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Rational Inequalities Calculator

Rational Inequalities Calculator

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:35 PM IST

Inequalities are mathematical expressions showing the relationship between two values, indicating that one value is greater than, less than, or not equal to another. Understanding inequalities is crucial for solving various mathematical problems, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

In this article, we will cover the concepts of the rational inequalities calculator. This concept falls under the broader category of complex numbers., a crucial Chapter in class 11 Mathematics. It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, BCECE, and more. Over the last ten years of the JEE Main exam (from 2013 to 2023), a total of two questions have been asked on this concept, including one in 2013, and one in 2023.

This Story also Contains
  1. Inequalities
  2. Types of Inequalities
  3. Frequently Used Inequalities
  4. Rational Inequalities
  5. How to Use the Rational Inequalities Calculator?
  6. Solved Examples Based On Rational Inequalities Calculator
Rational Inequalities Calculator
Rational Inequalities Calculator

Inequalities

Inequalities are the relationship between two expressions that are not equal to one another. Symbols denoting the inequalities are <, >, ≤, ≥, and ≠.

  • $x<4$, "is read as $x$ less than $4^", x \leq 4$, is read as $x$ less than or equal to $4^{\prime}$.
  • Similarly $x>4$, "is read as $x$ greater than $4^{\prime}$ and $x \geq 4$, is read as $x$ greater than or equal to $4^4$.

The process of solving inequalities is the same as of equality but instead of equality symbol inequality symbol is used throughout the process.

Types of Inequalities

  • Linear Inequalities: Involve linear expressions.
    • Example: $2 x+3 \leq 7$
  • Quadratic Inequalities: Involve quadratic expressions.
    • Example: $x^2-4 x+3>0$
  • Polynomial Inequalities: Involve polynomials of degree greater than two.
    • Example: $x^3-2 x^2+x-5<0$
  • Rational Inequalities: Involve ratios of polynomials.
    • Example: $\frac{x+1}{x-3} \geq 2$
  • Absolute Value Inequalities: Involve absolute value expressions.
    • Example: $|x-2| \leq 5$

Frequently Used Inequalities

1. $(\mathrm{x}-\mathrm{a})(\mathrm{x}-\mathrm{b})<0 \Rightarrow \mathrm{x} \in(\mathrm{a}, \mathrm{b})$, where $\mathrm{a}<\mathrm{b}$
2. $(x-a)(x-b)>0 \Rightarrow x \in(-\infty, a) \cup(b, \infty)$, where $a<b$
3. $x^2 \leq a^2 \Rightarrow x \in[-a, a]$
4. $x^2 \geq a^2 \Rightarrow x \in(-\infty,-a] \cup[a, \infty)$

Rational Inequalities

We consider the algebraic inequalities of the following types

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}<0, \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}>0 \\ & \frac{p(x)}{q(x)} \leq 0, \frac{p(x)}{q(x)} \geq 0\end{aligned}$

Foe example, $\frac{x+1}{x+3}<3$.

If p(x) and q(x) can be resolved in factor then we can solve these types of inequalities using wavy curved method otherwise we use the following method to solve them.

$
\text { (1) } \begin{aligned}
& \frac{\mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})}{\mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})}>0 \Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})>0 \\
\Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) & >0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})>0 \text { or } \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})<0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})<0
\end{aligned}
$

$
\text { (2) } \begin{aligned}
& \frac{\mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})}{\mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})}<0 \Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})<0 \\
\Rightarrow & \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})>0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})<0 \text { or } \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})<0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})>0
\end{aligned}
$

$
\text { (3) }\begin{aligned}
& \frac{\mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})}{\mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})} \geq 0 \Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x}) \geq 0 \text { and } \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x}) \neq 0 \\
& \Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \geq 0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})>0 \text { or } \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \leq 0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})<0
\end{aligned}
$

$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { (4) } \begin{aligned}
& \frac{\mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x})}{\mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})} \leq 0 \Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x}) \leq 0 \text { and } \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x}) \neq 0 \\
& \Rightarrow \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \geq 0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})<0 \text { or } \mathrm{p}(\mathrm{x}) \leq 0, \mathrm{q}(\mathrm{x})>0
\end{aligned}
\end{aligned}
$

How to Use the Rational Inequalities Calculator?

The procedure to use the rational inequalities calculator is as follows:

Step 1: Enter the rational inequality in the input field

Step 2: Now click the button “Submit” to get the result

Step 3: Finally, the expanded form and solution of the given rational inequality will be displayed in the new window

Graph of Rational Inequality

When we solve inequalities we try to find interval(s), such as the ones marked "<0" or ">0"

To solve the rational inequalities,

1. Make the RHS $0$.

2. Now Solve the numerator and the denominator seperately.

3. Then, determine the sign of each expression by dividing the numberline with the help of the solutions obtained and .substituting one value within the interval.

