Solution Set for Inequalities

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions using one of the following symbols: <, >, ≤, ≥, ≠. For example, 2x + 3 > 5 is an inequality.

Inequalities are important in real-life problems because they allow us to model situations where the exact value of a variable is not known, but we know that it falls within a certain range. For example, in finance, inequalities can be used to determine the range of possible profits or losses for a given investment. In engineering, inequalities can be used to determine the range of possible stress or strain on a structure.

The solution set for an inequality is the set of all values that make the inequality true. For example, the solution set for the inequality 2x + 3 > 5 is all real numbers x such that x > 1. The solution set for an inequality can be represented graphically on a number line. A closed dot is used to represent a value that is included in the solution set, and an open dot is used to represent a value that is not included.

Solving inequalities can be done by using algebraic techniques such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing both sides of the inequality by the same value, but you must always remember to reverse the inequality sign if you multiply or divide by a negative value.

It’s important to note that solution set of an inequality is not a single number. It’s a set of all possible values that satisfy the inequality.

Solution Set for Inequalities

A solution set is the set of all values that make an inequality true. For example, the solution set for the inequality x > 2 is all the numbers greater than 2.

First, simplify the inequality by combining like terms and solving for the variable to find the solution set for an inequality. Next, graph the inequality on a number line by using an open or closed dot to represent the inequality symbol. An open dot represents “greater than” or “less than” and a closed dot represents “greater than or equal to” or “less than or equal to”. Finally, shade the region of the number line that represents the solution set.

For example, to find the solution set for the inequality x > 2, first, solve for x. Next, graph the inequality on a number line using an open dot at 2 and shading the region to the right of 2. The solution set for this inequality is all the numbers greater than 2.

How to represent the solution set for an inequality

Solution sets can be represented in several ways, such as interval notation and set builder notation.

Interval notation is a way of representing a solution set using brackets and/or parentheses. Brackets are used to represent “greater than or equal to” or “less than or equal to”, while parentheses are used to represent “greater than” or “less than”.

For example, the solution set for the inequality x > 2 can be represented in interval notation as (2, infinity). The parenthesis indicates that the solution set does not include 2.

Set builder notation is another way to represent a solution set. It uses the set notation, where a set of values is defined by a rule or condition.

For example, the solution set for the inequality x > 2 can be represented in set builder notation as {x|x > 2}. The vertical line separates the values that belong to the set from the rule or condition that defines them.

How to find the solution set for a compound inequality?

A compound inequality is an inequality that contains two or more inequality statements. To find the solution set for a compound inequality, we need to solve each inequality statement separately and then combine the solutions.

For example, to find the solution set for the compound inequality 2 < x < 5, we first solve for x in 2 < x to get x > 2. Next, we solve for x in x < 5 to get x < 5. The solution set for this compound inequality is all the numbers greater than 2 and less than 5, which can be represented in interval notation as (2,5) or in set builder notation as {x|2<x<5}.

Another example, Erin packed a backpack for a camping trip. The instructions on Erin’s backpack say the backpack must weigh less than 25 pounds when packed. Erin will be packing a 5-pound cooking kit and other supplies. Which inequality best describes the weight in pounds of Erin’s backpack after she packs it?

Answer will be 5<w<25

Real-life Applications of Inequalities and Solution Sets

Inequalities are used in many fields such as economics, finance, engineering, and many more. For example:

In economics, inequalities can be used to model the distribution of income or wealth.

In finance, inequalities can be used to model the rate of return on an investment.

In engineering, inequalities can be used to model the strength of materials.

Solution Set for Inequalities FAQS

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