Chapter 2: Problem 43
For Problems \(35-44\), solve each compound inequality and graph the solution sets. Express the solution sets in interval notation. $$ 3 x+2<-1 \text { or } 3 x+2>1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \((-\infty, -1) \cup \left(-\frac{1}{3}, \infty\right)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Each Inequality
The problem presents two separate inequalities: \(3x + 2 < -1\) and \(3x + 2 > 1\). We need to solve each inequality individually before combining the results using 'or'.
02
Solve the First Inequality
Start with the inequality \(3x + 2 < -1\). Subtract 2 from both sides to isolate the term with \(x\): \(3x < -3\). Next, divide both sides by 3 to solve for \(x\): \(x < -1\).
03
Solve the Second Inequality
Now solve the inequality \(3x + 2 > 1\). Subtract 2 from both sides to isolate \(3x\): \(3x > -1\). Then divide both sides by 3 to solve for \(x\): \(x > -\frac{1}{3}\).
04
Combine the Solutions Using 'Or'
Since the original compound inequality uses 'or', the solution is the union of the two solutions. Combine them: \(x < -1\) or \(x > -\frac{1}{3}\).
05
Express in Interval Notation
Translate the inequality solutions into interval notation. The solutions are \((-\infty, -1) \cup \left(-\frac{1}{3}, \infty\right)\).
06
Graph the Solution Sets
On a number line, shade the regions corresponding to \(x < -1\) and \(x > -\frac{1}{3}\). Both parts have open circles at \(-1\) and \(-\frac{1}{3}\), indicating that these points are not included in the solution.
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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 simplified way to describe solution sets of inequalities. It lets us express ranges of values and show whether endpoints are included. There are a few symbols to know:
- Parentheses
( ): Indicate that an endpoint is not included. - Brackets
[ ]: Indicate that an endpoint is included. - The symbol
\(\infty\)or\(-\infty\): Represents unbounded intervals; these are always paired with parentheses because infinity and negative infinity aren’t actual numbers we can "reach".
(-\infty, -1) represents all numbers less than \(-1\), but not including -1 itself. While the interval [-2, 3) includes all numbers from \(-2\) to less than \(+3\). This notation is painless once you get the hang of it, and it makes inequalities easy to work with and visualize! Union of Sets
The union of sets is a fundamental concept in both algebra and set theory. When we take the union of two sets, we combine all distinct elements from each set into a new single set. In our problem, we were working with inequalities combined by the logical 'or', meaning any value satisfying at least one inequality is included in the solution.
- The notation
\(A \cup B\)represents the union of sets \(A\) and \(B\). - In terms of intervals, the union helps us express multiple solution sets at once. For example, if the solution set from solving inequalities results in the intervals
(-\infty, -1)and(-\frac{1}{3}, \infty), the union of these intervals is written as(-\infty, -1) \cup (-\frac{1}{3}, \infty).
Solving Inequalities
Solving inequalities is a lot like solving equations. The main goal is to isolate the variable, often represented by \(x\). However, with inequalities, there’s an important rule to remember: if you multiply or divide both sides of the inequality by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality sign.
- First, perform operations like addition or subtraction to isolate terms involving \(x\).
- Next, use multiplication or division to get \(x\) by itself.
- Always simplify your inequality after each step to keep calculations correct.
Graphing Inequalities
Graphing inequalities can visually demonstrate the solution set on a number line. It helps confirm that your solutions from inequalities indeed match what they represent.
- Draw a number line and mark critical points, in this case, \-1\ and \-\frac{1}{3}\.
- Use open circles on essential points if those points aren’t included in the solution. This happens when inequalities use
<or>. - Shade the regions representing the solutions—left for
\(x < -1\)and the right for\(x > -\frac{1}{3}\).