Chapter 10: Problem 13
Graph the inequality. $$x<2$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Use an open circle at 2 and shade all points to the left on the number line.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Inequality
An inequality is a mathematical sentence that shows the relationship between quantities that are not equivalent. In this case, we have the inequality \(x < 2\), which indicates all values that are less than 2.
02
Identify the Boundary Point
The inequality \(x < 2\) has a boundary point at \(x = 2\). This is the point you will use as a reference when graphing.
03
Choosing the Correct Symbol
Since the inequality is less than \(x < 2\) and does not include 2, we will use an open circle on the number line at \(x = 2\). Open circles indicate the value is not included.
04
Determine the Shaded Region
Because the inequality is \(x < 2\), shade the region to the left of \(x = 2\) on the number line. This represents all values less than 2.
05
Graph the Solution
Draw a number line, mark the point \(x = 2\) with an open circle, and shade the region to the left. This shows all the points on the number line that satisfy the inequality \(x < 2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing Inequalities
Graphing inequalities is a visual way to represent mathematical expressions that show the relationship between quantities that aren't equal. Let's take the inequality \(x < 2\) as an example. Here are the steps to graph an inequality on a number line:
- Identify the inequality symbol (such as <, >, ≤, or ≥) to understand the relationship. For \(x < 2\), it means the values of \(x\) are less than 2.
- Choose how to represent this on a number line. A number line is a straight horizontal line with numbers placed at intervals.
- Use an open circle or a closed dot based on whether the number is included in the inequality or not. For example, with \(x < 2\), we do not include 2, so we use an open circle at \(x = 2\).
Number Line Representation
A number line representation is a simple way to show the range of possible solutions for an inequality. When plotting these solutions for an inequality like \(x < 2\), follow these steps:First, draw a horizontal line and mark numbers at regular intervals on it. This creates a visual reference point.
- Locate the critical value related to the inequality, which is 2 in this case.
- Place an open circle directly above the 2 on this line. The open circle signifies that 2 itself is not part of the set of solutions.
- Shade the area or draw an arrow extending to the left of the open circle. This shaded region or arrow points to all the numbers that satisfy the condition \(x < 2\).
Boundary Points
Boundary points are crucial when graphing inequalities because they define the edges of your solution set on a number line. In \(x < 2\), the boundary point is at \(x = 2\):
- A boundary point is where an inequality changes from true to false, or vice versa. It acts as a reference that shows the threshold for acceptable values.
- Determine whether to include the boundary point. Since \(x < 2\) excludes 2, we use an open circle to mark this key point. This open circle communicates that 2 itself is not part of any solution to \(x < 2\).
- Knowing where to place the boundary point helps ensure the inequality is represented accurately.