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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 12

Solve each polynomial inequality in Exercises 1–42 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation. 9x2+3x−2≥0

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1
Start by writing down the inequality: \(9x^2 + 3x - 2 \geq 0\).
Find the roots of the quadratic equation \$9x^2 + 3x - 2 = 0\( by using the quadratic formula: \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\), where \)a=9\(, \)b=3\(, and \)c=-2$.
Calculate the discriminant \(\Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 3^2 - 4 \times 9 \times (-2)\) to determine the nature of the roots.
Use the roots found to divide the real number line into intervals. Test a value from each interval in the original inequality \(9x^2 + 3x - 2 \geq 0\) to determine where the inequality holds true.
Express the solution set as the union of intervals where the inequality is satisfied, and write the solution in interval notation. Then, graph these intervals on a real number line.

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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 or another value using inequality symbols (>, <, ≥, ≤). Solving them requires finding the values of the variable that make the inequality true, often by analyzing the sign of the polynomial over different intervals.
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Factoring Quadratic Polynomials

Factoring is the process of expressing a quadratic polynomial as a product of two binomials. This helps identify the roots or zeros of the polynomial, which are critical points for determining where the polynomial changes sign in inequality problems.
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Interval Notation and Number Line Graphing

Interval notation is a concise way to represent sets of real numbers, especially solution sets of inequalities. Graphing on a number line visually shows where the polynomial satisfies the inequality, using open or closed dots to indicate whether endpoints are included.
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