Now, Based on the inequality select the interval satisfying the inequality to get the solution.

For example,

$\frac{x+1}{x+3}<3$.

Subtracting 3 from both sides we get $\frac{x+1}{x+3}-3<0$.

$
\begin{aligned}
\frac{x+1-3(x+3)}{x+3} & <0 \\
\frac{-2 x-8}{x+3} & <0 \\
\frac{x+4}{x+3} & >0
\end{aligned}
$

Thus, $x+4$ and $x+3$ are both positive or both negative.
So let us find out the signs of $x+3$ and $x+4$ as follows

$\begin{array}{|c||c|c|c|}
\hline x & x+3 & x+4 & \frac{x+4}{x+3} \\
\hline \hline x<-4 & - & - & + \\
\hline -4<x<-3 & - & + & - \\
\hline x>-3 & + & + & + \\
\hline x=-4 & - & 0 & 0 \\
\hline
\end{array}$

So the solution set is given by $(-\infty,-4) \cup(-3, \infty)$.

$\begin{array}{|l|l|l|}
\hline \text { Test } x=-3 & \text { Test } x=0 & \text { Test }=2 \\
\hline \frac{(-3)-1}{(-3)+2} \leq 0 & \frac{(0)-1}{(0)+2} \leq 0 & \frac{(2)-1}{(2)+2} \leq 0 \\
\frac{-4}{-1} \leq 0 & \frac{-1}{2} \leq 0 & \frac{1}{4} \leq 0 \\
4 \leq 0 & -\frac{1}{2} \leq 0 & \\
\begin{array}{l}
\text { *Answer is a } \\
\text { positive value ( }+ \text { ) }
\end{array} & \begin{array}{l}
\text { *Answer is a } \\
\text { negative value ( }- \text { ) }
\end{array} & \begin{array}{l}
\text { *Answer is a } \\
\text { positive value }(+)
\end{array} \\
\hline
\end{array}$

Recommended Video Based on Rational Inequalities Calculator




Solved Examples Based On Rational Inequalities Calculator

Example 1: Find all the values of a for the inequality, $\frac{x^2+a x-2}{x^2-x+1}<2$ holds true for all values of x.
$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { 1) } a \in(-\infty,-6] \cup(2, \infty) \\
& \text { 2) } a \in[-6,2 \\
& \text { 3) } a \in(-\infty,-6) \cup(2, \infty)
\end{aligned}
$
$
\text { 4) } a \in(-6,2)
$

Solution:

This equation can be written as

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{\mathrm{x}^2+\mathrm{ax}-2-2\left(\mathrm{x}^2-\mathrm{x}+1\right)}{\mathrm{x}^2-\mathrm{x}+1}<0 \\ & \Rightarrow \frac{-x^2+(a+2) x-4}{x^2-x+1}<0 \\ & \mathrm{x}^2-\mathrm{x}+1, \mathrm{D}=1-4=-3 \text { also } \mathrm{a}>0, \text { it is always positive, so it can be cross multiplied } \\ & \Rightarrow-x^2+(a+2) x-4<0 \\ & \Rightarrow x^2-(a+2) x+4>0 \\ & \Rightarrow \text { for this to be always positive discriminant must be }-\mathrm{ve} \text {, hence } \\ & (\mathrm{a}+2)^2-16<0 \\ & (a+2+4)(a+2-4)<0 \\ & (a+6)(a-2)<0 \\ & \Rightarrow a \in(-6,2)\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is option (2).

Example 2: For what values of 'a', the inequality $\frac{x^2+a x-2}{x^2-x+1}>-3$ holds true for all real values of x?

1) $(-1,0)$

2) $(-1,7)$

3) $(-7, 0)$

4) $(0, 7)$

Solution:

This equation can be written as

$\frac{x^2+a x-2+3\left(x^2-x+1\right)}{x^2-x+1}>0 \Rightarrow \frac{4 x^2+(a-3) x+1}{x^2-x+1}>0$ since denominator is always + ve, hence numerator must be + ve $\Rightarrow 4 x^2+(a-3) x+1>0 \Rightarrow D<0$

where, 10 is the discriminant of the polynomial equation $4 x^2+(a-3) x+1$ $1>0$ and $D=b^2-4 a$ $\Rightarrow(a-3)^2-16<0 \Rightarrow a \in(-1.7)$

Hence, the answer is the option 2.

