Chapter 0: Problem 38
Solve each polynomial inequality and express the solution set in interval notation. $$8 s+12 \leq-s^{2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution set for the inequality is \([-6, -2]\).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the Inequality
To solve the inequality, we first rewrite it in a standard form where one side is zero. Start with the given inequality: \(8s + 12 \leq -s^2\). Add \(s^2\) to both sides to get: \(s^2 + 8s + 12 \leq 0\).
02
Find the Values to Test
Factor the quadratic expression \(s^2 + 8s + 12\). After testing possible factors, factor it as \((s + 2)(s + 6) = 0\). This gives roots \(s = -2\) and \(s = -6\). These roots divide the number line into intervals to test in the inequality.
03
Test Intervals
The roots \(s = -2\) and \(s = -6\) create three intervals: \(( -\infty, -6 ), \), \(( -6, -2 ), \), and \(( -2, \infty )\). Choose test points from each interval: \(s = -7\) (from \( -\infty, -6 \)), \(s = -4\) (from \( -6, -2 \)), and \(s = 0\) (from \( -2, \infty \)).
04
Determine Where the Inequality Holds
Substitute the test points into \((s + 2)(s + 6)\leq 0\):- For \(s = -7\), \(( -7 + 2)( -7 + 6) = 5(-1) = -5\), satisfies the inequality.- For \(s = -4\), \((-4 + 2)(-4 + 6) = -2(2) = -4\), satisfies the inequality.- For \(s = 0\), \((0 + 2)(0 + 6) = 2 \times 6 = 12\), does not satisfy the inequality.
05
Confirm the Solution
The inequality holds for \(-\infty < s \leq -2\) and \(s = -6\). Therefore, the solution to the inequality \(s^2 + 8s + 12 \leq 0\) in interval notation is \([-6, -2]\).
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.
Understanding Quadratic Inequalities
Quadratic inequalities involve expressions like \( ax^2 + bx + c \leq 0 \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants. Solving these inequalities means finding the range of values for \( x \) that make the inequality true.
Here's a simple approach to tackle them:
Here's a simple approach to tackle them:
- First, rewrite the inequality so one side equals zero. This helps focus on the roots and the changes in sign across intervals.
- Second, factor the quadratic expression if possible. This helps identify the roots, which are critical points where the sign of the expression might change.
- Third, use the roots to divide the number line into intervals. You'll test each interval to see where the inequality holds.
Expressing Solutions in Interval Notation
Interval notation is a concise way to express the set of solutions for an inequality. It describes the range of numbers that satisfy the inequality.
When using interval notation:
When using interval notation:
- Use brackets \([\;]\) when the endpoint is included in the solution set. If at \( x = a \), the condition is equal (\( \leq \) or \( \geq \)), then \([\; a \;]\) is used.
- Use parentheses \((\; )\) when the endpoint is not included. For example, \( (a, b) \) means the values between \( a \) and \( b \) are included, but not \( a \) or \( b \).
- Symbols \( -\infty \) and \( \infty \) are always enclosed in parentheses, as they represent unbounded intervals.
Factoring Quadratics
To solve a quadratic inequality, factoring the quadratic expression can be a useful technique. This involves rewriting the quadratic as a product of its factors.
Here’s how:
Factoring is a foundational skill for solving quadratic inequalities and can simplify the process significantly.
Here’s how:
- Identify or determine two numbers that multiply to the constant term \( c \) and add to the linear coefficient \( b \).
- Use these numbers to write the quadratic expression as a product of two binomials.
Factoring is a foundational skill for solving quadratic inequalities and can simplify the process significantly.