Chapter 6: Problem 27
Solve each inequality. $$8 x^{2}+22 x+5 \geq 0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Solution is \((-\infty, -\frac{5}{2}] \cup [-\frac{1}{2}, \infty)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the form of the inequality
The given inequality is \( 8x^2 + 22x + 5 \geq 0 \). Notice it is a quadratic inequality because it contains an \(x^2\) term.
02
Set up the corresponding quadratic equation
We first find the solutions to the quadratic equation by setting \( 8x^2 + 22x + 5 = 0 \). Solving this equation will help us find the critical points.
03
Use the quadratic formula
For \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), the solutions are given by \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \). Here \( a = 8 \), \( b = 22 \), and \( c = 5 \). Calculating, we get \( x = \frac{-22 \pm \sqrt{22^2 - 4 \cdot 8 \cdot 5}}{2 \cdot 8} \).
04
Simplify the discriminant
Calculate \( 22^2 - 4 \cdot 8 \cdot 5 = 484 - 160 = 324 \). So, the discriminant, \( \sqrt{324} = 18 \).
05
Solve for x
Substitute back into the formula: \( x = \frac{-22 \pm 18}{16} \). This gives two solutions: \( x = \frac{-22 + 18}{16} = -\frac{1}{2} \) and \( x = \frac{-22 - 18}{16} = -\frac{5}{2} \).
06
Determine intervals for solution
The critical points divide the x-axis into three intervals: \((-\infty, -\frac{5}{2})\), \([-\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}]\), and \((-\frac{1}{2}, \infty)\). Use test points from each interval to determine where the inequality \( 8x^2 + 22x + 5 \geq 0 \) holds.
07
Test the intervals
Choose a test point in \((-\infty, -\frac{5}{2})\), say \( x = -3 \): \( 8(-3)^2 + 22(-3) + 5 = 72 - 66 + 5 = 11 \geq 0 \). In \([-\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}]\), choose \( x = -1 \): \( 8(-1)^2 + 22(-1) + 5 = 8 - 22 + 5 = -9 ot\geq 0 \). In \((-\frac{1}{2}, \infty)\), choose \( x = 0 \): \( 8(0)^2 + 22(0) + 5 = 5 \geq 0 \).
08
Conclude the solution
The inequality is true for the intervals \((-\infty, -\frac{5}{2}]\) and \([-\frac{1}{2}, \infty)\). The solution of the inequality is thus \((-\infty, -\frac{5}{2}] \cup [-\frac{1}{2}, \infty)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation is a type of polynomial equation that follows the form: \[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \]where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( a eq 0 \). The variable \( x \) represents an unknown value we are solving for. Quadratic equations are called 'quadratic' because the highest degree of the variable \( x \) is 2, as indicated by the square term \( x^2 \). These equations often produce two solutions or roots, as opposed to linear equations which have only one. They create a symmetric parabolic shape when graphed on a coordinate plane. Quadratic equations are foundational in algebra and have numerous applications in science, engineering, and finance.
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a universal tool to solve any quadratic equation. This formula is especially useful when factoring is difficult or impossible. The formula is:\[ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \]In this formula:
- \( b^2 - 4ac \) is the discriminant, which determines the nature of the roots.
- The "\( \pm \)" symbol means there will be two solutions: one with addition and one with subtraction.
Inequality Solution Intervals
When solving a quadratic inequality, such as \( ax^2 + bx + c \geq 0 \), the goal is to identify the intervals on the \( x \)-axis where the inequality holds true. The solution process involves several steps:
- First, solve the corresponding quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \) to find the critical points or roots.
- These roots divide the \( x \)-axis into several intervals.
- Test a point within each of these intervals to determine whether the inequality is satisfied in that interval.
Discriminant Calculation
The discriminant is a key component in understanding the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation. It is represented by the expression \( b^2 - 4ac \) within the quadratic formula.Depending on the value of the discriminant:
- Positive discriminant: indicates two distinct real roots.
- Zero discriminant: implies exactly one real root (a repeated root).
- Negative discriminant: results in two complex conjugate roots (no real roots).