Learning Objectives
In this section you will:
- Use interval notation.
- Use properties of inequalities.
- Solve inequalities in one variable algebraically.
- Solve absolute value inequalities.
It is not easy to make the honor role at most top universities. Suppose students were required to carry a course load of at least 12 credit hours and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or above. How could these honor roll requirements be expressed mathematically? In this section, we will explore various ways to express different sets of numbers, inequalities, and absolute value inequalities.
Using Interval Notation
Indicating the solution to an inequality such as[latex]\,x\ge 4\,[/latex]can be achieved in several ways.
We can use a number line as shown in (Figure). The blue ray begins at[latex]\,x=4\,[/latex]and, as indicated by the arrowhead, continues to infinity, which illustrates that the solution set includes all real numbers greater than or equal to 4.
We can use set-builder notation:[latex]\,\left\{x|x\ge 4\right\},[/latex]which translates to “all real numbers x such that x is greater than or equal to 4.” Notice that braces are used to indicate a set.
The third method is interval notation, in which solution sets are indicated with parentheses or brackets. The solutions to[latex]\,x\ge 4\,[/latex]are represented as[latex]\,\left[4,\infty \right).\,[/latex]This is perhaps the most useful method, as it applies to concepts studied later in this course and to other higher-level math courses.
The main concept to remember is that parentheses represent solutions greater or less than the number, and brackets represent solutions that are greater than or equal to or less than or equal to the number. Use parentheses to represent infinity or negative infinity, since positive and negative infinity are not numbers in the usual sense of the word and, therefore, cannot be “equaled.” A few examples of an interval, or a set of numbers in which a solution falls, are[latex]\,\left[-2,6\right),[/latex]or all numbers between[latex]\,-2\,[/latex]and[latex]\,6,[/latex]including[latex]\,-2,[/latex]but not including[latex]\,6;[/latex][latex]\left(-1,0\right),[/latex]all real numbers between, but not including[latex]\,-1\,[/latex]and[latex]\,0;[/latex]and[latex]\,\left(-\infty ,1\right],[/latex]all real numbers less than and including[latex]\,1.\,[/latex](Figure) outlines the possibilities.
Set Indicated | Set-Builder Notation | Interval Notation |
---|---|---|
All real numbers between a and b, but not including a or b | [latex]\left\{x|a[latex]\left(a,b\right)[/latex] |
|
All real numbers greater than a, but not including a | [latex]\left\{x|x>a\right\}[/latex] | [latex]\left(a,\infty \right)[/latex] |
All real numbers less than b, but not including b | [latex]\left\{x|x | [latex]\left(-\infty ,b\right)[/latex] |
All real numbers greater than a, including a | [latex]\left\{x|x\ge a\right\}[/latex] | [latex]\left[a,\infty \right)[/latex] |
All real numbers less than b, including b | [latex]\left\{x|x\le b\right\}[/latex] | [latex]\left(-\infty ,b\right][/latex] |
All real numbers between a and b, including a | [latex]\left\{x|a\le x | [latex]\left[a,b\right)[/latex] |
All real numbers between a and b, including b | [latex]\left\{x|a[latex]\left(a,b\right][/latex] |
|
All real numbers between a and b, including a and b | [latex]\left\{x|a\le x\le b\right\}[/latex] | [latex]\left[a,b\right][/latex] |
All real numbers less than a or greater than b | [latex]\left\{x|xb\right\}[/latex] | [latex]\left(-\infty ,a\right)\cup \left(b,\infty \right)[/latex] |
All real numbers | [latex]\left\{x|x\text{ is all real numbers}\right\}[/latex] | [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex] |
Using Interval Notation to Express All Real Numbers Greater Than or Equal to a
Use interval notation to indicate all real numbers greater than or equal to[latex]\,-2.[/latex]
Try It
Use interval notation to indicate all real numbers between and including[latex]\,-3\,[/latex]and[latex]\,5.[/latex]
Using Interval Notation to Express All Real Numbers Less Than or Equal to a or Greater Than or Equal to b
Write the interval expressing all real numbers less than or equal to[latex]\,-1\,[/latex]or greater than or equal to[latex]\,1.[/latex]
Try It
Express all real numbers less than[latex]\,-2\,[/latex]or greater than or equal to 3 in interval notation.
