MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 : EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

2.1 Linear Equations
Definition :
A linear equation in one variable x is defined as :Ax + B = C where A, B, C are real numbers and
A 0
examples : 4x + 12 = 0 , 3x + 5 = 8 .
Solving linear equations in one variable
The solution of linear equation in one variable x is the set of all values of x that satisfy the given
linear equation.
Examples :
Solve the linear equations below :
(a) 10x 600 = 400 (b) 7x + 4 = x + 16
(c) 2(x - 1) + 3 = x 3(x + 1) (d) 5x (2x + 2) = x + (3x - 5)
Solutions :
(a) 10 x 600 = 400
isolate the x term to one side
10x = 400 + 600
solve for x
10x = 1000
x = 100 : solution : {100}
(b) 7x + 4 = x + 16
7x x = 16 4
6x = 12
x = 2
solution : {2}
1
Check the answer:
7(2) + 4 = 2 + 16
18 = 18 (true)
Check your answer :
10(100)-600 = 400
400 = 400 (true)
Check the answer::
Check the answer::
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(c) 2(x - 1) + 3 = x 3(x + 1)
simplify the expression on each side
2x 2 + 3 = x 3x 3
2x + 1 = -2x 3
solve for x
4x = -4
x = -1
solution : {-1}
(d) Exercise in class
Linear equations with fraction
Example :
Solve the equations :
(a)
5
39
5 2
3

x
x (b)
3
2
6
1
4
1 x x
+
+
Solutions :
(a) Find the least common denominator ,lcd (the smallest number that is divisible by the
denominator)
so, the lcd = 10
Multiply both sides by the lcd :
78 2 15
) 39 ( 2 2 ) 3 ( 5
5
39
5
10
2
3
10

,
_

,
_

x x
x x
x
x
solve for x
6
78 13


x
x
solution : {-6}
Alternative method ( simplifying both sides ):
2
Check the answer::
Check the answer:
2(-1-1) + 3 = -1 3(-1+1)
-4 + 3 = -1 0
-1 = -1 (true)
Check the answer::
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
) 39 ( 2 ) 5 ( 3
5
39
2
3
5
39
5 2
3

x x
x
x
x
x
(cross multiply)
15x = 2x 78
x = -6
(b) The least common denominator (lcd) for 4,6 and 3 is 12
Multiply both sides by 12
1
7 7
4 8 2 3 3
) 2 ( 4 2 ) 1 ( 3
3
2
12
6
1
12
4
1
12

+ +
+ +

,
_

+
,
_

,
_

+
x
x
x x
x x
x x
solution : {1}
Alternative method :
1
14 14
8 20 6 6
) 2 5 ( 4 ) 1 ( 6
multiply) (cross
6
2 5
4
1
6
2 4 1
4
1
2
2
3
) 2 (
6
1
4
1
3
2
6
1
4
1

+
+

+
+

+
+

+
+
x
x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
Exercise in class : Solve : i)
6
5
3
2
4
1
x x ( Answer : {-2} )
3
Check the answer::
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
ii) 3
2
1
3
3 2

+
+
y y
( Answer : {3} )
iii) 0 3
4
2 5
10
1 4
+
+

x x
( Answer : { 48/17 } )
Example: Equations involving rational expression
Solve : (a)
x x 2
3
5
1 1
+ (b)
4
4
7
4
3
+

+ x x
(c) 9
3
3
3
+

x x
x
Solutions :
(a)
x x 2
3
5
1 1
+ , ( restriction : 0 x , lcd = 10x )

,
_

+
,
_

,
_

x
x x
x
x
2
3
10
5
1
10
1
10

equation) (linear 15 2 10 + x
5 2 x

2
5
x
solution : {
2
5
}
(b)
4
4
7
4
3
+

+ x x
, ( restriction : 4 x , lcd = (x+4) )
) 4 (
4
4
) 4 ( 7
4
3
) 4 ( +
+
+
+
+ x
x
x
x
x

equation) (linear 4 28 7 3 x
21 7 x
3 x
solution : {-3}
(c) Exercise in class: ( Answer : no solution )
Note : Always check the answers.
2.2 Quadratic Equations
4
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
A general form of quadratic equation is defined as
0
2
+ + c bx ax
where a, b, c are real
numbers with 0 a .
Solving a quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx
2
+ c = 0.
A quadratic equation
0
2
+ + c bx ax
can be solved by using:
(a) Factoring method.
(b) Square root method.
(c) Completing the square.
(d) Quadratic formulae.
A) Factoring Method
Zero Product Principle: If AB = 0 then A = 0 or B = 0
Example:
Let
0 ) 2 )( 5 ( x x
then by using zero product principle
2 or 5
0 ) 2 ( or 0 ) 5 (


