Polynomial Inequalities - College Algebra

Card 1 of 28

0
Didn't Know
Knew It
0
1 of 2019 left
Question

Give the solution set of the inequality

Tap to reveal answer

Answer

To solve the polynomial inequality

it is necessary to get it into standard form by writing all terms at the same side. Subtract from both sides:

The values of that serve as boundaries of the solutions set are the zeroes of the polynomial, so solve for in the equation:

Factor the polynomial by grouping and taking out the GCFs:

is the difference of squares and can be factored according to a pattern:

By the Zero Factor Property, one of the binomials is equal to 0, so

in which case

,

in which case

,

or

in which case

.

, , and 2 are the boundaries of the intervals, which are , , , and . To determine which intervals belong to the solution set, choose one value from each, substitute for in the original inequality, and determine whether it is true.

: Choose

True - include

: Choose

False - do not include

: Choose

True - include

: Choose

False - do not include

Also, the boundary values themselves should not be included, because the inequality symbol does not allow for equality.

The solution set is

← Didn't Know|Knew It →