Using the Properties of Inequalities
When we work with inequalities, we can usually treat them similarly to but not exactly as we treat equalities. We can use the addition property and the multiplication property to help us solve them. The one exception is when we multiply or divide by a negative number; doing so reverses the inequality symbol.
Properties of Inequalities
These properties also apply to[latex]\,a\le b,[/latex][latex]a>b,[/latex]and[latex]\,a\ge b.[/latex]
Demonstrating the Addition Property
Illustrate the addition property for inequalities by solving each of the following:
- (a) [latex]x-15<4[/latex]
- (b) [latex]6\ge x-1[/latex]
- (c) [latex]x+7>9[/latex]
Try It
Solve:[latex]\,3x-2<1.[/latex]
Demonstrating the Multiplication Property
Illustrate the multiplication property for inequalities by solving each of the following:
- [latex]3x<6[/latex]
- [latex]-2x-1\ge 5[/latex]
- [latex]5-x>10[/latex]
Try It
Solve:[latex]\,4x+7\ge 2x-3.[/latex]
Solving Inequalities in One Variable Algebraically
As the examples have shown, we can perform the same operations on both sides of an inequality, just as we do with equations; we combine like terms and perform operations. To solve, we isolate the variable.
Solving an Inequality Algebraically
Solve the inequality:[latex]\,13-7x\ge 10x-4.[/latex]
Try It
Solve the inequality and write the answer using interval notation:[latex]\,-x+4<\frac{1}{2}x+1.[/latex]
Solving an Inequality with Fractions
Solve the following inequality and write the answer in interval notation:[latex]\,-\frac{3}{4}x\ge -\frac{5}{8}+\frac{2}{3}x.[/latex]
Try It
Solve the inequality and write the answer in interval notation:[latex]\,-\frac{5}{6}x\le \frac{3}{4}+\frac{8}{3}x.[/latex]
Understanding Compound Inequalities
A compound inequality includes two inequalities in one statement. A statement such as[latex]\,4 Solve the compound inequality:[latex]\,3\le 2x+2<6.[/latex] Solve the compound inequality:[latex]\,4<2x-8\le 10.[/latex] Solve the compound inequality with variables in all three parts:[latex]\,3+x>7x-2>5x-10.[/latex] Solve the compound inequality:[latex]\,3y<4-5y<5+3y.[/latex] As we know, the absolute value of a quantity is a positive number or zero. From the origin, a point located at[latex]\,\left(-x,0\right)\,[/latex]has an absolute value of[latex]\,x,[/latex]as it is x units away. Consider absolute value as the distance from one point to another point. Regardless of direction, positive or negative, the distance between the two points is represented as a positive number or zero. An absolute value inequality is an equation of the form Where A, and sometimes B, represents an algebraic expression dependent on a variable x. Solving the inequality means finding the set of all [latex]\,x[/latex]–values that satisfy the problem. Usually this set will be an interval or the union of two intervals and will include a range of values. There are two basic approaches to solving absolute value inequalities: graphical and algebraic. The advantage of the graphical approach is we can read the solution by interpreting the graphs of two equations. The advantage of the algebraic approach is that solutions are exact, as precise solutions are sometimes difficult to read from a graph. Suppose we want to know all possible returns on an investment if we could earn some amount of money within $200 of $600. We can solve algebraically for the set of x-values such that the distance between[latex]\,x\,[/latex]and 600 is less than 200. We represent the distance between[latex]\,x\,[/latex]and 600 as[latex]\,|x-600|,[/latex]and therefore,[latex]\,|x-600|\le 200\,[/latex]or This means our returns would be between $400 and $800. To solve absolute value inequalities, just as with absolute value equations, we write two inequalities and then solve them independently. For an algebraic expression X, and[latex]\,k>0,[/latex]an absolute value inequality is an inequality of the form These statements also apply to[latex]\,|X|\le k\,[/latex]and[latex]\,|X|\ge k.[/latex] Describe all values[latex]\,x\,[/latex]within a distance of 4 from the number 5. Describe all x-values within a distance of 3 from the number 2. Solve [latex]|x-1|\le 3[/latex]. Given the equation [latex]y=-\frac{1}{2}|4x-5|+3,[/latex]determine the x-values for which the y-values are negative.