Example 3: The last integral value $\alpha$ of $x$ , such that $\frac{x-5}{x^2+5 x-14}>0$ satisfies

$\begin{aligned} & \text { 1) } a^2+3 a-4=0 \\ & \text { 2) } a^2-5 a+4=0 \\ & \text { 3) } a^2-7 a+6=0 \\ & \text { 4) } a^2+5 a-6=0\end{aligned}$

Solution:

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{x-5}{x^2+5 x-14}>0 \\ & \frac{x-5}{(x-2)(x+7)}>0 \\ & -7<x<2 \quad \text { or } \quad x>5\end{aligned}$

$\alpha=-6$ satisfies the given condition. Also, it satisfies the equation:

$\alpha^2+5 \alpha-6=0$

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 4: The interval of x for the inequality $\frac{x}{x-1} \geq 0$ is

$\begin{aligned} & \text { 1) } x \in(0,1 \\ & \text { 2) } x \in[0,1) \\ & \text { 3) } x \in(-\infty, 0] \cup(1, \infty) \\ & \text { 4) } x \in(-\infty, 0) \cup[1, \infty)\end{aligned}$

Solution

Here, critical points are $x=0,1$

The critical points are marked on the real number line. Starting with a positive sign in the rightmost interval, we denote signs of adjacent intervals by the alternating sign.

Hence, $x \in(-\infty, 0] \cup(1, \infty)$

correct option is (c)

Example 5: For $a \in C$, let $A=\{z \in C: \operatorname{Re}(a+\bar{z})>\operatorname{Im}(\bar{a}+z)\}$ and $B=\{z \in C: \operatorname{Re}(a+\bar{z})<\operatorname{Im}(\bar{a}+z)\}$.The among two statements:
(S1): If Re (a), Im (a) > 0, then the set A contains all the real numbers
(S2): If Re (a), Im (a) < 0, then the set B contains all the real numbers,

1) only (S1) is true

2) both are false

3) only (S2) is true

4) both are true

Solution:

$\begin{aligned} & \text { Let }{ }^a=\mathrm{x}_1+\mathrm{i} \mathrm{y}_1 z=\mathrm{x}+\mathrm{iy} \\ & \text { Now } \operatorname{Re}(a+z)>\operatorname{Im}(\bar{a}+z) \\ & \therefore \mathrm{x}_1+\mathrm{x}>-\mathrm{y}_1+\mathrm{y} \\ & \mathrm{x}_1=2, \mathrm{y}_1=10, \mathrm{x}=-12, \mathrm{y}=0\end{aligned}$
Given inequality is not valid for these values.
S1 is false.$\begin{aligned} & \text { Now } \operatorname{Re}(a+\bar{z})<\operatorname{lm}(\bar{a}+z) \\ & \mathrm{x}_1+\mathrm{x}<-\mathrm{y}_1+\mathrm{y} \\ & \mathrm{x}_1=-2, \mathrm{y}_1=-10, \mathrm{x}=12, \mathrm{y}=0\end{aligned}$
Given inequality is not valid for these values.
S2 is false.

