Expressing the Solution Set in Interval Notation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 116 views

Introduction

Inequalities are mathematical expressions that compare two values using greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to. Solving inequalities involves isolating the variable on one side of the inequality sign. In this article, we will solve the given inequality $\frac{3-4x}{3} \geq -4$ and express the solution set in interval notation. We will also graph the solution set.

Step 1: Multiply Both Sides by 3

To eliminate the fraction, we can multiply both sides of the inequality by 3. This will give us:

3 \cdot \frac{3-4x}{3} \geq 3 \cdot (-4)

Simplifying the left-hand side, we get:

3-4x \geq -12

Step 2: Add 4x to Both Sides

Next, we add 4x to both sides of the inequality to isolate the term with the variable:

3-4x+4x \geq -12+4x

Simplifying the left-hand side, we get:

3 \geq -12+4x

Step 3: Add 12 to Both Sides

To get rid of the negative term on the right-hand side, we add 12 to both sides of the inequality:

3+12 \geq -12+12+4x

Simplifying the left-hand side, we get:

15 \geq 4x

Step 4: Divide Both Sides by 4

Finally, we divide both sides of the inequality by 4 to solve for x:

\frac{15}{4} \geq \frac{4x}{4}

Simplifying the left-hand side, we get:

\frac{15}{4} \geq x

Expressing the Solution Set in Interval Notation

The solution set is all values of x that satisfy the inequality $\frac{15}{4} \geq x$ . In interval notation, this can be expressed as:

\left(-\infty, \frac{15}{4}\right]

Graphing the Solution Set

To graph the solution set, we can plot a number line and shade the region to the left of the point $\frac{15}{4}$ . This represents all values of x that satisfy the inequality.

Conclusion

In this article, we solved the inequality $\frac{3-4x}{3} \geq -4$ and expressed the solution set in interval notation. We also graphed the solution set using a number line. By following these steps, you can solve any inequality and express the solution set in interval notation.

Key Takeaways

To solve an inequality, isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign.
Multiply both sides of the inequality by a positive number to eliminate fractions.
Add or subtract the same value to both sides of the inequality to isolate the term with the variable.
Divide both sides of the inequality by a positive number to solve for the variable.
Express the solution set in interval notation using the following format: $\left(a, b\right]$ or $\left(a, b\right)$ .

Practice Problems

Solve the inequality $2x-5 \geq 3$ and express the solution set in interval notation.
Solve the inequality $x+2 \leq 7$ and express the solution set in interval notation.
Solve the inequality $\frac{x}{2} \geq 4$ and express the solution set in interval notation.

Answer Key

$\left(-\infty, \frac{11}{2}\right]$
$\left(-\infty, 5\right]$
$\left(8, \infty\right)$
Solving Inequalities: A Q&A Guide =====================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we solved the inequality $\frac{3-4x}{3} \geq -4$ and expressed the solution set in interval notation. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about solving inequalities.

Q: What is the first step in solving an inequality?

A: The first step in solving an inequality is to isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign. This can be done by adding or subtracting the same value to both sides of the inequality.

Q: How do I eliminate fractions in an inequality?

A: To eliminate fractions in an inequality, you can multiply both sides of the inequality by a positive number. This will get rid of the fraction and make it easier to solve the inequality.

Q: Can I add or subtract the same value to both sides of an inequality?

A: Yes, you can add or subtract the same value to both sides of an inequality. This is a common step in solving inequalities and can help you isolate the variable.

Q: How do I divide both sides of an inequality by a positive number?

A: To divide both sides of an inequality by a positive number, you can simply divide both sides by that number. This will help you solve for the variable.

Q: What is interval notation?

A: Interval notation is a way of expressing a solution set in a compact and concise format. It uses parentheses and brackets to indicate the values that are included in the solution set.

Q: How do I express a solution set in interval notation?

A: To express a solution set in interval notation, you need to determine the values that are included in the solution set. If the solution set includes all values less than a certain value, you can use a parenthesis to indicate this. If the solution set includes all values greater than a certain value, you can use a parenthesis to indicate this. If the solution set includes all values between two certain values, you can use a bracket to indicate this.

Q: Can I graph a solution set?

A: Yes, you can graph a solution set. To graph a solution set, you can plot a number line and shade the region that represents the solution set.

Q: How do I graph a solution set on a number line?

A: To graph a solution set on a number line, you can plot a point on the number line that represents the value that is included in the solution set. Then, you can shade the region to the left or right of the point, depending on whether the solution set includes all values less than or greater than the point.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving inequalities?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving inequalities include:

Not isolating the variable on one side of the inequality sign
Not eliminating fractions in the inequality
Not adding or subtracting the same value to both sides of the inequality
Not dividing both sides of the inequality by a positive number
Not expressing the solution set in interval notation

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about solving inequalities. We covered topics such as isolating the variable, eliminating fractions, adding or subtracting the same value, dividing both sides by a positive number, and expressing the solution set in interval notation. We also discussed how to graph a solution set on a number line.

Key Takeaways

Isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign.
Eliminate fractions in the inequality by multiplying both sides by a positive number.
Add or subtract the same value to both sides of the inequality.
Divide both sides of the inequality by a positive number.
Express the solution set in interval notation.
Graph the solution set on a number line.

Practice Problems

Solve the inequality $2x-5 \geq 3$ and express the solution set in interval notation.
Solve the inequality $x+2 \leq 7$ and express the solution set in interval notation.
Solve the inequality $\frac{x}{2} \geq 4$ and express the solution set in interval notation.

Answer Key

$\left(-\infty, \frac{11}{2}\right]$
$\left(-\infty, 5\right]$
$\left(8, \infty\right)$