Solve[latex]\,-2|k-4|\le -6.[/latex] Access these online resources for additional instruction and practice with linear inequalities and absolute value inequalities. When solving an inequality, explain what happened from Step 1 to Step 2: [latex]\begin{array}{ll}\text{Step 1}\hfill & \phantom{\rule{2em}{0ex}}-2x>6\hfill \\ \text{Step 2}\hfill & \phantom{\rule{3em}{0ex}}x<-3\hfill \end{array}[/latex] When solving an inequality, we arrive at: [latex]\begin{array}{l}x+2 Explain what our solution set is. When writing our solution in interval notation, how do we represent all the real numbers? When solving an inequality, we arrive at: [latex]\begin{array}{l}x+2>x+3\hfill \\ \phantom{\rule{1.2em}{0ex}}2>3\hfill \end{array}[/latex] Explain what our solution set is. Describe how to graph[latex]\,y=|x-3|[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the inequality. Write your final answer in interval notation. [latex]4x-7\le 9[/latex] [latex]3x+2\ge 7x-1[/latex] [latex]-2x+3>x-5[/latex] [latex]4\left(x+3\right)\ge 2x-1[/latex] [latex]-\frac{1}{2}x\le \frac{-5}{4}+\frac{2}{5}x[/latex] [latex]-5\left(x-1\right)+3>3x-4-4x[/latex] [latex]-3\left(2x+1\right)>-2\left(x+4\right)[/latex] [latex]\frac{x+3}{8}-\frac{x+5}{5}\ge \frac{3}{10}[/latex] [latex]\frac{x-1}{3}+\frac{x+2}{5}\le \frac{3}{5}[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the inequality involving absolute value. Write your final answer in interval notation. [latex]|x+9|\ge -6[/latex] [latex]|2x+3|<7[/latex] [latex]|3x-1|>11[/latex] [latex]|2x+1|+1\le 6[/latex] [latex]|x-2|+4\ge 10[/latex] [latex]|-2x+7|\le 13[/latex] [latex]|x-7|<-4[/latex] [latex]|x-20|>-1[/latex] [latex]|\frac{x-3}{4}|<2[/latex] For the following exercises, describe all the x-values within or including a distance of the given values. Distance of 5 units from the number 7 Distance of 3 units from the number 9 Distance of10 units from the number 4 Distance of 11 units from the number 1 For the following exercises, solve the compound inequality. Express your answer using inequality signs, and then write your answer using interval notation. [latex]-4<3x+2\le 18[/latex] [latex]3x+1>2x-5>x-7[/latex] [latex]3y<5-2y<7+y[/latex] [latex]2x-5<-11\text{ or }5x+1\ge 6[/latex] [latex]x+7 For the following exercises, graph the function. Observe the points of intersection and shade the x-axis representing the solution set to the inequality. Show your graph and write your final answer in interval notation. [latex]|x-1|>2[/latex] [latex]|x+3|\ge 5[/latex] [latex]|x+7|\le 4[/latex] [latex]|x-2|<7[/latex] [latex]|x-2|<0[/latex] For the following exercises, graph both straight lines (left-hand side being y1 and right-hand side being y2) on the same axes. Find the point of intersection and solve the inequality by observing where it is true comparing the y-values of the lines. [latex]x+3<3x-4[/latex] [latex]x-2>2x+1[/latex] [latex]x+1>x+4[/latex] [latex]\frac{1}{2}x+1>\frac{1}{2}x-5[/latex] [latex]4x+1<\frac{1}{2}x+3[/latex] For the following exercises, write the set in interval notation. [latex]\left\{x|-1 [latex]\left\{x|x\ge 7\right\}[/latex] [latex]\left\{x|x<4\right\}[/latex] [latex]\left\{\,x|\,x\text{ is all real numbers}\right\}[/latex] For the following exercises, write the interval in set-builder notation. [latex]\left(-\infty ,6\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(4,+\infty \right)[/latex] [latex]\left[-3,5\right)[/latex] [latex]\left[-4,1\right]\cup \left[9,\infty \right)[/latex] For the following exercises, write the set of numbers represented on the number line in interval notation. For the following exercises, input the left-hand side of the inequality as a Y1 graph in your graphing utility. Enter y2 = the right-hand side. Entering the absolute value of an expression is found in the MATH menu, Num, 1:abs(. Find the points of intersection, recall (2nd CALC 5:intersection, 1st curve, enter, 2nd curve, enter, guess, enter). Copy a sketch of the graph and shade the x-axis for your solution set to the inequality. Write final answers in interval notation. [latex]|x+2|-5<2[/latex] [latex]\frac{-1}{2}|x+2|<4[/latex] [latex]|4x+1|-3>2[/latex] [latex]|x-4|<3[/latex] [latex]|x+2|\ge 5[/latex] Solve[latex]\,|3x+1|=|2x+3|[/latex] Solve[latex]{x}^{2}-x>12[/latex] [latex]\frac{x-5}{x+7}\le 0,[/latex][latex]x\ne -7[/latex] [latex]p=-{x}^{2}+130x-3000\,[/latex]is a profit formula for a small business. Find the set of x-values that will keep this profit positive. In chemistry the volume for a certain gas is given by[latex]\,V=20T,[/latex]where V is measured in cc and T is temperature in ºC. If the temperature varies between 80ºC and 120ºC, find the set of volume values. A basic cellular package costs $20/mo. for 60 min of calling, with an additional charge of $.30/min beyond that time.. The cost formula would be[latex]\,C=\text{\$}20+.30\left(x-60\right).\,[/latex]If you have to keep your bill lower than $50, what is the maximum calling minutes you can use? For the following exercises, find the x-intercept and the y-intercept without graphing. [latex]4x-3y=12[/latex] [latex]2y-4=3x[/latex] For the following exercises, solve for y in terms of x, putting the equation in slope–intercept form. [latex]5x=3y-12[/latex] [latex]2x-5y=7[/latex] For the following exercises, find the distance between the two points. [latex]\left(-2,5\right)\left(4,-1\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(-12,-3\right)\left(-1,5\right)[/latex] Find the distance between the two points[latex]\,\left(-71,432\right)\,[/latex]and[latex]\,\text{(511,218)}\,[/latex]using your calculator, and round your answer to the nearest thousandth. For the following exercises, find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment that joins the two given points. [latex]\left(-1,5\right)\text{ and }\left(4,6\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(-13,5\right)\text{ and }\left(17,18\right)[/latex] For the following exercises, construct a table and graph the equation by plotting at least three points. [latex]y=\frac{1}{2}x+4[/latex] [latex]4x-3y=6[/latex] For the following exercises, solve for[latex]\,x.[/latex] [latex]5x+2=7x-8[/latex] [latex]3\left(x+2\right)-10=x+4[/latex] [latex]7x-3=5[/latex] [latex]12-5\left(x+1\right)=2x-5[/latex] [latex]\frac{2x}{3}-\frac{3}{4}=\frac{x}{6}+\frac{21}{4}[/latex] For the following exercises, solve for[latex]\,x.\,[/latex]State all x-values that are excluded from the solution set. [latex]\frac{x}{{x}^{2}-9}+\frac{4}{x+3}=\frac{3}{{x}^{2}-9}\,[/latex][latex]x\ne 3,-3[/latex] [latex]\frac{1}{2}+\frac{2}{x}=\frac{3}{4}[/latex] For the following exercises, find the equation of the line using the point-slope formula. Passes through these two points:[latex]\,\left(-2,1\right)\text{,}\left(4,2\right).[/latex] Passes through the point[latex]\,\left(-3,4\right)\,[/latex]and has a slope of[latex]\,\frac{-1}{3}.