x x
x x
Example: Solve the equations below by factoring :
(a)
0 9 3
2
x x
(b)
0 36 13
2
+ x x
(c)
10 11
2
x x
(d)
1 2
2
+ x x
Solutions :
(a) Factoring out any common factor
0 9 3
2
x x
0 ) 3 ( 3 x x
Apply zero product principle to solve for x
3 or 0
0 ) 3 ( or 0 3


x x
x x
Check the answer
: 0 x
(true) 0 0 0 ) 0 ( 9 ) 0 ( 3
2

5
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(true) 0 0 0 ) 3 ( 9 ) 3 ( 3 : 3
3
x
Solutions: {0, 3}
(b) Express as a product of 2 linear factors
0 ) 9 )( 4 (
0 36 13
2

+
x x
x x
Apply zero product principle
9 or 4
0 9 or 0 4


x x
x x
Check the answer
: 4 x
(true) 0 0 0 36 ) 4 ( 13 4
2
+
(true) 0 0 0 36 ) 9 ( 13 9 : 9
2
+ x
solutions: { 4, 9 }
(c) Move all terms to one side and obtain zero to the other side
0 10 11
10 11
2
2
+ +

x x
x x
By factoring :
0 ) 1 )( 10 ( + + x x
Apply zero product principle
1 or 10
0 1 or 0 10

+ +
x x
x x
Solutions : { -10, -1 }
(d) Move all terms to one side and obtain zero to the other side
6
Check the answer
(true) 1 1 10 ) 1 ( 11 (-1) : -1 x
(true) 100 100 10 ) 10 ( 11 ) 10 ( : 10
2
2

x
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
0 1 2
1 2
2
2
+
+
x x
x x
By factoring
1 or
2
1
0 1 or 0 1 2
0 ) 1 )( 1 2 (

+
+
x x
x x
x x
solutions : { , -1}
Check the answers first before writing the solutions.
B) Square root method
Consider a quadratic equation of the form
d u
2
. Then the equation has exactly 2 solutions
where :
d u d u
d u d u
d u d u

+

or
0 ) )( (
0
2 2
or
d u d u t
2
Examples :
Solve by using square root method :
(a)
20 4
2
x
(b)
6 ) 2 (
2
x
(c)
11 ) 5 (
2
+ x
solutions :
(a)
5 5 20 4
2 2
t x x x
(b)
6 2 6 ) 2 ( 6 ) 2 (
2
t t x x x
(c)
11 5 11 5 11 ) 5 (
2
t t + + x x x
Note :
7
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
The square root method is very useful if the quadratic equation of the
form of
0
2
+ c ax
or
d c ax +
2
) (
C) Completing the square
If given the expression
bx x +
2
or
bx x
2
then by completing the square :
(a)
2 2
2
2 2

,
_

,
_

+ +
b b
x bx x
(b)
2 2
2
2 2

,
_

,
_

b b
x bx x
Examples :
Expression Completing the square
x x 8
2
+
( ) 16 ) 4 ( ) 4 ( 4
2
8
2
8
8
2 2 2
2 2
2
+ +

,
_

,
_

+ +
x x
x x x
x x 4
2

( ) 4 ) 2 ( ) 2 ( 2
2
4
2
4
4
2 2 2
2 2
2

,
_

,
_

x x
x x x
x x 4 2
2
+
The coefficient for the x
2_
term is not one.
Before completing the square , factor out the
coefficient of x
2
term :
[ ] 2 ) 1 ( 2 ) 1 ( ) 1 ( 2
2
2
2
2
2
) 2 ( 2 4 2
2 2 2
2 2
2 2
+ +
1
1
]
1

,
_

,
_

+
+ +
x x
x
x x x x
8
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Solving a quadratic equation by completing the square
Consider a quadratic equation
0
2
+ + c bx ax
Step 1: Move all terms without variable x to one side
Step 2: Divide each term by coefficient a if 1 a
Step 3: Start completing the square
Step 4: Try to simplify the expression after completing the square and
solve for x by using square root method.
Example:
Solve the equations by completing the square:
(a)
0 2 6
2
+ x x
b)
0 1 4 2
2
x x
(c)
0 4 2 3
2
x x
(exercise)
Solutions:
(a) Move all terms without variable x to one side
2 6
0 2 6
2
2

+
x x
x x
Completing the square for
x x 6
2

2
2
6
2
6
2 2

,
_

,
_

x
Simplify and solve for x
2 9 ) 3 (
2 ) 3 ( ) 3 (
2
2 2


x
x
7 3
method) root (square 7 3
7 ) 3 (
2
t
t

x
x
x
solutions: { 7 3 , 7 3 + }
9
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(b) Move all terms without variable x to one side
1 4 2
0 1 4 2
2
2


x x
x x
Divide each term by 2
2
1
2
2
x x
Completing the square
2
1
1 ) 1 (
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2 2


