Quadratic inequalities can be solved graphically or algebraically.

Solve Graphically:
The graph of an inequality is the collection of all solutions of the inequality.
Example 1 (one variable inequality):
The trick to solving a quadratic inequality is to replace the inequality symbol with an equal sign
and solve the resulting equation. The solutions to the equation will allow you to establish
intervals that will let you solve the inequality.
Plot the solutions on a number line creating the intervals for investigation. Pick a number from
each interval and test it in the original inequality. If the result is true, that interval is a solution
to the inequality.
Change the inequality to = and solve:
The solutions are 4 and -3.
(ONLY these values are placed on the
number line to create the intervals.)
Prepare the number line:
Answer:
Answer:
x < -3 or x > 4
Answer in interval notation:
This problem could also be solved by examining the corresponding graph
of . Graph the quadratic (parabola) by hand or with the use of a graphing
calculator.
The quadratic is greater than zero where the graph is ABOVE
the x-axis.
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Example 2 (two variable inequality):
Begin by graphing the corresponding equation .
(Use a dashed line for < or > and a solid line for < or >.)
Test a point above the parabola and a point below the parabola into the original inequality.
Shade the entire region where the test point yields a true result.
The parabola graph was drawn using a solid line
since the inequality was "greater than or equal to".
The point (0,0) was tested into the inequality and
found to be true.
The point (0,-2) was tested into the inequality and
found to be false.
The graph was shaded in the region where the true
test point was located.
ANSWER: The shaded area (including the solid
line of the parabola) contains all of the points that
make this inequality true.
Solve Algebraically:
Solving quadratic inequalities algebraically can be somewhat of a challenge. Be careful to
consider all of your options.
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When you solved quadratic equations, you created factors whose product was zero, implying
either one or both of the factors must be equal to zero.
When solving a quadratic inequality, you need to take more options into consideration.
Consider these two different problems:
Problem 1: "less than"
Now, there are two ways this product could be less
than zero (negative) -- (x + 4) < 0 and (x + 3) > 0 or
(x + 4) > 0 and (x + 3) < 0. One factor must be
negative and one must be positive.
First situation:
This tells you that -3 < x < 4.
Second situation:
There are NO values for which this situation is true.
Final answer: -3 < x < 4.
Problem 2: "greater than"
Now, there are two ways that this product could be
greater than zero (positive) -- both factors are
positive or both factors are negative. You must
check out both possibilities.
Both positive:
The only condition that makes both true is x > 4.
Both negative:
The only condition that makes both true is x < -3.
Final answer: x < -3 or x > 4
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