for which a given rational expression or product is positive, negative, or zero. 1. Identify critical points

Test a value from each resulting interval on the number line by plugging it back into the original expression to see if the result is positive ( ) or negative ( −negative ). Alternatively, check the leading coefficients: if all

). You can find visual walkthroughs and step-by-step breakdowns for this specific problem on Skysmart or watch a video explanation on Rutube . 5. Write the interval notation Express your final answer using interval notation, such as

Use (solid dots) if the inequality includes equality ( ≤is less than or equal to ≥is greater than or equal to ), provided the point is not in the denominator. 3. Determine sign intervals

The solution to in the 9th-grade Algebra textbook by Makarychev, Mindyuk, Neshkov, and Suvorova involves solving inequalities using the interval method .

Draw a horizontal number line and mark your critical points in increasing order. Use (light dots) if the inequality is strict ( is greater than

terms are positive, the rightmost interval is usually positive, and signs alternate at each simple root. 4. Shade the solution