Source: Extra Practice
Solve the inequality: (x - 1)²(x - 2) / (x - 3) ≥ 0.
Options
Option A is correct
x ∈ (-∞, 2] ∪ (3, ∞)
Option B
x ∈ [2, 3)
Option C
x ∈ (-∞, 1] ∪ [2, 3)
Option D
x ∈ (3, ∞)
Explanation
The factor (x - 1)² is always non-negative for all real x. Therefore, the sign of the expression depends on (x - 2) / (x - 3), except at x = 1 where the expression is 0 (which satisfies ≥ 0). Solving (x - 2) / (x - 3) ≥ 0: critical points are 2 and 3. Testing intervals gives (-∞, 2] ∪ (3, ∞). Since x = 1 is already included in the interval (-∞, 2], the final solution is x ∈ (-∞, 2] ∪ (3, ∞).