# Inequalities

• September 13th 2007, 10:28 AM
Simplicity
Inequalities
$\frac 1{3x^2-x-2}<0$

I understand that in algebra inequalities one side has to be made zero but in the equation shown above, I am unable to find the set of values that satisfies the equation.
• September 13th 2007, 10:34 AM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by Air
$\frac 1{3x^2-x-2}<0$

I understand that in algebra inequalities one side has to be made zero but in the equation shown above, I am unable to find the set of values that satisfies the equation.

well, we know that < 0 means it is negative, correct? and if the numerator of a fraction is positive, the only way to make it negative is if we make the denominator negative.

now, 1 is a positive number, therefore, to make the fraction $\frac {1}{3x^2 - x - 2} < 0$, we must have that $3x^2 - x - 2 < 0$

so now, your problem is actually to solve this last inequality. treat the < sign as an equal sign at first and solve (you keep writing "<" but treat it as if it were "="); then make sure the interval solutions you choose for your x-values make the solution set negative.