Lesson: Quadratic Inequalities

Comment on Quadratic Inequalities

Brent, I read the explanations in the forum for the last question (If k is an integer, what is the value of k?

(1) (k – 1)(k – 3) < 0
(2) (k – 5)(k – 1)(k – 3)(k – 6) < 0

My question is - when the solution states the following:

(1) (k – 1)(k – 3) < 0 --> 1<k<3, as given that k is an integer then k=2. Sufficient.

(2) (k – 5)(k – 1)(k – 3)(k – 6) < 0 --> 5<k<6 or 1<k<3, again as given that k is an integer then k=2 (only integer IN this ranges). Sufficient.

Answer: D.

was there a way to avoid the full approach of changing to equation, finding the tow roots that =0, then using the number line, breaking it into regions and then determining the potentials solutions and whether each statement is sufficient or not? I am asking because the solution is very clear, but time wise - it is very time consuming...
gmat-admin's picture

Agreed, it's very time-consuming. There's really no way around those calculations but, if you start with that approach immediately, you should be able to finish in under 2 minutes.

Hi Brent,
thank you for the very useful videos.
Could you please help with the following problem from GMAT official guide:

How many of the integers that satisfy the inequality (x+1)(x+3)/(x-2)≥ 0 are less than 5?

What should I do with (x-2) in the denominator?
gmat-admin's picture

First, we can see that (x+1)(x+3)/(x-2) EQUALS zero, when x = -1 and x = -3. So, we already have two integer solutions.

ASIDE: When x = 2, the expression is undefined. So, x = 2 is NOT a solution. However, x values less than 2 will make (x-2) negative, and x values greater than 2 will make (x-2) positive.

Now test the values on either side of x = -3, x = -1 and x = 2

Case A: x is less than -3
When x is less than -3, (x+3) is negative, (x+1) is negative, and (x-2) is negative. So, we get: (negative)(negative)/(negative) which evaluates to be NEGATIVE.
So, x-values that are less than -3 do NOT satisfy the inequality (x+1)(x+3)/(x-2) ≥ 0

Case B: x is greater than -3 and less than -1
There's only one integer x-value in this range (x = -2), so let's just see what we get when we plug x = -2 into the given expression.
We get: (-2 + 1)(-2 + 3)/(-2 -2) ≥ 0
Evaluate: (-1)(1)/(-4) ≥ 0
Evaluate: 1/4 ≥ 0
It WORKS, so x = -2 is another possible solution.

Case C: x is greater than -1 and less than 2
In this case, (x+3) is positive, (x+1) is positive, and (x-2) is negative. So, we get: (positive)(positive)/(negative) which evaluates to be NEGATIVE.
So, x-values BETWEEN -1 and 2 do NOT satisfy the inequality (x+1)(x+3)/(x-2) ≥ 0

Case D: x is greater than 2
In this case, (x+3) is positive, (x+1) is positive, and (x-2) is positive. So, we get: (positive)(positive)/(positive) which evaluates to be POSITIVE (PERFECT!).
So, all x-values GREATER than 2 SATISFY the inequality (x+1)(x+3)/(x-2) ≥ 0
The question asks for x-values less than 5
So, the possible integer x-values are 3 and 4.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Let's list ALL integer solutions: x = -3, x = -1, x = -2, x = 3 and x = 4

So, there are FIVE possible solutions.

Ohh yesss. Nailed it with exact logic! All thanks to you Sir!

Hey Brent, I tried solving another problem using your technique.
Which of the following represents the complete range of x over which x^3 – 4x^5 < 0?

A. 0 < |x| < ½
B. |x| > ½
C. –½ < x < 0 or ½ < x
D. x < –½ or 0 < x < ½
E. x < –½ or x > 0

From the equation, we get x=0,+1/2,-1/2 when the equation is tested for =0.Now,when I plot x=+1/2 in the number line , I get all values where x>+1/2 and when I plot -1/2 in the number line, I get all values where x<-1/2.
I am highly confused on which region to consider for x=0 in the number line. Kindly help on how to progress further.
gmat-admin's picture

When we plot -1/2, 0 and 1/2 on the number line, we have 4 ranges to consider:

1) x < -1/2
2) -1/2 < x < 0
3) 0 < x < 1/2
4) 1/2 < x

For range #1, plug in a value less than -1/2. How about x = -1.
When x = -1, the expression x^3 – 4x^5 = 3.
In other words, x-values in this DO NOT satisfy the given inequality.

For range #2, we can plug in x = -0.25
When x = -0.25, the expression x^3 – 4x^5 = some negative value.
In other words, x-values in this DO satisfy the given inequality.

For range #3, we can plug in x = 0.25
When x = 0.25, the expression x^3 – 4x^5 = some positive value.
In other words, x-values in this DO NOT satisfy the given inequality.

For range #4, we can plug in x = 1
When x = -0.25, the expression x^3 – 4x^5 = -3.
In other words, x-values in this DO satisfy the given inequality.

So, ranges #2 and #4 satisfy the given inequality.

