<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >

Using interval notation to express all real numbers less than or equal to a Or greater than or equal to b

Write the interval expressing all real numbers less than or equal to −1 or greater than or equal to 1.

We have to write two intervals for this example. The first interval must indicate all real numbers less than or equal to 1. So, this interval begins at and ends at −1 , which is written as ( , −1 ] .

The second interval must show all real numbers greater than or equal to 1 , which is written as [ 1 , ) . However, we want to combine these two sets. We accomplish this by inserting the union symbol, , between the two intervals.

( , −1 ] [ 1 , )
Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Express all real numbers less than −2 or greater than or equal to 3 in interval notation.

( , −2 ) [ 3 , )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Using the properties of inequalities

When we work with inequalities, we can usually treat them similarly to but not exactly as we treat equalities. We can use the addition property and the multiplication property to help us solve them. The one exception is when we multiply or divide by a negative number; doing so reverses the inequality symbol.

Properties of inequalities

A d d i t i o n   P r o p e r t y If  a < b ,  then  a + c < b + c . M u l t i p l i c a t i o n   P r o p e r t y If  a < b  and  c > 0 ,  then  a c < b c . If  a < b  and  c < 0 ,  then  a c > b c .

These properties also apply to a b , a > b , and a b .

Demonstrating the addition property

Illustrate the addition property for inequalities by solving each of the following:

  • (a) x 15 < 4
  • (b) 6 x 1
  • (c) x + 7 > 9

The addition property for inequalities states that if an inequality exists, adding or subtracting the same number on both sides does not change the inequality.


  1. x 15 < 4 x 15 + 15 < 4 + 15   Add 15 to both sides . x < 19

  2. 6 x 1 6 + 1 x 1 + 1 Add 1 to both sides . 7 x

  3. x + 7 > 9 x + 7 7 > 9 7 Subtract 7 from both sides . x > 2
Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Solve: 3 x −2 < 1.

x < 1

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Demonstrating the multiplication property

Illustrate the multiplication property for inequalities by solving each of the following:

  1. 3 x < 6
  2. −2 x 1 5
  3. 5 x > 10

  1. 3 x < 6 1 3 ( 3 x ) < ( 6 ) 1 3 x < 2

  2. 2 x 1 5 2 x 6 ( 1 2 ) ( 2 x ) ( 6 ) ( 1 2 ) Multiply by  1 2 . x 3 Reverse the inequality .

  3. 5 x > 10 x > 5 ( 1 ) ( x ) > ( 5 ) ( 1 ) Multiply by  1. x < 5 Reverse the inequality .
Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Solve: 4 x + 7 2 x 3.

x −5

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Solving inequalities in one variable algebraically

As the examples have shown, we can perform the same operations on both sides of an inequality, just as we do with equations; we combine like terms and perform operations. To solve, we isolate the variable.

Solving an inequality algebraically

Solve the inequality: 13 7 x 10 x 4.

Solving this inequality is similar to solving an equation up until the last step.

13 7 x 10 x 4 13 17 x −4 Move variable terms to one side of the inequality . −17 x −17 Isolate the variable term . x 1 Dividing both sides by  −17  reverses the inequality .

The solution set is given by the interval ( , 1 ] , or all real numbers less than and including 1.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Solve the inequality and write the answer using interval notation: x + 4 < 1 2 x + 1.

( 2 , )

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Solving an inequality with fractions

Solve the following inequality and write the answer in interval notation: 3 4 x 5 8 + 2 3 x .

We begin solving in the same way we do when solving an equation.

3 4 x 5 8 + 2 3 x 3 4 x 2 3 x 5 8 Put variable terms on one side . 9 12 x 8 12 x 5 8 Write fractions with common denominator . 17 12 x 5 8 x 5 8 ( 12 17 ) Multiplying by a negative number reverses the inequality . x 15 34

The solution set is the interval ( , 15 34 ] .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Questions & Answers

calculate molarity of NaOH solution when 25.0ml of NaOH titrated with 27.2ml of 0.2m H2SO4
Gasin Reply
what's Thermochemistry
rhoda Reply
the study of the heat energy which is associated with chemical reactions
Kaddija
How was CH4 and o2 was able to produce (Co2)and (H2o
Edafe Reply
explain please
Victory
First twenty elements with their valences
Martine Reply
what is chemistry
asue Reply
what is atom
asue
what is the best way to define periodic table for jamb
Damilola Reply
what is the change of matter from one state to another
Elijah Reply
what is isolation of organic compounds
IKyernum Reply
what is atomic radius
ThankGod Reply
Read Chapter 6, section 5
Dr
Read Chapter 6, section 5
Kareem
Atomic radius is the radius of the atom and is also called the orbital radius
Kareem
atomic radius is the distance between the nucleus of an atom and its valence shell
Amos
Read Chapter 6, section 5
paulino
Bohr's model of the theory atom
Ayom Reply
is there a question?
Dr
when a gas is compressed why it becomes hot?
ATOMIC
It has no oxygen then
Goldyei
read the chapter on thermochemistry...the sections on "PV" work and the First Law of Thermodynamics should help..
Dr
Which element react with water
Mukthar Reply
Mgo
Ibeh
an increase in the pressure of a gas results in the decrease of its
Valentina Reply
definition of the periodic table
Cosmos Reply
What is the lkenes
Da Reply
what were atoms composed of?
Moses Reply
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply
Practice Key Terms 4

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, College algebra. OpenStax CNX. Feb 06, 2015 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11759/1.3
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'College algebra' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask