2. Rational Inequality
x 1
Example < 0
(x 2)(x + 3)
1. Simplify the rational expression so that zero is on one side
and the expression involving x is on the other side
2. Factor any quadratic expressions
3. Place critical numbers on a number line
Critical Numbers: the zeros, and the values that make
the inequality undefined(nonpermissible values)
4. Test points within each interval between the critical values, to
determine if the expression as a whole is positive or negative
5. State the intervals that qualify as solutions to the
inequality
2