← Back to Chapter

Quadratics — Solving quadratic inequalities 9 problems

Pick what you’d like to study:

📘 Notes

Quadratic Inequalities (Year 12)

We solve inequalities by finding the roots of the quadratic and using their signs to decide where the expression is positive or negative.

1. Method Summary

  1. Solve the quadratic equation to find the roots.
  2. Sketch a quick sign diagram or curve shape (U or ∩).
  3. Shade the regions that satisfy the inequality.
  4. Use open or closed circles for strict inequalities (<, >) or inclusive (≤, ≥).
Important: Do not change the direction of the inequality unless multiplying/dividing by a negative.

2. Example 1 — Strict Inequality

Solve: \[ x^2 - 5x + 6 > 0 \]

Step 1: Factorise:

\[ (x - 2)(x - 3) > 0 \]

Step 2: Roots are \(x = 2, 3\). Sketch or sign diagram:

Positive outside the roots (U-shape upwards).

Solution: \(x < 2\) or \(x > 3\)

3. Example 2 — Inclusive Inequality

Solve: \[ x^2 - 4x + 3 \le 0 \]

Step 1: Factorise:

\[ (x - 1)(x - 3) \le 0 \]

Step 2: Roots are \(x = 1, 3\). A ≤ sign means include the roots.

Solution: \(1 \le x \le 3\)

4. Example 3 — Negative Leading Coefficient

Solve: \[ -2x^2 + 3x + 5 < 0 \]

Step 1: Solve the equation:

\[ -2x^2 + 3x + 5 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -1 \text{ or } x = \frac{5}{2} \]

Step 2: Sketch an upside-down ∩ shape (because coefficient is negative).

We want where expression is negative (below x-axis).

Solution: \(-1 < x < \frac{5}{2}\)

5. Example 4 — Using Discriminant

Solve: \[ x^2 - 6x + 10 > 0 \]

Step 1: Discriminant:

\[ b^2 - 4ac = (-6)^2 - 4(1)(10) = 36 - 40 = -4 < 0 \]

Since the quadratic has no real roots and \(a = 1 > 0\), the graph is always above the x-axis.

Solution: All real \(x\), or \(x \in \mathbb{R}\).

6. Tips for Year 12

  • Always find roots by factorising or quadratic formula.
  • Draw a quick sign diagram to avoid mistakes.
  • For ≤ or ≥ include the roots (closed circles).
  • For < or > exclude the roots (open circles).
  • If no real roots, look at whether the curve is above or below the x-axis.

7. Try These

  1. \(x^2 - 7x + 10 \ge 0\)
  2. \(3x^2 - 2x - 8 < 0\)
  3. \(4x^2 + 12x + 9 > 0\)

Give solutions using inequality notation.

Open Full Notes
⚡ Practice Questions

0/0 mastered, 0 attempted

0%
▶ Start Practice 🔁 Review All Questions
📝 Exam-Style Problems 9 total

0/9 solved, 0 studied

0%

0/9 solved + studied

0%
▶ Start Problems 🔁 Review All Problems