,
_

,
_

x
x
Simplify and solve for x
2
3
1
method) root (square
2
3
1
2
3
) 1 (
2
1
1 ) 1 (
2
2
t
t

+
x
x
x
x
solutions:

'

+
2
3
1 ,
2
3
1
D) Quadratic Formulae
Consider a quadratic equation
0
2
+ + c bx ax
. Then by using quadratic formula:
a
ac b b
x
2
4
2
t

Example:
Solve the equations by using quadratic formula:
(a)
0 1 6 2
2
+ x x
(b)
0 2 6
2
+ x x
10
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
solutions:
(a) a = 2 , b = -6 , c = 1
2
7
2
3
4
7 2 6
4
28 6
4
8 36 6
) 2 ( 2
) 1 )( 2 ( 4 ) 6 ( ) 6 (
2
t
t

t
x
(b) a = 1 , b = -6 , c = 2
7 3
2
7 2 6
2
28 6
2
8 36 6
) 1 ( 2
) 2 )( 1 ( 4 ) 6 ( ) 6 (
2
t
t

t
x
The Discriminant
The quantity of
ac b 4
2

in quadratic formula is called discriminant. The type of solutions of
quadratic equations will depends on the discriminant
ac b 4
2

.
Type of discriminants and solutions
Discriminant
b
2
4ac
Types of solutions to
ax
2
+ bx + c = 0
Graph of solution(s)
> 0 2 unequal real solutions
< 0 2 unequal complex solutions
which are complex conjugates
= 0 Only one (repeated) real
solution
How to determine the most efficient technique to use when solving the quadratic equations?
11
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
1) If
0
2
+ + c bx ax
can be factored easily then use factoring method.
2) If
0
2
+ + c bx ax
cannot be factored or the factoring is too difficult then use
quadratic formula or completing the square.
3) If the equation is in the form of
0
2
+ c ax
where b = 0 then use square root
method.
Examples:
Solve the equations by using the method of your choice :
(a)
4 4 3
2
x x
(b)
0 6 9
2
+ x x
(c)
2 ) 1 )( 5 2 ( + x x
(d)
0 27 3
2
x
(e)
4
1
3
1 1

+
+
x x
solutions:
(a)
4 4 3
2
x x

0 4 4 3
2
x x
By factoring :
0 ) 2 )( 2 3 ( + x x
Apply zero product principle
2 or 3 / 2
0 2 or 0 2 3

+
x x
x x
solutions : { -2/3 , 2 }
(b)
0 6 9
2
+ x x

0 9 6
2
+ x x
By factoring :
0 ) 3 )( 3 ( x x
Apply zero product principle
3
0 3

x
x
solution : {3}
(c)
2 ) 1 )( 5 2 ( + x x

2 5 5 2 2
2
+ x x x

0 7 3 2
2
x x
By using quadratic formula ( a = 2, b = -3 , c = -7 )
12
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
4
65 3

4
56 9 3

) 2 ( 2
) 7 )( 2 ( 4 ) 3 ( ) 3 (
2
t

+ t

t
x
solution : {
4
65 3 t
}
(d) exercise (Hint : use square root method) , solutions : { 3 , -3 }
(e)
4
1
3
1 1

+
+
x x

4
1
) 3 (
) ( ) 3 (

+
+ +
x x
x x
( 3 , 0 x x )

4
1
) 3 (
3 2

+
+
x x
x

) 3 ( ) 3 2 ( 4 + + x x x

x x x 3 12 8
2
+ +

0 12 5
2
x x
(quadratic equation )
use quadratic formula to get the solution
By using quadratic formula ( a = 1, b = -5 , c = -12 )
2
73 5

2
48 25 5

) 1 ( 2
) 12 )( 1 ( 4 ) 5 ( ) 5 (
2
t

+ t

t
x
13
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
2.3 Polynomial Equations
A general form of a polynomial equation in one variable x with degree n is:
0 ... ..........
0 1
1
1
+ + + +

a x a x a x a
n
n
n
n
where
0 1 1
, ,......., , a a a a
n n
are real numbers and 0
n
a
Solving a polynomial equation by factoring
A polynomial equation can be solved by using factoring method. By factoring a complicated
polynomial can be expressed as a product of several simpler expressions which are easier to
solve.
Example 1: Solve the polynomial equations below:
(a)
2 4
27 3 x x
(b)
0 3 6
2
x x
solution:
(a) Find the greatest common factor (the factor of all terms in the polynomial)
2 4
27 3 x x
(gcf is
2
3x
)
By factoring out
2
3x
:

