How to Solve Quadratic Inequalities? (+FREE Worksheet!)

Learn how to solve Quadratic Inequalities using similar methods that we use for solving equations.

How to Solve Quadratic Inequalities? (+FREE Worksheet!)
Tutor-style math help

Solve Quadratic Inequalities: what to notice and how to work it

Inequalities skill
Inequalities describe a set of possible values. Solve the boundary like an equation, then decide which side of the boundary makes the statement true.

What to notice first

Watch the comparison sign from the first line to the last. Multiplying or dividing by a negative reverses the direction.

Common student mistake

Do not forget open and closed endpoints. Strict signs use open circles; signs with equals use closed circles.

Key formulas and cues

\(a<b\)
\(a\le b\)
\(\text{multiply/divide by a negative} \Rightarrow \text{reverse the sign}\)
\(|x-a|<b \Rightarrow a-b<x<a+b\)
vertex axis

A reliable path

  1. Solve the boundaryTemporarily treat the inequality like an equation.
  2. Choose the sideUse the sign or test a number if the direction is not obvious.
  3. Graph the solutionUse the correct endpoint and shade the values that work.

Worked examples

Flip the sign

Example: \(-3x>12\)
  1. Divide both sides by -3.
  2. Reverse the inequality sign.
  3. Simplify 12 divided by -3.
Answer: \(x<-4\)

Keep the sign

Example: \(x+5\le9\)
  1. Subtract 5 from both sides.
  2. No negative multiplication or division happened.
  3. Keep the sign direction.
Answer: \(x\le4\)
Try one before moving on
Try: Solve \(-2x\le10\).
Answer: \(x\ge-5\). Divide by -2 and flip the sign.
Next step: do the matching worksheet or quiz while the method is still fresh, then come back and explain the first step in your own words.

Related Topics

Step-by-step guide to solve Solving Quadratic Inequalities

  • A quadratic inequality can be written in one of the following standard forms:
    \(ax^2+bx+c>0, ax^2+bx+c<0, ax^2+bx+c≥0, ax^2+bx+c≤0\)
  • Solving a quadratic inequality is like solving equations. We need to find solutions.

For education statistics and research

Solving Quadratic Inequalities – Example 1:

Solve quadratic inequality. \(x^2-6x+8>0\)

Solution:

Factor: \(x^2-6x+8>0→(x-2)(x-4)>0\)
Then the solution could be \(x<2\) or \(x>4\).

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Solving Quadratic Inequalities – Example 2:

Solve quadratic inequality. \(x^2-7x+10≥0\)

Solution:

Factor: \(x^2-7x+10≥0→(x-2)(x-5)≥0\). \(\space\) \(2\) and \(5\) are the solutions. Now, the solution could be \(x≤2\) or \(x≥5\).

Solving Quadratic Inequalities – Example 3:

Solve quadratic inequality. \(- x^2-5x+6>0\)

Solution:

Factor: \(- x^2-5x+6>0→-(x-1)(x+6)>0\)
Multiply both sides by \(-1: (-(x-1)(x+6))(-1)>0(-1)→(x-1)(x+6)<0\) Then the solution could be \(-6x\) and \(x>1\). Choose a value between \(-1\) and \(6\) and check. Let’s try \(0\). Then: \(- 0^2-5(0)+6>0→6>0\). This is true! So, the answer is: \(-6<x<1\)

Solving Quadratic Inequalities – Example 4:

Solve quadratic inequality. \(x^2-3x-10≥0\)

Solution:

Factor: \(x^2-3x-10≥0→(x+2)(x-5)≥0. -2\) and \(5\) are the solutions. Now, the solution could be \(x≤-2\) or \(x≥5\).

Exercises for Solving Quadratic Inequalities

Solve each quadratic inequality.

  • \(\color{blue}{x^2+7x+10<0}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{ x^2+9x+20>0}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{x^2-8x+16>0}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{ x^2-8x+12≤0}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{ x^2-11x+30≤0}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{ x^2-12x+27≥0}\)

Download Solving Quadratic Inequalities Worksheet

  • \(\color{blue}{-5<x<-2}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{x<-5 \ or \ x>-4}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{x<4 \ or \ x>4}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{2≤x≤6}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{5≤x≤6}\)
  • \(\color{blue}{x≤3 \ or \ x≥9}\)

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