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 43c
Textbook Question
Solve each rational inequality in Exercises 43–60 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation. (x−4)/(x+3) > 0
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<Step 1: Identify the critical points. Set the numerator and denominator equal to zero separately. Solve x - 4 = 0 and x + 3 = 0 to find the critical points.>
<Step 2: Determine the intervals. Use the critical points to divide the number line into intervals. The critical points are x = 4 and x = -3, so the intervals are (-∞, -3), (-3, 4), and (4, ∞).>
<Step 3: Test each interval. Choose a test point from each interval and substitute it into the inequality (x - 4)/(x + 3) > 0 to determine if the inequality holds in that interval.>
<Step 4: Analyze the sign of the expression. For each interval, determine if the expression is positive or negative based on the test point results.>
<Step 5: Write the solution set. Based on the intervals where the inequality holds true, express the solution set in interval notation, excluding any points where the expression is undefined or equals zero.>
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Inequalities
Rational inequalities involve expressions that are ratios of polynomials set in relation to zero, typically using inequality symbols like '>', '<', '≥', or '≤'. To solve these inequalities, one must determine where the rational expression is positive or negative, which often requires finding critical points where the expression equals zero or is undefined.
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Critical Points
Critical points are values of the variable that make the rational expression equal to zero or undefined. For the inequality (x−4)/(x+3) > 0, the critical points are found by setting the numerator (x−4) to zero and the denominator (x+3) to zero. These points divide the number line into intervals that can be tested to determine where the inequality holds true.
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Interval Notation
Interval notation is a mathematical notation used to represent a range of values on the real number line. It uses parentheses and brackets to indicate whether endpoints are included (closed intervals) or excluded (open intervals). For example, the solution set for the inequality can be expressed in interval notation to succinctly convey the range of x-values that satisfy the inequality.
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