0 27 3
2 4
x x
0 ) 9 ( 3
2 2
x x

0 9 or 0 3
2 2
x x
3 or 0 t x x
solutions : { 0, 3, -3 }
(b) gcf = 3x
By factoring out 3x

0 3 6
2
x x

0 ) 1 2 ( 3 x x
0 1 2 or 0 3 x x
2 / 1 or 0 x x
solutions : { 0, }
14
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Example 2: Solve using factoring by grouping method:
(a)
4 4
2 3
+ + x x x
(b)
12 8 3 2
2 3
+ + x x x
(c)
2 3
9 9 1 x x x + +
(d)
2 3
18 4 8 9 y y y + +
solutions:
(a)
4 4
2 3
+ + x x x

0 4 4
2 3
+ x x x
Grouping the terms in pairs
0 ) 4 4 ( ) (
2 3
+ + x x x
Factor out the common factor from each pairs
0 ) 1 ( 4 ) 1 (
2
+ + x x x
Factor out common factor
) 1 ( + x
0 ) 4 )( 1 (
2
+ x x

0 4 or 0 1
2
+ x x
2 or 1 t x x
solutions : { -1, 2, -2 }
(b)
12 8 3 2
2 3
+ + x x x

0 12 8 3 2
2 3
+ x x x
Grouping the terms in pairs
0 ) 12 8 ( ) 3 2 (
2 3
+ + x x x
Factor out the common factor from each pairs
0 ) 3 2 ( 4 ) 3 2 (
2
+ + x x x
Factor out common factor
) 3 2 ( + x
0 ) 4 )( 3 2 (
2
+ x x

0 4 or 0 3 2
2
+ x x
2 or 2 / 3 t x x
solutions : { -3/2, 2, -2 }
15
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(c)
2 3
9 9 1 x x x + +

0 9 9 1
2 3
+ x x x
Grouping the terms in pairs
0 ) 9 9 ( ) 1 (
2 3
+ + x x x
Factor out the common factor from each pairs
0 ) 1 ( 9 ) 1 (
2
+ + x x x
Factor out common factor
) 1 ( + x
0 ) 9 1 )( 1 (
2
+ x x

0 9 - 1 or 0 1
2
+ x x
3 / 1 or 1 t x x
solutions : { -1, 1/3, -1/3 }
(d) Exercise in class : ( solutions : { 2,, 2/3, -2/3 })
16
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
2.4) Radical Equations
Step 1 : Isolate the radical terms. If more than one then isolate one of them.
Step 2: Square both side to eliminate the radical. Beware of the extraneous
solutions.
Step 3: If a radical still remains , repeat step 1 and step 2.
Step 4: Solve the resulting equation.
Step 5: Check the answer and write the solution.
Example: Solve 4 11 26 + x x
Solution:
Isolate the radical term to one side
x x 4 11 26
square both sides to eliminate the radical
2
2 2
8 16 11 26
) 4 ( ) 11 26 (
x x x
x x
+

solve for x
2 or 5
0 2 or 0 5
0 ) 2 )( 5 (
0 10 3
0 26 16 11 8
2
2

+
+
+
+ +
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x x
solutions : { -5, 2 }
17
Check the answer :
(true) 4 4 (true) 4 4
4 2 2 4 8 5
4 ) 2 ( 11 26 2 4 ) 5 ( 11 26 5
; 2 ; 5

+ +
+ +
x x
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Example: Solve the radical equations below
(a) 0 4 1 3 + x (b) 1 2 17 4 + x x (c) 1 3 2 + x x
solutions:
(a) Isolate the radical term to one side
4 1 3 + x
square both sides to eliminate the radical
16 1 3
) 4 ( ) 1 3 (
2 2
+
+
x
x
solve for x
5
15 3

x
x
solution : {5}
(b) Isolate the radical term to one side
1 2 17 4 + + x x
square both sides to eliminate the radical
1 4 4 17 4
) 1 2 ( ) 17 4 (
2
2 2
+ + +
+ +
x x x
x x
solve for x
2
0 4
0 16 4
2
2
t


x
x
x
solution : { 2 }
18
Check the answer
(true) 0 4 16 0 4 1 ) 5 ( 3 : 5 + x
Check the answer
(false) 1 4 9 1 ) 2 ( 2 17 ) 2 ( 4 : 2
(true) 1 4 25 1 ) 2 ( 2 17 ) 2 ( 4 : 2
+ +
+
x
x
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(c) Isolate one of the radical term to one side
1 3 2 + + x x
square both sides to eliminate the radical
1 3 2 ) 3 ( 2
) 1 3 ( ) 2 (
2
2 2
+ + +
+ +
x x x
x x
1 3 2 3 2 + + + x x x
Simplify the equation and square both sides again
12 4 16
) 3 ( 4 16
) 3 2 ( ) 4 (
3 2 4
2 2




x
x
x
x
Solve for x
7
28 4

x
x
solution : { 7 }
Exercise:
i) Solve 1 4 1 3 + + x x [ solution : {5} ]
ii) Solve 1 1 2 + x x [ solution : {0, 4} ]
19
Check the answer
(true) 1 4 9 1 3 7 2 7 : 7 + x
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
2.5) Equations with rational exponents
Assume that the equation of the form
k x
n
m

where m and n are positive integers and k is real number.

