Step 1. Write the inequality as one quotient on the left and zero on the right.
Our inequality is in this form. x+3x−1≥0
Step 2. Determine the zero partition numbers—the points where the rational expression will be zero or undefined.
The rational expression will be zero when the numerator is zero. Since x−1=0 when x=1, then 1 is a zero partition number.
The rational expression will be undefined when the denominator is zero. Since x+3=0 when x=−3, then −3 is a zero partition number.
The zero partition numbers are 1 and −3.
Step 3. Use the zero partition numbers to divide the number line into intervals.

The number line is divided into three intervals:
(−∞,−3)(−3,1)(1,∞)
Step 4. Test a value in each interval. Above the number line show the sign of each factor of the rational expression in each interval. Below the number line show the sign of the quotient.
To find the sign of each factor in an interval, we choose any point in that interval and use it as a test point. Any point in the interval will give the expression the same sign, so we can choose any point in the interval.
Interval(−∞,−3)
The number −4 is in the interval (−∞,−3). Test x=−4 in the expression in the numerator and the denominator.

Above the number line, mark the factor x−1 negative and mark the factor x+3 negative.
Since a negative divided by a negative is positive, mark the quotient positive in the interval (−∞,−3).

Interval(−3,1)
The number 0 is in the interval (−3,1). Test x=0.

Above the number line, mark the factor x−1 negative and mark x+3 positive.
Since a negative divided by a positive is negative, the quotient is marked negative in the interval (−3,1).

Interval(1,∞)
The number 2 is in the interval (1,∞). Test x=2.

Above the number line, mark the factor x−1 positive and mark x+3 positive.
Since a positive divided by a positive is positive, mark the quotient positive in the interval (1,∞).

Step 5. Determine the intervals where the inequality is correct. Write the solution in interval notation.
We want the quotient to be greater than or equal to zero, so the numbers in the intervals (−∞,−3) and (1,∞) are solutions.
But what about the zero partition numbers?
The zero partition number x=−3 makes the denominator 0, so it must be excluded from the solution and we mark it with a parenthesis.
The zero partition number x=1 makes the whole rational expression 0. The inequality requires that the rational expression be greater than or equal to 0. So, 1 is part of the solution and we will mark it with a bracket.

Recall that when we have a solution made up of more than one interval we use the union symbol, ∪, to connect the two intervals. The solution in interval notation is (−∞,−3)∪[1,∞).