Worked solution
Keep the sign of x when solving a rational inequality
Self-Practice 2: without using a calculator, find the set of values of x satisfying .
CJC · Lecture · Self-Practice 2
Put the comparison over one denominator
For x≠0, . Thus require . The critical values are −2,0,1; the interval signs are −,+,−,+. The solution set is , retaining the printed answer. All three endpoints are excluded. This working explains the answer supplied in the self-practice box.
How did this part go?
Common mistakes
Do not multiply by x until you have separated its positive and negative cases.