[/latex] Passes through the point[latex]\,\left(-3,4\right)\,[/latex]and is parallel to the graph[latex]\,y=\frac{2}{3}x+5.[/latex] Passes through these two points:[latex]\,\left(5,1\right)\text{,}\left(5,7\right).[/latex] For the following exercises, write and solve an equation to answer each question. The number of males in the classroom is five more than three times the number of females. If the total number of students is 73, how many of each gender are in the class? A man has 72 ft. of fencing to put around a rectangular garden. If the length is 3 times the width, find the dimensions of his garden. A truck rental is $25 plus $.30/mi. Find out how many miles Ken traveled if his bill was $50.20. For the following exercises, use the quadratic equation to solve. [latex]{x}^{2}-5x+9=0[/latex] [latex]2{x}^{2}+3x+7=0[/latex] For the following exercises, name the horizontal component and the vertical component. [latex]4-3i[/latex] [latex]-2-i[/latex] For the following exercises, perform the operations indicated. [latex]\left(9-i\right)-\left(4-7i\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(2+3i\right)-\left(-5-8i\right)[/latex] [latex]2\sqrt{-75}+3\sqrt{25}[/latex] [latex]\sqrt{-16}+4\sqrt{-9}[/latex] [latex]-6i\left(i-5\right)[/latex] [latex]{\left(3-5i\right)}^{2}[/latex] [latex]\sqrt{-4}·\sqrt{-12}[/latex] [latex]\sqrt{-2}\left(\sqrt{-8}-\sqrt{5}\right)[/latex] [latex]\frac{2}{5-3i}[/latex] [latex]\frac{3+7i}{i}[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the quadratic equation by factoring. [latex]2{x}^{2}-7x-4=0[/latex] [latex]3{x}^{2}+18x+15=0[/latex] [latex]25{x}^{2}-9=0[/latex] [latex]7{x}^{2}-9x=0[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the quadratic equation by using the square-root property. [latex]{x}^{2}=49[/latex] [latex]{\left(x-4\right)}^{2}=36[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the quadratic equation by completing the square. [latex]{x}^{2}+8x-5=0[/latex] [latex]4{x}^{2}+2x-1=0[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the quadratic equation by using the quadratic formula. If the solutions are not real, state No real solution. [latex]2{x}^{2}-5x+1=0[/latex] [latex]15{x}^{2}-x-2=0[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the quadratic equation by the method of your choice. [latex]{\left(x-2\right)}^{2}=16[/latex] [latex]{x}^{2}=10x+3[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the equations. [latex]{x}^{\frac{3}{2}}=27[/latex] [latex]{x}^{\frac{1}{2}}-4{x}^{\frac{1}{4}}=0[/latex] [latex]4{x}^{3}+8{x}^{2}-9x-18=0[/latex] [latex]3{x}^{5}-6{x}^{3}=0[/latex] [latex]\sqrt{x+9}=x-3[/latex] [latex]\sqrt{3x+7}+\sqrt{x+2}=1[/latex] [latex]|3x-7|=5[/latex] [latex]|2x+3|-5=9[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the inequality. Write your final answer in interval notation. [latex]5x-8\le 12[/latex] [latex]-2x+5>x-7[/latex] [latex]\frac{x-1}{3}+\frac{x+2}{5}\le \frac{3}{5}[/latex] [latex]|3x+2|+1\le 9[/latex] [latex]|5x-1|>14[/latex] [latex]|x-3|<-4[/latex] For the following exercises, solve the compound inequality. Write your answer in interval notation. [latex]-4<3x+2\le 18[/latex] [latex]3y<1-2y<5+y[/latex] For the following exercises, graph as described. Graph the absolute value function and graph the constant function. Observe the points of intersection and shade the x-axis representing the solution set to the inequality. Show your graph and write your final answer in interval notation. [latex]|x+3|\ge 5[/latex] Graph both straight lines (left-hand side being y1 and right-hand side being y2) on the same axes. Find the point of intersection and solve the inequality by observing where it is true comparing the y-values of the lines. See the interval where the inequality is true. [latex]x+3<3x-4[/latex] Graph the following:[latex]\,2y=3x+4.