Chapter 3: Problem 53
Solve each inequality by using the graphical method. State the solution set in interval notation. $$x^{2}-2 x-3>0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution set in interval notation is \(( -\infty , -1 ) \cup ( 3, \infty ) \).
Step by step solution
01
Factor the Quadratic Expression
First, factor the quadratic expression on the left side of the inequality.\[ x^2 - 2x - 3 = (x - 3)(x + 1) \]
02
Identify the Critical Points
Set each factor equal to zero to find the critical points which will be the x-values where the expression equals zero.\[ x - 3 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 3 \]\[ x + 1 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -1 \]
03
Plot the Critical Points on a Number Line
Draw a number line and plot the critical points \( x = 3 \) and \( x = -1 \). These points divide the number line into three intervals: \((-\infty, -1)\), \((-1, 3)\) and \((3, \infty)\).
04
Test a Point in Each Interval
Choose a test point from each interval to determine if the product \((x - 3)(x + 1)\) is positive or negative in that interval.\[- For \((-\infty, -1)\), choose \(x = -2\):\] \[ (-2 - 3)(-2 + 1) = (-5)(-1) = 5 > 0 \]\[ - For \((-1, 3)\), choose \(x = 0\):\] \[ (0 - 3)(0 + 1) = (-3)(1) = -3 < 0 \]\[ - For \((3, \infty)\), choose \(x = 4\):\] \[ (4 - 3)(4 + 1) = (1)(5) = 5 > 0 \]
05
Determine the Solution Set
Since we want the product to be greater than zero, the solution consists of the intervals where the product is positive. Therefore, the solution set is\[ (-\infty, -1) \cup (3, \infty) \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Graphical Method
The graphical method is a visual approach to solve inequalities. By graphing the quadratic function, you can determine where the function is positive or negative.
When the graph of a quadratic function is above the x-axis, the function is positive. Below the x-axis, the function is negative.
For our example inequality \(x^{2}-2 x-3>0\), we can follow a few clear steps:
By determining these intervals, we can find the solution set for the inequality.
When the graph of a quadratic function is above the x-axis, the function is positive. Below the x-axis, the function is negative.
For our example inequality \(x^{2}-2 x-3>0\), we can follow a few clear steps:
- Graph the quadratic function \(y = x^2 - 2x - 3\).
- Identify the x-intercepts (the points where the graph crosses the x-axis).
- Determine the intervals on the x-axis where the graph is above the x-axis.
By determining these intervals, we can find the solution set for the inequality.
Factoring Quadratics Made Simple
Factoring a quadratic expression is a key step in solving inequalities.
When we factor a quadratic, we express it as a product of binomials. For \(x^2 - 2x - 3\), we can factor it into \((x - 3)(x + 1)\).
To factor a quadratic expression, you look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add up to the coefficient of the linear term.
When we factor a quadratic, we express it as a product of binomials. For \(x^2 - 2x - 3\), we can factor it into \((x - 3)(x + 1)\).
To factor a quadratic expression, you look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add up to the coefficient of the linear term.
- For the quadratic \(x^2 - 2x - 3\), we need two numbers that multiply to -3 and add up to -2.
- These numbers are -3 and 1, hence the factorization \((x - 3)(x + 1)\).
Decoding Interval Notation
Interval notation is a shorthand way to describe a set of numbers or a segment of the number line.
It uses parentheses \(()\) and brackets \([]\) to show if endpoints are included or excluded.
In our solution, we divide the number line into intervals based on the critical points -1 and 3.
The three intervals are:
For \(x^2 - 2x - 3 > 0\), the solution set where the product is positive is given by the intervals \((-fty, -1)\) and \((3, fty)\).
Using interval notation, we write the solution as \((-)fty, -1) \cup (3, fty)\). The union symbol \(\cup\) denotes the combination of these intervals.
It uses parentheses \(()\) and brackets \([]\) to show if endpoints are included or excluded.
In our solution, we divide the number line into intervals based on the critical points -1 and 3.
The three intervals are:
- \((-fty, -1)\) - numbers less than -1.
- \((-1, 3)\) - numbers between -1 and 3.
- \((3, fty)\) - numbers greater than 3.
For \(x^2 - 2x - 3 > 0\), the solution set where the product is positive is given by the intervals \((-fty, -1)\) and \((3, fty)\).
Using interval notation, we write the solution as \((-)fty, -1) \cup (3, fty)\). The union symbol \(\cup\) denotes the combination of these intervals.