How to solve the equation with rational exponents?
Step 1: Isolate the term with rational exponent.
Step 2: Raise both sides of equation to the
m
n
power.
i) If m is even
k x
n
m

m
n
m
n
m
n
n
m
k x
k x
t
t

,
_

ii) If m is odd
k x
n
m

m
n
m
n
m
n
n
m
k x
k x

,
_

Step 3: Check the answer.
Example: Solve
(a)
0 6 3
4
3
x
(b)
2
1
4
3
3
2
x
(c)
4 ) 5 (
3
2
+ x
(d)
6 2 ) 4 (
4
3
2
x x
20
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
solution:
(a)
0 6 3
4
3
x
Isolate the term with rational exponent
6 3
4
3
x
Raise both sides to the power of
3
4
3
4
3
4 3
4
4
3
4
3
2
) 2 (
2

,
_

x
x
x
solution : {
3
4
2
}
(b)
2
1
4
3
3
2
x
Isolate the term with rational exponent

2
1
4
3
3
2
x
Raise both sides to the power of
2
3

4
1
3
2
x

2
3
2
3
3
2
4
1

,
_

,
_

x

8
1
t x
solutions: {
8
1
,
8
1
}
21
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(c)
4 ) 5 (
3
2
+ x
Raise both sides to the power of
2
3

( ) 2
3
2
3
3
2
4 ) 5 ( t

,
_

+ x
8 5 t + x
8 5 t x
13 or 3 x x
solutions : { 3, -13 }
(d)
6 2 ) 4 (
4
3
2
x x
Isolate the term with rational exponent

8 ) 4 (
4
3
2
x x
Raise both sides to the power of
3
4

( ) 3
4
3
4
4
3
2
8 ) 4 (

,
_

x x

16 4
2
x x
4 or 5
0 4 or 0 5
0 ) 4 )( 5 (
0 20
2

+
+

x x
x x
x x
x x
solutions: { 5, -4 }
Reminder :
Always check the answer before writing the solution of any equations.
22
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
2.6) Equations of Quadratic Type
In some cases, an equation can be converted to a quadratic type by using an appropriate
substitution for a complicated expression.
Examples:
Equation Substitution New Equation
0 9 8
2 4
x x
2
x u 0 9 8
2
u u
0 18 ) 3 ( 7 ) 3 (
2
+ + + x x
3 + x u
0 18 7
2
+ u u
0 4 3
2
1
+ x x
2
1
x u
0 4 3
2
+ u u
0 2 11 5
3
1
3
2
+ + x x
3
1
x t
0 2 11 5
2
+ + t t
Exampl : Solve the following equation by using an appropriate substitution :
(a)
0 9 8
2 4
x x
(b)
0 4 3
2
1
+ x x
(c)
0 18 ) 3 ( 7 ) 3 (
2
+ + + x x
solution:
(a) Let
2
x u
, the equation becomes a quadratic equation :
0 9 8
2
u u
1 or 9
0 1 or 0 9
0 ) 1 )( 9 (

+
+
u u
u u
u u
Replace u by x :
i x x
x x
t t

or 3
1 or 9
2 2
Real solutions: { 3, -3 }
(b)
0 4 3
2
1
+ x x
0 4 3 ) (
2
1
2
2
1
+ x x
23
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Let
2
1
x u
, the equation becomes :
1 or 4
0 1 or 0 4
0 ) 1 )( 4 (
0 4 3
2

+
+
+
u u
u u
u u
u u
replace u for x
1 or 16
1 ) ( or ) 4 ( ) (
1 or 4
2 2
2
1
2 2
2
1
2
1
2
1



x x
x x
x x
solutions : { 16, 1 }
(c) Let 3 + x u , the equation becomes :
2 or 9
0 2 or 0 9
0 ) 2 )( 9 (
0 18 7
2

