How can we find out the interval in an inequality? I have the inequality: ( x + 2 )

Kamren Reilly

Kamren Reilly

Answered question

2022-06-03

How can we find out the interval in an inequality?
I have the inequality: ( x + 2 ) ( x 3 ) < 0 . In thise case, I'm expected to find out two values by evaluation ( x + 2 ) = 0 and ( x 3 ) = 0 and then divide the real number line in 4 intervals and figure out for which intervals the inequality holds by figuring out whether the expression on the LHS is less than 0 or greater than 0.

Answer & Explanation

Barbeyiae6a

Barbeyiae6a

Beginner2022-06-04Added 4 answers

Step 1
For a continuous function f(x) on [ a , b ] , let
f ( a ) > 0
and
f ( b ) < 0
or vice-versa. Then, by the intermediate value theorem, there exists c ( a , b ) such that f ( c ) = 0 .
So, when a continuous function changes sign, the graph must pass through the x-axis where its value is zero.
Suppose f ( p ) = 0 and f ( q ) = 0 , p < q , such that f ( x ) 0 in (p, q). Then, in the interval (p, q), f must either be positive throughout or negative throughout. If this were not true, then, as seen above, there would be some p < r < q such that f ( r ) = 0 . So, the zeroes of f demarcate the interval into regions where it is either only positive or only negative. This makes it easy to check the sign by simply finding the sign of the function at any convenient point in the interval.
bulbareeh5kl

bulbareeh5kl

Beginner2022-06-05Added 1 answers

Step 1
In high school we learn that y = ( x + 1 ) ( x + 3 ) = x 2 + 4 x + 3 is the equation of a (vertical) parabola opening upwards, and thus it is negative (meaning ( x + 1 ) ( x + 3 ) < 0 which is precisely when its graph is below the x− axis) exactly between its roots, meaning y < 0 3 < x < 1 , and positive otherwise.
Using this very beautiful relation between algebra and geometry makes things much simpler, in my opinion, and also more intuitive.
For zero: ( x + 1 ) ( x + 3 ) = 0 it is way simpler: we know that a b = 0 a = 0 or b = 0 , that's why we do what you say we do to solve these equalities

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?