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 27c
Textbook Question
Solve each polynomial inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. See Examples 2 and 3. (x - 4)(2x + 3)(3x - 1) ≥ 0
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1
Step 1: Set each factor of the polynomial inequality to zero and solve for x. This gives us the critical points. So, we have x - 4 = 0, 2x + 3 = 0, and 3x - 1 = 0.
Step 2: Arrange the solutions from step 1 in ascending order. These values divide the number line into intervals.
Step 3: Choose a test point in each interval and substitute it into the original inequality. If the inequality is true, then the interval is part of the solution set. If the inequality is false, then the interval is not part of the solution set.
Step 4: Combine all the intervals that make the inequality true to form the solution set.
Step 5: Write the solution set in interval notation. Remember, if the inequality is 'greater than or equal to' or 'less than or equal to', we use closed brackets [ or ]. If the inequality is 'greater than' or 'less than', we use open brackets ( or ).
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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 zero using inequality signs (e.g., ≥, ≤, >, <). To solve these inequalities, one must determine the intervals where the polynomial is positive or negative. This often requires finding the roots of the polynomial and testing intervals between these roots.
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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', while (a, b) excludes both endpoints.
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Sign Analysis
Sign analysis is a method used to determine the sign (positive or negative) of a polynomial across different intervals. After identifying the roots of the polynomial, one tests points in each interval to see if the polynomial evaluates to a positive or negative value. This helps in establishing where the polynomial meets the inequality condition.
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