[/latex] Find the x- and y-intercepts for the following: Find the x- and y-intercepts of this equation, and sketch the graph of the line using just the intercepts plotted. [latex]3x-4y=12[/latex] Find the exact distance between[latex]\,\left(5,-3\right)\,[/latex]and[latex]\,\left(-2,8\right).\,[/latex]Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment joining the two points. Write the interval notation for the set of numbers represented by[latex]\,\left\{x|x\le 9\right\}.[/latex] Solve for x:[latex]\,5x+8=3x-10.[/latex] Solve for x:[latex]\,3\left(2x-5\right)-3\left(x-7\right)=2x-9.[/latex] Solve for x:[latex]\,\frac{x}{2}+1=\frac{4}{x}[/latex] Solve for x:[latex]\,\frac{5}{x+4}=4+\frac{3}{x-2}.[/latex] The perimeter of a triangle is 30 in. The longest side is 2 less than 3 times the shortest side and the other side is 2 more than twice the shortest side. Find the length of each side. Solve for x. Write the answer in simplest radical form. [latex]\frac{{x}^{2}}{3}-x=\frac{-1}{2}[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,3x-8\le 4.[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,|2x+3|<5.[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,|3x-2|\ge 4.[/latex] For the following exercises, find the equation of the line with the given information. Passes through the points[latex]\,\left(-4,2\right)\,[/latex]and[latex]\,\left(5,-3\right).[/latex] Has an undefined slope and passes through the point[latex]\,\left(4,3\right).[/latex] Passes through the point[latex]\,\left(2,1\right)\,[/latex]and is perpendicular to[latex]\,y=\frac{-2}{5}x+3.[/latex] Add these complex numbers:[latex]\,\left(3-2i\right)+\left(4-i\right).[/latex] Simplify:[latex]\,\sqrt{-4}+3\sqrt{-16}.[/latex] Multiply:[latex]\,5i\left(5-3i\right).[/latex] Divide:[latex]\,\frac{4-i}{2+3i}.[/latex] Solve this quadratic equation and write the two complex roots in[latex]\,a+bi\,[/latex]form:[latex]\,{x}^{2}-4x+7=0.[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,{\left(3x-1\right)}^{2}-1=24.[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,{x}^{2}-6x=13.[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,4{x}^{2}-4x-1=0[/latex] Solve: [latex]\sqrt{x-7}=x-7[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,2+\sqrt{12-2x}=x[/latex] Solve:[latex]\,{\left(x-1\right)}^{\frac{2}{3}}=9[/latex] For the following exercises, find the real solutions of each equation by factoring. [latex]2{x}^{3}-{x}^{2}-8x+4=0[/latex] [latex]{\left(x+5\right)}^{2}-3\left(x+5\right)-4=0[/latex]Solving a Compound Inequality
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Solving a Compound Inequality with the Variable in All Three Parts
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Solving Absolute Value Inequalities
Absolute Value Inequalities
Determining a Number within a Prescribed Distance
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Solving an Absolute Value Inequality
Using a Graphical Approach to Solve Absolute Value Inequalities
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Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities
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