Chapter 1: Problem 31
Solve each inequality. Graph the solution set on a number line. $$ \frac{|n-3|}{2} < n $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution set is \( n > 1 \), graph with an open circle at \( n = 1 \) and a line extending right.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Inequality
The inequality to solve is \( \frac{|n-3|}{2} < n \). This involves an absolute value, which will require us to consider two cases: one for when the expression inside the absolute value is non-negative and one for when it is negative.
02
Split into Cases
Since the inequality involves absolute value \( |n-3| \), we split it into two cases. Case 1: \( n - 3 \geq 0 \) or \( n \geq 3 \). In this case, \( |n-3| = n-3 \). Case 2: \( n - 3 < 0 \) or \( n < 3 \). In this case, \( |n-3| = -(n-3) \).
03
Solve Case 1
In Case 1 (\( n \geq 3 \)), substitute \( |n-3| = n-3 \) into the inequality: \( \frac{n-3}{2} < n \). Multiply through by 2 to get: \( n-3 < 2n \). Rearrange to find: \( n > 3 \). Since \( n \geq 3 \), combine with \( n > 3 \) to get \( n > 3 \).
04
Solve Case 2
In Case 2 (\( n < 3 \)), substitute \( |n-3| = -(n-3) \) into the inequality: \( \frac{-(n-3)}{2} < n \). Simplify to \( \frac{-n + 3}{2} < n \), which becomes \( 3 < 3n \) after multiplying through by 2. Divide both sides by 3 to get \( 1 < n \) or \( n > 1 \). Since \( n < 3 \), combine the results to get \( 1 < n < 3 \).
05
Combine Results
Combine the solutions from both cases. From Case 1, we found \( n > 3 \). From Case 2, we found \( 1 < n < 3 \). Therefore, the solution set is \( n > 1 \), which includes both intervals.
06
Graph the Solution Set
On a number line, draw an open circle at \( n = 1 \) and extend the line to the right to indicate \( n > 1 \). This means that all numbers greater than 1 satisfy the inequality.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value
Absolute value represents the distance of a number from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. Think of it as stripping away the sign to focus purely on magnitude. For an expression like \(|x|\), it simply means "how far is x from zero without considering if x is positive or negative?" In our exercise, the expression \(|n-3|\) asks for the distance of \(n\) from 3.
- If \(n - 3 \geq 0\), then \(|n-3| = n-3\) because the difference is non-negative and needs no adjustment.
- If \(n - 3 < 0\), then \(|n-3| = -(n-3)\) because the difference is negative and we use a negative sign to convert it to positive distance.
Number Line Graph
Graphing the solution to an inequality requires showing visually which values satisfy the condition. The number line is a simple yet effective tool for this. It visually represents numbers, with smaller numbers to the left and larger numbers to the right.
For our solution, the resulting inequality \(n > 1\) is graphed on the number line by:
For our solution, the resulting inequality \(n > 1\) is graphed on the number line by:
- Drawing an open circle at \(n = 1\) to indicate that 1 is not part of the solution set.
- Extending a line to the right from this point, showing that all numbers greater than 1 satisfy the inequality.
Solution Set
A solution set in mathematics denotes all values that satisfy a given inequality or equation. For the original problem, after applying case logic due to the presence of the absolute value function, we derive a solution set of \(n > 1\).
In our context:
In our context:
- From Case 1, valid values were \(n > 3\).
- From Case 2, we identified the range \(1 < n < 3\).
Algebraic Manipulation
Algebraic manipulation involves rearranging parts of an equation or inequality to achieve a clearer form or solution. This is a central part of solving inequalities and equations.
For our inequality \( \frac{|n-3|}{2} < n \,\) we need manipulation steps like:
For our inequality \( \frac{|n-3|}{2} < n \,\) we need manipulation steps like:
- Clearing fractions by multiplying through by the denominator (in this case, 2). This helps simplify the comparison without altering the solution.
- Isolating terms. For example, \(n-3 < 2n\) in Case 1 turns into \(1 < n\) by combining like terms and simplifying the expression.