Function
Graph f (x) = x 2 − 2x − 3 (reference Chapter 3). Identify the roots and
the vertex. Once graphed, look for values of x for which the graph of
f (x) lies on or below the x-axis.

Between x = −1 and x = 3, the

graph lies below the x-axis.
Therefore, the solution is the set of
all real values between −1 and 3,
inclusive.
{x| − 1 ≤ x ≤ 3, x ∈ R}

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Method 2: Roots and Test Points
First find the roots of the related quadratic equation (just like you would
have had to for Method 1).
x 2 − 2x − 3 = 0
(x + 1)(x − 3) = 0
x = −1 or x = 3
Now, we plot −1 and 3 on a number line. We shall use closed circles on
−1 and 3 because they are part of the solution set. Now, choose one test
point from each interval. I’ll use −2, 0, and 5.

Then, substitute each value into the quadratic inequality to see which
intervals will satisfy the inequality. (See next slide).

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The following table summarizes the results:

In other words, only values between −1 and 3, inclusive, satisfy the

inequality.

Therefore, the solution set is: {x| − 1 ≤ x ≤ 3, x ∈ R}

Note: Method 2 is much more direct than Method 1. I’d prefer not to
bother with completing the square to find the vertex and then graph.
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Practice 1: Solve x 2 − 10x + 16 ≤ 0 using any method. [See Video 9.2]

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Example 2: Quadratic Inequality of the Form ax 2 + bx + c < 0, a < 0
Solve −x 2 + x + 12 < 0.

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Solution: I’ll go directly to finding roots and test points on a number
line. First, we find the roots:
−x 2 + x + 12 = 0
−1(x 2 − x − 12) = 0
−1(x + 3)(x − 4) = 0
x = −3 or x = 4
Now, we plot −3 and 4 on a number line. Here, we use open circles since
these values are not solutions to the inequality.

Once again, we choose a test point from each of the three intervals. I’ll
use −5, 0, and 5. (See next slide).

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The following table summarizes the results:

In other words, only values of x less than −3 or greater than 4 satisfy the
inequality.

The solution set is: {x|x < −3 or x > 4, x ∈ R}

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Practice 2: Solve −x 2 + 3x + 10 < 0 using any method. [See Video 9.2]

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Example 3: Solve a Quadratic Inequality in One Variable
Solve 2x 2 − 7x > 12.

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Solution: First, this inequality must be rewritten as: 2x 2 − 7x − 12 > 0.
Now, proceed exactly as the last example. The only difficulty here is
finding the roots requires the quadratic formula. Here, a = 2, b = −7,
and c = −12. (I leave the quadratic formula computation and
simplification to you.) So we arrive at:
√ √
7 + 145 7 − 145
x= or x =
4 4
x ≈ 4.8 or x ≈ −1.3
Once again, use a number line and test points:

The test points I’ll choose from each interval will be: −3, 0, and 6. (See
next slide).

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The following table summarizes the results:

Therefore, the exact solution set is:

√ √
7 − 145 7 + 145
x|x < or x > ,x ∈ R
4 4
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Practice 3: Solve x 2 − 4x > 10 using any method. [See Video 9.2]

Complete Section 9.2 Practice Problems

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SECTION 9.3 - Section Goals
This section is a direct extension of Section 9.2. This time, we will
examine quadratic inequalities in two variables.
You can express a quadratic inequality in two variables in one of the
following four forms:
y < ax 2 + bx + c
y ≤ ax 2 + bx + c
y > ax 2 + bx + c
y ≥ ax 2 + bx + c

Note: A quadratic inequality in two variables represents a region of the

Cartesian plane with a parabola as the boundary. (See next slide).

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The following is the graph of y < x 2 − 2x − 3. Notice how the boundary is
dashed since the symbol < is used. To determine which region is the
solution region, choose a test point from either above or below the
boundary. Shade the region that satisfies the inequality.

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Example 1: Graph a Quadratic Inequality in Two Variables With
a<0

a) Graph y < −2(x − 3)2 + 1

b) Determine if the point (2, −4) is a solution to the inequality.

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Solution
a) First, we graph the related parabola: y = −2(x − 3)2 + 1. The
equation is in vertex form, so we know that V = (3, 1). Finding the
intercepts would give us enough points to graph.
The x-intercepts: Let y = 0
0 = −2(x − 3)2 + 1
1
= (x − 3)2
2 r
1
x =± + 3 =⇒ x ≈ 2.3, x ≈ 3.7
2
The y-intercept: Let x = 0
y = −2(0 − 3)2 + 1
y = −2(9) + 1
y = −17

Now, we sketch the boundary (see next slide). We use a dashed line.
Since the y-intercept is so low, it has been omitted from the sketch.

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a) To determine which region is shaded, we must choose two points to
test (one from above the boundary and one from below). I’ll use (0, 0)
and (3, −3).
?
For (0, 0), we get: 0 < −2(0 − 3)2 + 1 =⇒ 0 6< −17
?
For (3, −3), we get: −3 < −2(3 − 3)2 + 1 =⇒ −3 < 1
So we shade the region below the boundary.

b) Plug (2, −4) into the inequality or check the point by referencing the
graph. It satisfies the inequality and is therefore a solution.
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Example 2: Graph a Quadratic Inequality in Two Variables With
a>0
Graph y ≥ x 2 − 4x − 5.

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Solution: I’ll leave graphing to you. Since we are in standard form, I
would immediately reference the y-intercept (y = −5). Next, I would
determine the x-intercept(s) by factoring or using the quadratic formula
(they are x = −1 and x = 5). Here we use a solid line for the boundary.
To determine the solution region, we use test points. I would like to point
out that only one test point is necessary. I’ll choose (0, 0).
?
For (0, 0), we get: 0 ≥ (0)2 − 4(0) − 5 =⇒ 0 ≥ −5.
Therefore, we shade the region above the boundary.

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Practice 1: Graph y ≤ −x 2 + 2x + 4. [See Video 9.3]

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Practice 2: Graph y > (x − 4)2 − 2. [See Video 9.3]

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Example 3: Interpret the Graph of an Inequality in a Real-World
Application
Manila rope is used by rock climbers because it is very durable and
flexible. The rope can safely support a mass, M, in pounds, modelled by
the inequality M ≤ 1450d 2 , where d is the diameter of the rope, in inches.
Graph the inequality to examine how the mass that the rope supports is
related to the diameter of the rope.

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Solution: First, we graph the inequality. Since we have no d term, the
vertex is at the origin (0, 0). Also the x and y-intercept are both at the
origin as well. You now can sketch the parabola.

We use a solid line because of the symbol ≤ is used. Also, we shade the
region below the parabola since the inequality is less than.
What does solution region mean? Take the one point in the solution
region, say (1.5, 1000). This means that a rope with a diameter of 1.5
inches will support a weight of 1000 lb.
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Practice 3: Sports climbers use a rope that is longer and supports less
mass than manila rope. The rope can safely support a mass, M, in
pounds, modelled by the inequality M ≤ 1240(d − 2)2 , where d is the
diameter of the rope, in inches. Graph the inequality to examine how the
mass that the rope supports is related to the diameter of the rope.
[See Video 9.3]

Complete Section 9.3 Practice Problems

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