Chapter 17: Problem 48
Use inequalities to solve the given problems.
Find an inequality of the form \(a x^{3}+b x<0\) with \(a>0\) for which the
solution is \(x<-1\) or \(0
Short Answer
Expert verified
The inequality is \(2x^3 - 2x < 0\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Conditions
The inequality needs to be solved such that the solution set is two intervals: \(x < -1\) and \(0 < x < 1\). This means the polynomial has roots at \(x = -1, 0,\) and potentially some point in between or related to these intervals.
02
Formulating the Polynomial
For the inequality \(ax^3 + bx < 0\) and with the solution conditions given, consider that the roots of the polynomial correspond to the boundary of our intervals. Thus, we choose roots at \(x = -1, 0,\) and \(x = 1\). The function should change sign at these points.
03
Constructing the Polynomial
With roots at \(x = -1\), \(0\), and \(1\), the polynomial can be written temporarily as \((x + 1)x(x - 1)\). This transforms into \(x^3 - x\). However, because we need an inequality \(ax^3 + bx < 0\) where \(a > 0\), scale by a positive constant to form: \(2x^3 - 2x < 0\). This maintains \(a > 0\) while having roots at the required points.
04
Validating the Polynomial Against Conditions
For the polynomial \(2x^3 - 2x < 0\), evaluate in the intervals: \(x < -1\), \(0 < x < 1\), and \(x > 1\). These evaluations align with the solution set: at \(x < -1\) and \(0 < x < 1\), the polynomial should be negative. Testing a point in \(x < -1\), say \(x = -2\), gives \(2(-2)^3 - 2(-2) = -16 + 4 = -12 < 0\); for \(0 < x < 1\), say \(x = 0.5\), gives \(2(0.5)^3 - 2(0.5) = 0.25 - 1 = -0.75 < 0\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Inequalities
A polynomial inequality is a mathematical statement that involves a polynomial expression and an inequality sign. Instead of equating the polynomial to a value, we compare it. For example, in the inequality \( ax^3 + bx < 0 \), our aim is to find the values of \( x \) that make this expression true. When solving polynomial inequalities, it's important to:
- Identify and understand the degree of the polynomial, as it affects the number of roots and the behavior of the polynomial function.
- Determine the intervals where the polynomial is greater than or less than zero, typically by testing points within these intervals.
- Consider how the sign of the leading coefficient (\(a\) in this case) impacts the direction of the inequality's graph.
Roots of Polynomials
Roots of a polynomial are the values of \( x \) that make the polynomial equal to zero. For example, if we have the equation \( ax^3 + bx = 0 \), the task is to find the roots by setting the equation to zero and solving for \( x \). The roots are crucial because they are the points at which the polynomial changes its sign, which is essential in solving inequalities. To find the roots:
- Factor the polynomial, if possible. For example, for \( x^3 - x \), you can factor out an \( x \), leaving \( x(x^2 - 1) = 0 \).
- Continue factoring if needed, \( x^2 - 1 \) can be broken down further into \((x - 1)(x + 1)\).
- The roots are \( x = 0, \ x = 1, \) and \( x = -1 \).
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a concise way of expressing the set of solutions for inequalities. Instead of listing all numbers one by one, we can use intervals to describe a range of values that satisfy the inequality. Here's how you can interpret interval notation:
- Brackets \([\ \text{and}\ ]\) are used when a number is included in the set, known as inclusive boundaries (e.g., \([1, 3]\) includes \(1\) and \(3)\).
- Parentheses \((\ \text{and}\ )\) show that the boundary number is not included, known as exclusive boundaries (e.g., \((0, 1)\) includes all numbers between \(0\) and \(1\) but not \(0\) or \(1\)).
- Combination of both, like in \((-\infty, -1) \cup (0, 1)\), illustrates multiple intervals indicating points where our polynomial inequality holds true.