Hence, the answer is the option (2).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a rational inequality?
A rational inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two rational expressions using inequality symbols (<, >, ≤, or ≥). It involves fractions of polynomials and requires solving to find the values that make the inequality true.
2. How does a rational inequalities calculator work?
A rational inequalities calculator is a tool that solves rational inequalities by following these steps: 1) Isolate the rational expression on one side, 2) Find the roots and critical points, 3) Determine the sign of the expression in each interval, and 4) Identify the intervals that satisfy the inequality.
3. Why can't I simply cross-multiply when solving rational inequalities?
Cross-multiplication can change the direction of the inequality if the denominator is negative. Instead, you need to consider the sign of the denominator and solve the inequality by analyzing intervals where the rational expression is defined and undefined.
4. What are the key steps in solving a rational inequality manually?
The key steps are: 1) Factor the numerator and denominator, 2) Find the roots and undefined points, 3) Create a sign chart, 4) Determine the intervals where the inequality is satisfied, and 5) Express the solution in interval notation or on a number line.
5. How do I handle a rational inequality with a "greater than or equal to" (≥) sign?
Treat it similarly to a "greater than" inequality, but include the equality case. In your solution, use closed brackets [ ] for endpoints that are included in the solution set, rather than open parentheses ( ).
6. What's the difference between solving rational equations and rational inequalities?
Rational equations seek specific solutions where two rational expressions are equal. Rational inequalities find ranges of values that satisfy the inequality. Inequalities often have interval solutions, while equations typically have discrete solutions.
7. How do I determine the domain of a rational inequality?
The domain of a rational inequality includes all real numbers except those that make the denominator zero. Identify these excluded values by setting the denominator equal to zero and solving for the variable.
8. What role do critical points play in solving rational inequalities?
Critical points are values where the rational expression equals zero or is undefined. They divide the number line into intervals where the expression's sign doesn't change, helping you determine where the inequality is satisfied.
9. Can a rational inequality have no solution?
Yes, a rational inequality can have no solution if the inequality is never satisfied for any real number. This can happen when the inequality contradicts the nature of the rational expression.
10. How do I interpret the output of a rational inequalities calculator?
The output is typically expressed in interval notation or as a union of intervals. It represents the range of x-values that satisfy the inequality. Parentheses ( ) indicate open intervals, while brackets [ ] indicate closed intervals.
11. What's the significance of the "test point" method in solving rational inequalities?
The test point method involves choosing a convenient value within each interval to determine the sign of the rational expression. It helps verify which intervals satisfy the inequality without extensive calculations.
12. How do compound rational inequalities differ from simple ones?
Compound rational inequalities involve two or more inequalities combined with "and" or "or" statements. They require solving each inequality separately and then combining the results based on the logical connectors.
13. Why is it important to consider the denominator's sign in rational inequalities?
The denominator's sign can affect the direction of the inequality. When the denominator is negative, the inequality sign must be reversed to maintain the correct relationship between the expressions.
14. How do I handle a rational inequality where both sides have fractions?
First, move all terms to one side to create a single fraction. Then, set this fraction less than (or greater than) zero and solve the resulting inequality using standard techniques for rational inequalities.
15. What's the connection between rational inequalities and polynomial inequalities?
Rational inequalities are more complex because they involve fractions of polynomials. However, the solving process often involves converting the rational inequality into a related polynomial inequality by multiplying both sides by the common denominator.
16. How does graphing help in understanding rational inequalities?
Graphing the rational function can visually represent where it's positive, negative, or zero. The solution to the inequality corresponds to the x-values where the graph satisfies the given condition (above or below the x-axis).
17. What are some common mistakes students make when solving rational inequalities?
Common mistakes include forgetting to consider undefined points, incorrectly handling negative denominators, misinterpreting interval notation, and failing to check solutions in the original inequality.
18. How do I solve a rational inequality with absolute values?
Break the inequality into cases based on the absolute value definition. Solve each case separately as a rational inequality, then combine the results to find the complete solution set.
19. Can rational inequalities have infinitely many solutions?
Yes, rational inequalities often have infinitely many solutions, represented as intervals on the real number line. For example, x > 2 in a rational inequality could mean all numbers greater than 2.
20. How do I verify my solution to a rational inequality?
Choose test points within and outside your solution intervals. Substitute these into the original inequality to confirm that points inside the solution satisfy the inequality, while those outside do not.
21. What's the importance of strict vs. non-strict inequalities in rational expressions?
Strict inequalities (< or >) exclude the boundary points, while non-strict inequalities (≤ or ≥) include them. This distinction affects whether interval endpoints are included (closed) or excluded (open) in the solution.
22. How do rational inequalities relate to real-world applications?
Rational inequalities often model real-world scenarios involving rates, proportions, or constraints. For example, they can represent limitations on resource allocation, speed-distance-time relationships, or economic constraints.
23. What's the role of asymptotes in solving rational inequalities?
Vertical asymptotes occur at values that make the denominator zero, indicating undefined points. Horizontal asymptotes can help determine the behavior of the rational expression as x approaches infinity or negative infinity.
24. How do I solve a system of rational inequalities?
Solve each rational inequality separately, then find the intersection of their solution sets. This intersection represents the values that satisfy all inequalities simultaneously.
25. What's the difference between weak and strict rational inequalities?
Weak inequalities include the equality case (≤ or ≥) and result in closed intervals in the solution. Strict inequalities (< or >) exclude the equality case and result in open intervals.
