Chapter 4: Problem 74
Solve each inequality. Graph the solution set and write it using interval notation. $$ \frac{5}{9}(x+3)-\frac{4}{3}(x-3) \geq x-1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \(x \leq \frac{15}{4}\) or in interval notation: \((-\infty, \frac{15}{4}]\).
Step by step solution
01
- Distribute the Fractions
The given inequality is \( \frac{5}{9}(x+3) - \frac{4}{3}(x-3) \geq x-1 \). The first step is to distribute each fraction across the parentheses.\[\frac{5}{9}x + \frac{15}{9} - \frac{4}{3}x + 4 = x - 1\]
02
- Simplify the Terms
Combine like terms from Step 1 on the left side.\[\frac{5}{9}x - \frac{4}{3}x + \frac{15}{9} + 4 = x - 1\]First, convert \( \frac{4}{3}x \) to have a common denominator with \( \frac{5}{9}x \):\[\frac{5}{9}x - \frac{12}{9}x + \frac{15}{9} + \frac{36}{9} = x - 1\]Combine the \( x \) terms:\[-\frac{7}{9}x + \frac{51}{9} = x - 1\]
03
- Isolate x on One Side
To isolate \( x \), move the \( -\frac{7}{9}x \) term to the right:\[\frac{51}{9} \geq x + \frac{7}{9}x - 1\]Combine the \( x \) terms:\[\frac{51}{9} \geq \left(1 + \frac{7}{9}\right)x - 1\]Rewrite it:\[\frac{51}{9} \geq \frac{16}{9}x - 1\]Add 1 to both sides:\[\frac{60}{9} \geq \frac{16}{9}x\]
04
- Solve for x
Multiply both sides by \( \frac{9}{16} \) to solve for \( x \):\[\frac{60}{9} \times \frac{9}{16} \geq x\]Simplify:\[\frac{60}{16} \geq x\]Or:\[\frac{15}{4} \geq x\]Rewrite:\[ x \leq \frac{15}{4} \]
05
- Write the Solution in Interval Notation and Graph
The solution in interval notation is \((-\infty, \frac{15}{4}]\).Graphically, this is represented on a number line as a shaded area to the left of \(\frac{15}{4}\), and including the point \(\frac{15}{4}\). Use a solid dot to denote that \(\frac{15}{4}\) is included.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a method of writing down a range of numbers that are solutions to an inequality. It gives a clear and concise picture of the solution set. When you solve an inequality like the one in our exercise, you often end up with a range of acceptable values for the variable involved.
To express this range, interval notation is used:
The interval notation for this solution is expressed as:\[ (-\infty, \frac{15}{4}] \]Here, \(-\infty\) denotes that there is no lower boundary, and \(\frac{15}{4}\) is the point at which x is capped, inclusive of \(\frac{15}{4}\). By understanding interval notation, you can better interpret and communicate solutions to inequalities effectively.
To express this range, interval notation is used:
- A round bracket '(' or ')' indicates that the endpoint is not included in the interval, which corresponds to a less than "<" or greater than ">".
- A square bracket '[' or ']' indicates that the endpoint is included, which corresponds to a less than or equal to "≤" or greater than or equal to "≥".
The interval notation for this solution is expressed as:\[ (-\infty, \frac{15}{4}] \]Here, \(-\infty\) denotes that there is no lower boundary, and \(\frac{15}{4}\) is the point at which x is capped, inclusive of \(\frac{15}{4}\). By understanding interval notation, you can better interpret and communicate solutions to inequalities effectively.
Graphing Inequalities
Graphing inequalities involves visually representing the solution set on a number line, which can help in understanding the range of values that satisfy the inequality. To illustrate the solution of an inequality, like \[ x \leq \frac{15}{4} \]you would use a number line.
Here are the steps for graphing this particular inequality:
Here are the steps for graphing this particular inequality:
- First, find the numerical point on the number line that corresponds to \(\frac{15}{4}\), which is equivalent to 3.75.
- Place a solid dot at this point to indicate that it is included in the solution set (due to the "≤" in our inequality).
- Shade the number line to the left of \(\frac{15}{4}\) to demonstrate that all numbers less than \(\frac{15}{4}\) are included in the solution.
Algebraic Solutions
Solving inequalities algebraically often involves similar methods as solving equations, but with some key differences. In our exercise, we begin with the inequality:\[\frac{5}{9}(x+3)-\frac{4}{3}(x-3) \ge x-1\]The steps to find the solution include:
In our exercise, after simplifying and isolating \(x\), we arrive at \[ x \leq \frac{15}{4} \].Remember, when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, the inequality sign must be flipped. Solving algebraically not only gives us a precise answer but equips us with the understanding necessary to translate these calculations into interval notation and appropriate graphs.
- Distributing each fraction over the terms inside the parentheses, which is a critical step to simplify the expression.
- Combining like terms and ensuring all terms involving \(x\) are on one side of the inequality.
- To isolate \(x\), you may need to perform operations like adding or subtracting the same value from both sides, or multiplying/dividing by a constant.
In our exercise, after simplifying and isolating \(x\), we arrive at \[ x \leq \frac{15}{4} \].Remember, when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, the inequality sign must be flipped. Solving algebraically not only gives us a precise answer but equips us with the understanding necessary to translate these calculations into interval notation and appropriate graphs.