+
+
+
u u
u u
u u
u u
Replace u for x
1 or 12
2 3 or 9 3

+ +
x x
x x
solutions : { -12, -1 }
Exercise in class :
(a)
0 45 14
2 4
+ x x
( solution : { 3, -3, 5 , 5 } )
(b)
0 8 9
3
1
3
2
+ x x
( solution : { 512, 1 } )
(c)
0 72 ) ( 18 ) (
2 2 2
+ x x x x
( solution : { -3, -2, 3, 4 } )
2.7) Equations involving Absolute Value
24
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Definition :
If c is a positive real number and x represents any algebraic expression then :
c x c x c x or
Note : If
c x
where c is a positive real number then the equation has no solution
Examples: Solve each equation.
(a) 11 3 2 x (b) 3 5 1 + + x (c)
8 16 2
2
x x
solutions:
(a) 11 3 2 x 11 3 2 or 11 3 2 x x
4 or 7
8 2 or 14 2


x x
x x
solution : { 7, -4 }
(b) 3 5 1 + + x 2 1 + x ( negative value )
The equation has no solution.
(c)
8 16 2
2
x x
8 16 2 or 8 16 2
2 2
x x x x
2 - or 4 or 4 - or 6
0 ) 2 )( 4 ( or 0 ) 4 )( 6 (
0 8 2 or 0 24 2
2 2

+ +

x x
x x x x
x x x x
solutions: { 6, -4, 4, -2 }
Review Exercise:
25
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Solve each of the following equation using the method of your choice:
1)
0 24 8 3
3 4
+ x x x
2)
0 27 19 8
3 6
+ c c
3) 1 11 + x x
4)
x x + + 1 4 1
5)
12 36 2
2
+ x x
6) 5 1 3 + x x
(Hint: b a b a b a or )
Answers:
1) {-2, 3}
2) { -3/2, 1 }
3) { 5 }
4) { 0, 4 }
5) { -8, 6, -6, 4 }
6) { 3, -1 }
2.8 Linear Inequalities
Interval Notation
26
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
A notation for representing an interval as a pair of numbers. The numbers are the endpoints of the
interval. Parentheses and/or brackets are used to show whether the endpoints are excluded or
included.
The chart below will show you all of the possible ways of utilizing interval notation.
Interval Notation: (description) (diagram)
Open Interval: (a, b) is interpreted as a < x < b where the
endpoints are NOT included.
(While this notation resembles an ordered pair, in this context it
refers to the interval upon which you are working.)
(1, 5)
Closed Interval: [a, b] is interpreted as a < x < b where the
endpoints are included.
[1, 5]
Half-Open Interval: (a, b] is interpreted as a < x < b where a is
not included, but b is included.
(1, 5]
Half-Open Interval: [a, b) is interpreted as a < x < b where a is
included, but b is not included.
[1, 5)
Non-ending Interval: (a, ) is interpreted as x > a where a is not
included and infinity is always expressed as being "open" (not
included).
Non-ending Interval: (-, b] is interpreted as x < b where b is
included and again, infinity is always expressed as being "open"
(not included).
When using interval notation, the symbol:
( means "not included" or "open".
[ means "included" or "closed".
For some intervals it is necessary to use combinations of interval notations to achieve the desired
set of numbers. Consider how you would express the interval "all numbers except 13".
27
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
As an inequality: x < 13 or x > 13
In interval notation: (-, 13) U (13, )
Notice that the word "or" has been replaced with the symbol "U",
which stands for "union".
Consider expressing in interval notation, the set of numbers which contains all numbers less than
0 and also all numbers greater than 2 but less than or equal to 10.
As an inequality: x < 0 or 2 < x < 10
In interval notation: (-, 0) U (2, 10]
There are many ways of representing the same interval of values. These ways may include word
descriptions or mathematical symbols.
The following statements and symbols ALL represent the same interval:
WORDS: SYMBOLS:
"all numbers between positive one and positive five,
including the one and the five."
1 < x < 5
"x is less than or equal to 5 and greater than or equal to 1" { x | 1 < x < 5}
"x is between 1 and 5, inclusive" [1,5]
The Properties of Inequalities
Let a, b, c are real numbers
i) If b a > then c b c a + > +
ii) If b a > then c b c a >
iii) If b a > and c b > then
c a >
iv) If b a > and c is positive real number then
bc ac >
v) If b a > and c is negative real number then
bc ac <
(The sign of inequality will be reversed if we multiply/divide both sides by negative
number).
28
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Linear Inequality.
A general form of linear inequality:
c b ax
c b ax
c b ax
c b ax
+
< +
+
> +
where a, b, c are real numbers and a 0.
The solution of linear inequality is the set of all real numbers x for which the inequality is true.
The solution set is also called the intervals of numbers.
Example 1: Solve the inequality 6x - 6 > 2x + 2
Solution :
Given: 6x - 6 > 2x + 2
Add 6 to both sides and simplify: 6x > 2x + 8
Subtract 2x to both sides and simplify: 4x > 8
Multiply both sides by 1/4; and simplify: x > 2
Solution in interval notation is (2, ).
Example 2: Solve the inequality 2(3x + 2) - 20 > 8(x - 3)
Solution:
Given: 2(3x + 2) - 20 > 8(x - 3)
Multiply factors and group like terms:
6x + 4 -20 > 8x - 24
6x - 16 > 8x - 24
Add 16 to both sides and simplify:
6x > 8x - 8
29
2 1 3
(2, )
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Subtract 8x to both sides and simplify:
-2x > -8
Multiply both sides by -1/2 and REVERSE (-1/2 is negative) the inequality sign and
simplify:
x < 4
Solution in interval notation is (-, 4)
Exercise:
Solve the inequalities.
(a) 11 2 3 < x (b) 17 5 2 < + x (c) 51 13 15 7 + + x x
(d) 8 12 45 18 + x x (e)
5 ) 1 2 ( 3 3 8 + + + > + x x x
Compound Inequalities.
Examples: Solve and graph its solution:
(a) 3 1 2 3 + < x
(b) 11 3 2 1 < + x
(c) 9 9 3 x or 3 4 x
solution:
(a) 3 1 2 3 + < x
Isolate x in the middle
2 2 4
1 3 2 1 3
<
<
x
x
Divide all terms by 2
1 2 < x
The solution in interval notation: (-2, 1].
Graph:
30
-3 -2 -4
(-, 4)
-2 1
(-2, 1]
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(b) 11 3 2 1 < + x
Isolate x in the middle
8 2 2
3 11 2 3 1
<
<
x
x
Divide all terms by 2
4 1 < x
The solution in interval notation: [-1, 4).
Graph:
(c) 9 9 3 x or 3 4 x 18 3 x or 1 x
6 x or 1 x
The solution in interval notation: (-, 6] U [1, ).
Solving Inequalities with Absolute Value
Definition :
If x is an algebraic expression and c is positive real number then:
(i) c x c c x < < <
(ii) c x c c x
(iii) c x c x c x < > > or
31
-1 4
[-1, 4)
1 6
(- , 6] U [1, )
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(iv) c x c x c x or
Example:
Solve and graph the solution set :
(a) 3 4 < x (b) 5 2 x (c) 6
4
) 1 ( 3

