A Maths Revision Notes >>

Equation & inequalities: Solve quadratic inequality

General cases

Case 1:

Solve $(x - a)(x - b) > 0$, given that $ b > a $:

Solutions

Case 2:

Solve $(x - a)(x - b) < 0,$ given that $ b > a $:

Solutions

Questions

Solve quadratic inequality(s)

Tip #1: Make $x^2$ positive before factorising!

Tip #2: If there are two inequalities, construct a number line to determine the 'overlapping' regions between the two inequalities (see question 2).


1. Solve the inequality $ (2x + 5)(2 - x) > x^2 - x - 5$.

Answer: $ -\sqrt{5} < x < \sqrt{5} $

Solutions


2. Find the range of values of $x$ that satisfies the inequalities ${1 \over 5}x + 1 \ge -2$ and $3 - 11x < 4x^2$.

(from Think A Maths Workbook Worksheet 2D)

Answer: $ -15 \le x < -3 \text{ or } x > {1 \over 4} $

Solutions

Real-life problem

3. The total number, $y$, of copies sold in a bookstore in $d$ days after a book launch is given by $y = d^2 - 5d + 80$. What is the least number of days it takes to sell at least $104$ copies of the book?

(from Additional Maths 360 2nd edition Ex 2.3)

Answer: $ 8 \text{ days} $

Solutions

Work backwards from solutions

4. The inequality $ax^2 - bx > 20$ is only satisfied by $x < -2$ or $x > 5$. Find the value of $a$ and of $b$.

Answer: $ a = 2, b = 6 $

Solutions

Past year O level questions

Year & paper Comments
2022 P1 Question 4(a) Form quadratic inequality and solve it
2021 P2 Question 5a Solve quadratic inequality and represent solutions on a number line
2020 P2 Question 5a Solve quadratic inequality and represent solutions on a number line
2014 P1 Question 9i Form quadratic inequality and solve it
2013 P1 Question 9i Solve quadratic inequality
2010 P1 Question 3 Solve two inequalities (Link - Subscription required)
2009 P1 Question 6i Solve quadratic inequality
2006 P2 Question 7b Work backwards from solutions (Link - Subscription required)
2005 P1 Question 1 Solve quadratic inequality


Quadratic functions Equation & inequalities: Discriminant