Chapter 2: Problem 52
Solve and graph the solution set. In addition, give the solution set in interval notation. $$|x| \leq 2$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \([-2, 2]\), graphed as a closed interval between -2 and 2.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Absolute Value Inequality
The inequality given is \(|x| \leq 2\). This means that the distance of \(x\) from 0 is at most 2 units. We need to break this absolute value inequality into two separate inequalities without the absolute value.
02
Break Down the Inequality
The inequality \(|x| \leq 2\) means that \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\). This is because the absolute value notation captures both the positive and negative scenarios, and \(x\) cannot be less than -2, nor can it be greater than 2.
03
Graph the Solution Set
Draw a number line. Mark the values -2 and 2. Since the inequality is \(\leq\) and not \(<\), use closed circles at -2 and 2 to include these endpoints in the solution set. Shade the region between -2 and 2 to show all numbers \(x\) that satisfy \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\).
04
Express the Solution in Interval Notation
For the interval notation, we use brackets \([\ldots]\) to indicate that endpoints are included. Therefore, the solution set in interval notation is \([-2, 2]\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a concise way of expressing an interval on the number line. It tells us which numbers are included in a set. When dealing with absolute value inequalities like \(|x| \leq 2\), once we break it down into \-2 \leq x \leq 2\, we can write the solution set using interval notation.
- Brackets: The square brackets \[\] means that the endpoints are included in the set.
- Example: The interval notation for this inequality is \([-2, 2]\).
Number Line
A number line is a straight horizontal line that visually represents numbers. It helps in understanding inequalities and graphing them. When using it to graph \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\), here's how you do it:
- Draw a straight line and mark several points to represent numbers. Make sure to include the critical points, -2 and 2.
- Use closed circles at -2 and 2 because the inequality \(\leq\) includes these endpoints.
- Shade the region between -2 and 2 to show all possible solutions.
Solution Set
The solution set of an inequality represents all the numbers that satisfy the inequality condition. In the case of \(|x| \leq 2\), the solution set is all numbers between -2 and 2, inclusive.
- This means any number \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\) is part of the solution set.
- Include the endpoints \-2 and 2 since the inequality is \(\leq\).
Inequality Graphing
Graphing inequalities on a number line is a straightforward way to visualize solutions. For the inequality \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\), graphing it involves these steps:
- Draw a number line that includes the range of interest.
- At each endpoint, use closed circles because \(\leq\) indicates inclusion of the endpoints.
- Shade the region between -2 and 2 to represent the solution set visually.