Answer: C

Thank You! Appreciate your reply.
The technique mentioned in your tutorial does help for inequality equations eg (k – 1)(k – 3) < 0.
What would be the approach to follow when there is an expression in the denominator also. eg (k – 1)(k – 3)/(k-9) <0. In that case, can we take the approach of equating also the denominator part =0 and progress further?
gmat-admin's picture

That's correct.

In your example, (k–1)(k–3)/(k-9) < 0, the critical points are k = 1, k = 3 and k = 9.
Once you plot those values on the number line, you will have 4 ranges to consider (just like in the previous example you asked about)

Can you pls help explain the following:

Which of the following equations has 1 + √2 as one of its roots? - Meaning of the question and the concept used to solve it?

A) x^2 + 2x – 1 = 0
B) x^2 – 2x + 1 = 0
C) x^2 + 2x + 1 = 0
D) x^2 – 2x – 1 = 0
E) x^2 – x – 1= 0
gmat-admin's picture

Great question.

First of all, a "root" is the same a "solution".
So, for example, since x = 3 is the SOLUTION to the equation 2x+1=7. We can also say 3 is the ROOT of the equation 2x+1=7

We can confirm that 3 is the root by plugging 3 into the given equation.
We get: 2(3)+1 = 7
Evaluate the left side to get: 7 = 7
PERFECT!

So, one possible approach with the given question is to plug x = 1 + √2 into all 5 answer choices to see which one works.

Another approach is to recognize that the answer choices have a lot of things in common. For example, they all have an x² term.

So. let's let x = 1 + √2, and then see what x² equals

We get: x² = (1 + √2)²
= (1 + √2)(1 + √2)
= 1 + √2 + √2 + 2
= 3 + 2√2

Next, notice that 4 of the 5 answer choices have a 2x term.
So, let's let x = 1 + √2, and then see what 2x equals

We get: 2x = 2(1 + √2)
= 2 + 2√2

So, x² = 3 + 2√2, and 2x = 2 + 2√2

Since all 5 answer choices are equations that equal 0, we need to try to eliminate the terms with √2

So, if we SUBTRACT 2 + 2√2 (aka 2x) FROM 3 + 2√2 (aka x²), then we'll eliminate the terms with √2

So far, we have: x² - 2x = (3 + 2√2) - (2 + 2√2)
= 1

Since we want our equation to equal 0, we need to SUBTRACT 1 at this point.

In other words: x² - 2x - 1 = (3 + 2√2) - (2 + 2√2) - 1
= 0

Perfect! When x = 1 + √2, the equation x² - 2x - 1 equals zero.

So, the correct answer is D

Does that help?

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent. In a previous video, you mentioned the quadratic formula approach. This also works very well once we see that option D gives (2+/- 2√2)/2.
gmat-admin's picture

Perfect!

What is the logic behind this step: Since all 5 answer choices are equations that equal 0, we need to try to eliminate the terms with √2?
gmat-admin's picture

All 5 answer choices have an x² term.
When x = 1 + √2, x² = 3 + 2√2

So, when we plug x = 1 + √2 into all 5 equations, we get:
A) (3 + 2√2) + 2x – 1 = 0
B) (3 + 2√2) – 2x + 1 = 0
C) (3 + 2√2) + 2x + 1 = 0
D) (3 + 2√2) – 2x – 1 = 0
E) (3 + 2√2) – x – 1= 0

Notice that all 5 equations (when we replace x² with 3 + 2√2) have the term 2√2

Since all 5 equations are set equal to 0, it must be the case that, when we replace the remaining x's with 1 + √2, the 2√2 must disappear.

In other words, our 2x term must be such that, when we replace x with 1 + √2, the 2√2 terms disappears.

Does that help?

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent, once you have factorised the equation is there any quick way to get to the final inequality statement?

In your explanation you need to perform the calculation 3 times with different values of x, potentially time consuming during the GMAT.

For example in the second practice question, summarised below, is there anyway to jump from stage 3 to stage 4 without going through the 3 versions of the equation?

1) x² – 8x + 9 < -6
2) x² – 8x + 15 < 0
3) (x-5)(x-3)<0
4) 3<x<5

gmat-admin's picture

Question link: https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-233...

While it's possible to create a series of rules that allow us to quickly go from Step 3 to Step 4, the rules would be somewhat convoluted (and hard to memorize!). So, I'd stick with the approach demonstrated in the video.

Please keep in mind that this question type is VERY rare. In fact, most test-takers will not encounter such a question on test day.

Hey Brent, given that quadratic represents parable, can I assume that on my number line, my answers are going always to be on the form of +++ --- +-+ -+-? Because if so, I will only check the last 2 terms, and then first term is a given! Thanks.
gmat-admin's picture

It would be great if we could make that generalization, but that only works for one kind of parabola (one that opens UP and has its vertex BELOW the x-axis.

