Chapter 2: Problem 29
Solve each inequality. Graph the solution set and write it in interval notation. $$ |x| \leq 2 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \([-2, 2]\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Absolute Value Inequality
The inequality \(|x| \leq 2\) implies that the distance of \(x\) from 0 on the number line is at most 2. This can be rewritten as: \[-2 \leq x \leq 2\]
02
Solving the Inequality
We can express the compound inequality \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\) as two inequalities: 1. \(-2 \leq x\) 2. \(x \leq 2\)Both inequalities together express all values that \(x\) can take according to the original absolute value inequality.
03
Graphing the Solution Set
On a number line, draw a closed circle at \(-2\) and at \(2\) to represent the inclusive nature of the inequality. Shade the line segment between these two points to show that all values from \(-2\) to \(2\) are included in the solution set.
04
Writing the Interval Notation
The interval notation for the solution \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\) is: \([-2, 2]\)This notation expresses the set of numbers from \(-2\) to \(2\), including both endpoints.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Inequality Solving
An absolute value inequality, such as \(|x| \leq 2\), can initially seem confusing, but it is just a way to express certain constraints on a number. Absolute value measures how far a number is from zero on the number line. Therefore, the inequality \(|x| \leq 2\) means that the number "x" can be as far as two units away from zero.This inequality translates to a range of numbers: all the numbers that fall between -2 and 2, inclusive. This transformation results in two possible scenarios:
- \(-2 \leq x\)
- \(x \leq 2\)
Interval Notation
In mathematics, interval notation is a convenient way to denote the set of all numbers that meet a certain condition. It expresses the span of values within a specified range. When we solved the inequality \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\), we found that "x" can take any value from -2 to 2, including both endpoints.In interval notation, this range is represented as \([-2, 2]\). The square brackets indicate that the endpoints (-2 and 2) are part of the solution set.Interval notation is especially useful as it provides a compact and clear way to describe intervals without detailing the range with inequalities. It's a staple in algebra as it simplifies the process of describing solutions of inequalities.
Graphing Inequalities
Graphing inequalities is a visual way to show the range of solutions for a given inequality. For the inequality \(-2 \leq x \leq 2\), you can use a number line to visually represent the solution set.To graph this specific inequality:
- Start by drawing a number line and placing numbers, including -2 and 2, clearly on it.
- Since both -2 and 2 are included in the solution (as shown by the inequality signs), you need to draw a closed circle on both points.
- Finally, shade the line segment between -2 and 2. This shaded area indicates all the numbers that satisfy the inequality.