▪ Solving Polynomial Inequalities

Learning Outcomes

  • Solve polynomial inequalities using boundary value method.

Solving Polynomial Inequalities using Boundary Value Method

Any inequality that can be put into one of the following forms

[latex]f(x)>0, f(x) \geq 0, f(x)<0,[/latex] or [latex]f(x) \leq 0[/latex], where [latex]f[/latex] is a polynomial function

is called polynomial inequality.

How To: Solve Polynomial Inequalities using Boundary Value MEthod

  1. Rewrite the given polynomial inequality as an equation by replacing the inequality symbol with the equal sign.
  2. Solve the polynomial equation. The real solution(s) of the equation is(are) the boundary point(s).
  3. Plot the boundary point(s) from Step 2 on a number line.
    [latex]\Rightarrow[/latex] Use an open circle when the given inequality has [latex]<[/latex] or [latex]>[/latex]
    [latex]\Rightarrow[/latex] Use a closed circle when the given inequality has [latex]\leq[/latex] or [latex]\geq[/latex].
  4. Choose one number, which is called a test value, from each interval and test the intervals by evaluating the given inequality at that number.
    [latex]\Rightarrow[/latex] If the inequality is TRUE, then the interval is a solution of the inequality.
    [latex]\Rightarrow[/latex] If the inequality is FALSE, then the interval is not a solution of the inequality.
  5. Write the solution set (usually in interval notation), selecting the interval(s) from Step 4.

Example: Solving Polynomial Inequality using Boundary Value Method

Solve the polynomial inequality using boundary value method. Graph the solution set and write the solution in interval notation.

[latex]x^4-4x^3+3x^2 > 0[/latex]

Try It

Solve the polynomial inequality using boundary value method. Graph the solution set and write the solution in interval notation.

[latex]x^2 \leq 3x+4[/latex]

Example: No solution Case

Solve the polynomial inequality using boundary value method. Graph the solution set and write the solution in interval notation.

[latex]x^6 +2 < 0[/latex]

Try It

Solve the polynomial inequality using boundary value method. Graph the solution set and write the solution in interval notation.

[latex]-\frac{1}{3}x^2 \leq 0[/latex]