Some parabolas open up and have their vertex ON the x-axis, In which case it has the form +++ 0 +++
Also some parabolas open up and have their vertex ABOVE the x-axis, In which case it has the form +++++++

Then there are times when the parabola opens DOWN and has its vertex A ABOVE the x-axis, In which case it has the form --- +++ ---
And so on.

Great idea though!

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Brent ,

Could you show me an example of |x^2-4|^2+|x^2-4|-20<0
gmat-admin's picture

Are you looking for a similar question, or would you like me to solve the question?

This question might be a good hint: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat-algebra-and-equation-solving/vid...

Cheers,
Brent

https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-1-x-2-4x-94661.html

With quadratic inequalities - is it a case you have to immediately think/look to recognise what it is, e.g. (x-3)(x-1)<0, then plot on the number line 1 and 3, and calculate for the different regions whether it satisfies it?
gmat-admin's picture

Question link: https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-1-x...

Yes, that's exactly how we should handle this type of question.

Cheers,
Brent

Hey Brent,

Considering this: https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-233844.html

can we safely say that when axcube+-bx+-c>0, it is never possible to solve it since there are to many values that satisfy it?

Cheers
gmat-admin's picture

Question link: https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-233...

I think you meant to write: ax² +/- bx +/-c > 0
In these cases (since we have an inequality), there will typically be infinitely-many solutions.
That said, we can express all solutions using inequalities.

For example, the solution for a certain inequality might be -3 < x < 2

Cheers,
Brent

I believe the video expresses this already, but just wanted to verify:

For all questions involving 'quadratic inequalities' (regardless of whether the sign is < or > zero), it's a must to:

1. Set the inequality to equal zero. Find the values.
2. Use the number line, which will always result in 3 regions that tells whether each region yields either a positive or negative value for the inequality.
3. Check a number from each of the 3 regions to find the solution.

Is this correct? Thanks!
gmat-admin's picture

For practically all questions you will see on the GMAT, your three steps are accurate.

I just want to mention that for step number 2, we don't always necessarily get three regions.
To be more precise, in cases where there are TWO solutions to the equation, then we end up with THREE regions.

However, if there's only ONE solution to the equation, then we end up with TWO regions.

Consider, for example, the following inequality: x² - 6x + 9 > 0

When we set the expression equal to zero we get: x² - 6x + 9 = 0
Factor to get: (x - 3)(x - 3) = 0

So there is exactly ONE solution to the equation: x = 3

Since there is only ONE solution to the equation, our number line is divided into only TWO regions.

Cheers,
Brent

How many of the integers that satisfy the inequality
(x+2)(x+3)/x-2 >= 0 are less than 5?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

For this question, I solved it by first moving the (x-2) term to the RHS. So then the equation was (x-2)(x+3)>=0.

I then set the expression equal to zero and solved for x.
I got x=-3 or x= -2. So after this step, I plotted these values on the number line to get 2 regions and both the regions yielded positive values.

All values of x except -3 and -2 will cause the expression to be a positive number. The question is asking us to find values of x that satisfy the given inequality that are less than 5. I am getting only 2 values : -4 and -1. Any other value would be greater than 5.

However, the answer is 4. so could you let me know where I am going wrong here?
gmat-admin's picture

Question link: https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-many-of-the-integers-that-satisfy-the-ine...

Very tricky question!!!

You're correct to say that x = -3 and x = -2 are critical points, but we also need to recognize that x = 2 is a critical point too.
When x = 2, the expression (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 is undefined.
When x > 2, (x-2) is positive, and when x < 2, (x-2) is negative.

So our critical points are -3, -2 and 2.
These three points divide our number line into 4 regions.

When x < -3, (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 is NEGATIVE (i.e., (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 < 0)
When -3 < x < -2, (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 is POSITIVE (i.e., (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 > 0)
When -2 < x < 2, (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 is NEGATIVE (i.e., (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 < 0)
When 2 < x, (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 is POSITIVE (i.e., (x+2)(x+3)/x-2 > 0)

We want (x+2)(x+3) ≥ 0.

(x+2)(x+3) = 0, when x = -2 and x = -3
(x+2)(x+3) > 0, when -3 < x < -2, but there are no INTEGER values within this range.
(x+2)(x+3) > 0, when 2 < x, so the INTEGER values within this range that are LESS THAN 5 are: 3 and 4.

In TOTAL, the integer values of x that satisfy the inequality are: x = -2. -3, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Kindly need help with question 228 from Official Guide 2019.

Namely, how to deal with 1) (x-2) in the denominator for quadratic equations and 2) how to approach, in a systematic way, quadratic inequalities that are both > and = 0 ?

Thank you!
gmat-admin's picture

Here's my full solution: https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-many-of-the-integers-that-satisfy-the-ine...

The main difference between this question and the question answered in the video above is that, in the linked question, we're also looking for values that EQUAL zero.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-233844.html

how comes you don't factor out the first one? I did it like very quickly without observation.
gmat-admin's picture

Question link: https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-is-an-integer-what-is-the-value-of-x-233...

We also could have factored the expression. Either way, we can quickly reach the conclusion that x can have many different values.

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