Chapter 18: Problem 81
If \(\left(a, a^{2}\right)\) falls inside the angle made by the lines \(y=\frac{x}{2}\), \(x>0\) and \(y=3 x, x>0\), then \(a\) belongs to (A) \(\left(0, \frac{1}{2}\right)\) (B) \((3, \infty)\) (C) \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 3\right)\) (D) \(\left(-3,-\frac{1}{2}\right)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(C) \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 3\right)\)
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Boundary Lines
The lines represented by the equations \(y = \frac{x}{2}\) and \(y = 3x\) define the boundaries of the angle within which the point \((a, a^2)\) must fall. Both lines have a positive slope, which means the angle is in the first quadrant where both \(x > 0\) and \(y > 0\).
02
Set the Boundary Conditions for Point \((a, a^2)\)
For the point \((a, a^2)\) to be inside the angle formed by the lines, the y-coordinate must satisfy: \(y = a^2 > \frac{x}{2}\) and \(y = a^2 < 3x\). Substituting \(x = a\), we get the inequalities: \(a^2 > \frac{a}{2}\) and \(a^2 < 3a\).
03
Solve the Inequality \(a^2 > \frac{a}{2}\)
Rearrange the inequality to isolate terms involving \(a\): \(a^2 - \frac{a}{2} > 0\). This simplifies to \((2a^2 - a) > 0\), further factorized to \(a(2a - 1) > 0\). Solve \(a = 0\) and \(2a - 1 = 0\) to find the critical points, yielding roots \(a = 0\) and \(a = \frac{1}{2}\). Testing intervals reveals that \(a > \frac{1}{2}\) satisfies the inequality.
04
Solve the Inequality \(a^2 < 3a\)
Rearrange and factor to find critical points: \(a^2 - 3a < 0\), which gives \(a(a - 3) < 0\). Solving \(a = 0\) and \(a - 3 = 0\), critical points are \(a = 0\) and \(a = 3\). Testing intervals, the inequality holds for \(0 < a < 3\).
05
Determine the Intersection of Solutions
Combine the solutions from Step 3, \(a > \frac{1}{2}\), and Step 4, \(0 < a < 3\). The intersection of these conditions is \(\frac{1}{2} < a < 3\).
06
Select the Correct Option
Match the range found in Step 5, \(\frac{1}{2} < a < 3\), to the given options: (A) \(\left(0, \frac{1}{2}\right)\), (B) \((3, \infty)\), (C) \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 3\right)\), (D) \(\left(-3,-\frac{1}{2}\right)\). The correct choice is (C).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Inequalities
In the realm of coordinate geometry, inequalities serve as a powerful tool to determine relationships between expressions. When it comes to understanding how points fit within regions bounded by lines, such as our exercise, inequalities play a pivotal role. We delve into this through:
- Identifying the inequality: Consider the function and the boundary it must adhere to. In our exercise, the point \(a, a^2\) must satisfy inequalities that position it between two lines: \(y = \frac{x}{2}\) and \(y = 3x\).
- Simplifying inequalities: Often, you'll need to manipulate an inequality to find solutions more easily. This involves algebraic operations such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing. For instance, in our problem, \(a^2 > \frac{a}{2}\) transforms into \((2a^2 - a) > 0\).
- Solving and testing intervals: Once simplified, we seek the critical values (where inequality equals zero) and test intervals between these points to determine where the inequality holds true. For example, solving \(a(2a - 1) > 0\), critical values were found, leading to the determination that \(a > \frac{1}{2}\).
- Intersecting solutions: It's common to solve multiple inequalities and find their intersection, as we did with \(a > \frac{1}{2}\) and \(0 < a < 3\), revealing the final range for \(a\).
Quadratic Functions
Quadratic functions are essential components in coordinate geometry given their common occurrence. They have a standard form: \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). Understanding how to manipulate and solve these functions is valuable, especially in relation to inequality problems.Quadratic equations, such as \(a^2 - \frac{a}{2} > 0\), showcase a parabola on the graph. Solving such inequalities usually involves:
- Finding roots: Identify where the quadratic crosses the x-axis by setting the equation to zero. This is done via factorization, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula. In our example, solving \(a(2a - 1) > 0\) provided roots at \(a = 0\) and \(a = \frac{1}{2}\).
- Identifying intervals: Once roots are found, they divide the x-axis into intervals you can test to see where the quadratic is positive or negative. Testing values within these intervals helps determine where the inequality is satisfied.
- Understanding concavity: Quadric functions typically form a U-shaped curve, either \(∪\) opening upwards or \(∩\) opening downwards depending on the coefficient of \(a^2\). This affects the solution set for the inequality testing.
Graphical Analysis
Graphical analysis is a crucial aspect of solving coordinate geometry problems. It aids in visualizing equations, inequalities, and the areas they define within a given plane.Visualizing the elements from the exercise:
- Understanding line graphs: Graphs of \(y = \frac{x}{2}\) and \(y = 3x\) are essential. Both lines commence from the origin but with different slopes, defining a wedge in the first quadrant.
- Locating points: Points like \(a, a^2\) need to be analyzed in relation to these lines. By substituting \(x = a\), we were able to evaluate whether they fall within the region.
- Interpreting graph positions: Knowing whether a point lies above or below a line aids in solving inequalities. For example, confirming \(a^2 > \frac{a}{2}\) places the parabola above the line \(y = \frac{x}{2}\).
- Demonstrating solutions on the graph: Once inequalities are solved algebraically, representing them visually confirms the understanding of the area of solutions in relation to the plotted lines and curves.