Chapter 2: Problem 18
Solve the inequality and specify the answer using interval notation. (a) \(|t| \geq 0\) (b) \(|t| \leq 0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) \((-\infty, +\infty)\); (b) \([0, 0]\)
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number refers to its distance from zero on the number line without considering the direction. Therefore, for any real number, the absolute value is non-negative.
02
Analyzing Absolute Value Inequality (a)
Given the inequality \(|t| \geq 0\), we must determine when the absolute value of a number is greater than or equal to zero. \(|t|\) is always non-negative, and hence, it always satisfies \(|t| \geq 0\) for all real numbers \(t\).
03
Solution for Part (a)
Since all real numbers satisfy the condition \(|t| \geq 0\), the solution is all real numbers. In interval notation, this is expressed as \((-\infty, +\infty)\).
04
Analyzing Absolute Value Inequality (b)
Given the inequality \(|t| \leq 0\), we must determine when the absolute value of a number can be less than or equal to zero. Since \(|t|\) is non-negative, the only time it equals zero is when \(t = 0\). Hence, the solution is when \(t = 0\).
05
Solution for Part (b)
Since \(|t| = 0\) only when \(t = 0\), the solution in interval notation is simply \([0, 0]\), which represents the single number zero.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number is a very useful concept in mathematics. It essentially conveys how far a number is from zero on the number line — without caring whether it's to the left or right. For example, the absolute value of both \(5\) and \(-5\) is \(5\). This is expressed mathematically as \(|t|\), which means "absolute value of \(t\)".
The absolute value is always non-negative:
The absolute value is always non-negative:
- For positive numbers, \(|t| = t\)
- For negative numbers, \(|t| = -t\)
- For zero itself, \(|0| = 0\)
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a concise way of expressing the set of solutions for inequalities. It's like drawing a map where numbers on a number line are highlighted without drawing the full line.
It's composed of two numbers which represent the endpoints of the solutions:
It's composed of two numbers which represent the endpoints of the solutions:
- The left endpoint signifies the smallest number in the interval.
- The right endpoint is the greatest number in the interval.
- Square brackets \[ [ ] \] indicate inclusive boundaries. For example, \[ [0, 0] \] means only \({0}\) is included in the set.
- Parentheses \( ( ) \) are used for open endpoints, meaning the numbers are not part of the solution. For instance, \( (-\infty, +\infty) \) implies all real numbers, as infinity can't be reached or included.
Real Numbers
Real numbers form the comprehensive set of all numbers we typically work with. They include:
- Natural numbers like \(1, 2, 3,...\)
- Whole numbers like \(0, 1, 2,...\)
- Integers, which incorporate both positive and negative numbers such as \(-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3,...\)
- Rational numbers, numbers that can be represented by a fraction \(\frac{a}{b}\) with integers \(a, b\)and \(b eq 0\)
- Irrational numbers, numbers that can’t be written as a simple fraction (e.g., \(\pi\) and \(\sqrt{2}\))
Mathematical Notation
Mathematical notation is a universal language that distills complex mathematical ideas into symbols and expressions. This form is universally understood and allows clear communication:
- Operators such as \(+, -, \times, \div\) describe arithmetic actions.
- Inequality symbols \(<, \leq, >, \geq\) compare sizes and magnitudes.
- Specific symbols like the absolute value lines \(| |\) convey special meanings.
- Notation is essential for defining functions, equations, and even sets, conveying a multitude of information crisply.