x
(d) 1 1
2
2 >
x
solution:
(a) By definition:
3 4 < x 3 4 3 < < x
4 3 4 3 + < < + x
7 1 < < x
The solution in interval notation: (1, 7)
Graph :
(b) By definiton :
5 2 x 5 2 or 5 2 x x
3 or 7 x x
The solution in interval notation: [7, ) U (- , -3].
Graph :
(c) By definiton :
6
4
) 1 ( 3

x
6
4
) 1 ( 3
6

x
24 3 3 24 x
3 24 3 3 24 + + x
27 3 21 x
9 7 x
The solution in interval notation: [-7, 9]
32
-3 7
[7, ) U (- , -3]
1 7
(1, 7)
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Graph :
(d) 1 1
2
2 >
x
2
2
2 >
x
By definiton :
2
2
2 >
x
2
2
2 or 2
2
2 < >
x x
4
2
or 0
2
< >
x x
8 or 0 < > x x
8 or 0 > < x x
the solution in interval notation: : (-, 0) U (8, ).
Graph :
2.9) Quadratic and Rational Inequalities
A) Quadratic Inequalities
The general form of quadratic Inequalities.
33
-7 9
[-7, 9]
0 8
(-, 0) U (8, ).
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2

'

+ +
> + +
+ +
< + +
0
0
0
0
2
2
2
2
c bx ax
c bx ax
c bx ax
c bx ax
where a,b,c are real numbers and 0 a
Solving Quadratic Inequalities
Example : Solve
0 10 7
2
< + x x
and graph its solution.
Solution :
0 10 7
2
< + x x
Step 1: Factor the quadratic expression
0 ) 2 )( 5 ( < x x
Step 2 : Find the boundary points by setting each factor equal to zero
2 or 5
0 2 or 0 5
0 ) 2 )( 5 (



x x
x x
x x
Step 3 : Locate the boundary points on real line and form the intervals.
Identify the test value for each interval.
) 2 , (

) 5 , 2 (

) , 5 (
Intervals
The sign of
) 5 ( x
The sign of
) 2 ( x
Test value (0) 2 (3) 5 (6)
Resulting Sign
Step 4 : Check the sign of each interval using test value
) 2 , (

) 5 , 2 (

) , 5 (
Intervals
- - +
) 5 ( x
- + +
) 2 ( x
Test value (0) 2 (3) 5 (6)
(+) (-) (+) Resulting Sign
34
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
Step 5 : Write the solution by referring the sign of inequality
Since that the sign of given inequaly is < , choose negative sign
Solution :
) 5 , 2 (
Graph :
Example : Solve and graph its solution :
(a)
0 ) 5 )( 3 ( > + x x
(b)
1 6
2
+ x x
Solution :
(a) Given :
0 ) 5 )( 3 ( > + x x
(already factored)
Boundary points :
5 or 3
0 ) 5 )( 3 (

