Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
1. Equations & Inequalities
Linear Inequalities
Problem 47d
Textbook Question
Solve each polynomial inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Examples 2 and 3. x^4 + 6x^2 + 1 ≥ 4x^3 + 4x
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1
Rewrite the inequality in standard form by moving all terms to one side: \(x^4 + 6x^2 + 1 - 4x^3 - 4x \geq 0\).
Rearrange the terms in descending order of powers: \(x^4 - 4x^3 + 6x^2 - 4x + 1 \geq 0\).
Factor the polynomial, if possible, to find the critical points. This may involve using techniques such as synthetic division or the Rational Root Theorem.
Determine the critical points by setting each factor equal to zero and solving for \(x\).
Use a sign chart or test intervals between the critical points to determine where the inequality holds true, and express the solution set in interval notation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Inequalities
Polynomial inequalities involve expressions where a polynomial is compared to a value using inequality symbols (e.g., ≥, ≤). To solve these inequalities, one typically rearranges the equation to set it to zero, transforming it into a standard form that can be analyzed for its roots and intervals of positivity or negativity.
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Interval Notation
Interval notation is a mathematical notation used to represent a range of values. It uses parentheses and brackets to indicate whether endpoints are included (closed intervals) or excluded (open intervals). For example, the interval [a, b) includes 'a' but not 'b', which is essential for expressing solution sets of inequalities.
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Finding Roots and Test Intervals
Finding the roots of a polynomial is crucial for solving polynomial inequalities, as these roots divide the number line into intervals. By testing points within these intervals, one can determine where the polynomial is positive or negative, which helps in identifying the solution set for the inequality.
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Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property
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