26. How do I handle rational inequalities with parameters?
Treat the parameter as a constant and solve the inequality in terms of it. The solution may depend on different cases based on the parameter's value, requiring a case-by-case analysis.
27. Can rational inequalities be solved using a graphing calculator?
Yes, graphing calculators can be useful for visualizing rational functions and identifying where they're positive or negative. However, they should be used in conjunction with algebraic methods for precise solutions.
28. What's the significance of the discriminant in rational inequalities?
The discriminant helps determine the nature of the roots of the numerator and denominator polynomials. This information is crucial for identifying critical points and intervals in the solution process.
29. How do I interpret a rational inequality with no real solutions?
A rational inequality with no real solutions means there are no x-values that make the inequality true. This could occur if the inequality contradicts the inherent properties of the rational expression.
30. What's the connection between rational inequalities and limits?
Rational inequalities can help determine the behavior of rational functions near their asymptotes or as x approaches infinity. This connection is useful in calculus when studying limits and function behavior.
31. How do I solve a rational inequality where the variable appears in both numerator and denominator?
Factor both the numerator and denominator, find critical points and undefined values, create a sign chart, and analyze the intervals. The process is similar to simpler rational inequalities but may require more careful analysis of sign changes.
32. What's the importance of continuity in solving rational inequalities?
Continuity helps identify where the rational expression changes sign. Discontinuities (usually at vertical asymptotes) are crucial points to consider when determining the intervals where the inequality is satisfied.
33. How do rational inequalities relate to function domain restrictions?
Rational inequalities can help determine restricted domains of functions. For example, solving x/(x-2) > 0 helps identify where a function like f(x) = √(x/(x-2)) is defined in the real number system.
34. What strategies can I use to simplify complex rational inequalities before solving?
Strategies include factoring, combining like terms, multiplying by the least common denominator to clear fractions, and isolating the variable terms on one side of the inequality.
35. How do I handle rational inequalities with higher degree polynomials?
The process is similar to simpler rational inequalities, but you may need advanced factoring techniques or the rational root theorem to find roots of higher degree polynomials. The number of intervals to consider may increase with polynomial degree.
36. What's the relationship between rational inequalities and polynomial long division?
Polynomial long division can be useful in simplifying complex rational expressions before solving the inequality. It can help identify the behavior of the rational expression for large values of x.
37. How do rational inequalities relate to the concept of piecewise functions?
The solution to a rational inequality often defines a piecewise function. The intervals where the inequality is satisfied correspond to different pieces of the function defined on those intervals.
38. Can rational inequalities have complex number solutions?
Rational inequalities are typically solved over the real number system. While the polynomials involved might have complex roots, the solutions to the inequality are usually expressed as real intervals.
39. How do I approach a rational inequality where the denominator is always positive?
If the denominator is always positive, you don't need to worry about reversing the inequality sign. Focus on finding where the numerator is positive, negative, or zero, considering the original inequality direction.
40. What's the significance of removable discontinuities in rational inequalities?
Removable discontinuities (holes in the graph) occur when a factor cancels between numerator and denominator. While they don't affect the solution intervals, they're important to note for a complete understanding of the function's behavior.
41. How do rational inequalities relate to the concept of function transformations?
Transformations of rational functions (like vertical or horizontal shifts) can change the solution to related rational inequalities. Understanding these transformations can help predict how the inequality's solution will change.
42. What role does factoring by grouping play in solving rational inequalities?
Factoring by grouping can be crucial for more complex rational expressions, especially when standard factoring methods don't work. It helps identify zeros of the numerator and denominator, which are key to solving the inequality.
43. How do I approach rational inequalities involving absolute value in the denominator?
Treat the absolute value in the denominator carefully. Remember that the absolute value is always non-negative, which affects how you consider sign changes and potential undefined points.
44. What's the connection between rational inequalities and the intermediate value theorem?
The intermediate value theorem helps justify why we can use sign charts in solving rational inequalities. It ensures that a continuous function takes on all values between any two of its function values.
45. How do rational inequalities relate to optimization problems in calculus?
Rational inequalities often arise in optimization problems, especially when dealing with constraints. They can help define the feasible region where an optimal solution might exist.
46. What's the importance of end behavior in analyzing rational inequalities?
End behavior (as x approaches positive or negative infinity) helps determine the sign of the rational expression for very large or very small x-values. This is crucial for determining unbounded solution intervals.
47. How do I handle rational inequalities with trigonometric functions?
Treat trigonometric functions as variables initially. Solve the inequality algebraically, then consider the periodic nature of trigonometric functions to fully describe the solution set.
48. What's the significance of the Rational Root Theorem in solving rational inequalities?
The Rational Root Theorem can help identify potential rational roots of the polynomials in the numerator and denominator. This is particularly useful for higher degree polynomials where factoring is challenging.
49. How do rational inequalities relate to the concept of function composition?
Rational inequalities can arise from composing functions. Understanding how to decompose these inequalities can provide insights into the behavior of composite functions and their domains.
50. What's the connection between rational inequalities and linear programming?
Rational inequalities can represent constraints in linear programming problems, especially when dealing with rates or proportions. They help define feasible regions in more complex optimization scenarios.

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