+
x x
x x
set up the intervals :
) 4 , (

) 5 , 3 (

) , 5 (
Intervals
- + +
) 3 ( + x
- - +
) 5 ( x
Test value (-4) -3 (0) 5 (6)
(+) (-) (+) Resulting Sign
The sign of inequality is ` > , choose positive sign. The solution is :
(-, -3) U [5, ).
Graph :
(b) Given :
1 6
2
+ x x
Make one side zero
0 1 6
2
+ x x
Factor
0 ) 1 2 )( 1 3 ( + x x
Boundary points :
35
2 5
(2, 5)
-3 5
(-, -3) U [5, ).
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
2 / 1 or 3 / 1
0 ) 1 2 )( 1 3 (

+
x x
x x
Set up the intervals :

] 2 / 1 , (

] 3 / 1 , 2 / 1 [

) , 3 / 1 [
Intervals
- - +
) 1 3 ( x
- + +
) 1 2 ( + x
Test value (-1) -1/2 (0) 1/3 (1)
(+) (-) (+) Resulting Sign

The sign of inequality is ' ' , then choose positive sign. The solution is :
) , 3 / 1 [ ] 2 / 1 , (

Graph :
B) Rational Inequalities.
Example : Solve the rational inequalities and graph its solution :
(a) 0
7
3
>

+
x
x
(b) 0
2
3

+

x
x
(c) 2
1
>
x
x
36
-1/2 1/3
(-, -] U[1/3, ).
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(d)
1
2
1
1

>
+ x x
Solutions :
(a) Given : 0
7
3
>

+
x
x
, 7 x (restriction)
Boundary points :
Set : 0 3 + x or 0 7 x
x = -3 or x = 7
locate the boundary points and set up the intervals.
) 3 , (

) 7 , 3 (

) , 7 (
Intervals
- + +
) 3 ( + x
- - +
) 7 ( x
Test value (-4) -3 (0) 7 (8)
(+) (-) (+) Resulting Sign
Since the sign of inequality is >, choose positive sign. The solution is
) 3 , ( ) , 7 (

Graph:
(b) Given: 0
2
3

+

x
x
, 2 x (restriction)
Boundary points :
Set : 0 3 x or 0 2 + x
x = -3 or x = -2
locate the boundary points and set up the intervals.
] 3 , (

) 2 , 3 [

) , 2 (
Intervals
+ - -
) 3 ( x
- - +
) 2 ( + x
Test value (-4) -3 (-2.5) -2 (0)
37
-3 7
(-, -3) U (7, ).
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(-) (+) (-) Resulting Sign
Since the sign of inequality is , choose negative sign. The solution
is
] 3 , ( ) , 2 (

Graph:
(c) Given : 2
1
>
x
x
Make one side zero, do not cross multiply !!
0 2
1
>
x
x
Simplify:
0
1
2
0
1
2 2
0
1
) 1 (
2
1
>

+
>

+
>

x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
Boundary points:
Set : 0 1 or 0 2 + x x
2 x or 1 x
Locate the boundary points and set up the intervals :
) 1 , (

) 2 , 1 (

) , 2 (
Intervals
+ + -
) 2 ( + x
- + +
) 1 ( x
Test value (0) 1 (1.5) 2 (3)
(-) (+) (-) Resulting Sign
The sign of inequality is > , choose positive sign . The solution is
) 2 , 1 (
Graph:
38
-3 -2
(-, -3] U (-2, ).
1 2
(1, 2)
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
(d) Given:
1
2
1
1

>
+ x x
, 1 , 1 x
Make one side zero and simplify
0
) 1 )( 1 (
3
0
) 1 )( 1 (
) 1 ( 2 ) 1 (
0
1
2
1
1
>
+

>
+
+
>

+
x x
x
x x
x x
x x
Boundary points :
1 0 1
1 0 1
3 0 3

+

x x
x x
x x
Locate the boundary points and set up the intervals:
) 3 , (

) 1 , 3 (

) 1 , 1 (

) , 1 (
Intervals
+ - - -
) 3 ( x
- - + +
) 1 ( + x
- - - +
) 1 ( x

Test value (-4) -3 (-2) -1 (0) 1 (2)
(+) (-) (+) (-) Resulting Sign
The solution:
) 3 , ( ) 1 , 1 (
Graph:
Exercise:
Solve each inequality and graph its solution
(i)
0 6
2
> + x x
(ii) 0
2
5
<

+
x
x
(iii) 3
3
1 2

+
x
x
(iv) 3
1 2
4

+
x
x
39
-3
1
(-, -3) U (-1, 1).
-1
MATF 104 College Algebra Chapter 2
40