Understanding Polynomial Inequalities

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

Introduction

In mathematics, polynomial inequalities are a type of inequality that involves a polynomial expression. Solving polynomial inequalities requires a combination of algebraic and graphical techniques. In this article, we will focus on solving the polynomial inequality $18x^2 < 17x + 1$ and graphing the solution set on a number line.

Understanding Polynomial Inequalities

A polynomial inequality is an inequality that involves a polynomial expression. The general form of a polynomial inequality is $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants, and $x$ is the variable. Polynomial inequalities can be solved using various techniques, including factoring, quadratic formula, and graphical methods.

Solving the Polynomial Inequality

To solve the polynomial inequality $18x^2 < 17x + 1$ , we will first rewrite the inequality in the standard form $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$ . We can do this by subtracting $17x$ from both sides of the inequality and adding $1$ to both sides.

18x^2 - 17x - 1 < 0

Next, we will factor the left-hand side of the inequality, if possible. Unfortunately, this quadratic expression does not factor easily, so we will use the quadratic formula to find the roots of the equation.

Using the Quadratic Formula

The quadratic formula is given by:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

In this case, $a = 18$ , $b = -17$ , and $c = -1$ . Plugging these values into the quadratic formula, we get:

x = \frac{-(-17) \pm \sqrt{(-17)^2 - 4(18)(-1)}}{2(18)}

Simplifying the expression, we get:

x = \frac{17 \pm \sqrt{289 + 72}}{36}

x = \frac{17 \pm \sqrt{361}}{36}

x = \frac{17 \pm 19}{36}

Therefore, the roots of the equation are:

x = \frac{17 + 19}{36} = \frac{36}{36} = 1

x = \frac{17 - 19}{36} = \frac{-2}{36} = -\frac{1}{18}

Graphing the Solution Set

To graph the solution set, we will use a number line. We will plot the roots of the equation on the number line and test each interval to determine whether it is part of the solution set.

The roots of the equation are $x = -\frac{1}{18}$ and $x = 1$ . We will test each interval to determine whether it is part of the solution set.

For $x < -\frac{1}{18}$ , we can choose a test value, such as $x = -1$ . Plugging this value into the inequality, we get:

18(-1)^2 < 17(-1) + 1

18 < -17 + 1

18 < -16

This is a false statement, so the interval $x < -\frac{1}{18}$ is not part of the solution set.

For $-\frac{1}{18} < x < 1$ , we can choose a test value, such as $x = 0$ . Plugging this value into the inequality, we get:

18(0)^2 < 17(0) + 1

0 < 1

This is a true statement, so the interval $-\frac{1}{18} < x < 1$ is part of the solution set.

For $x > 1$ , we can choose a test value, such as $x = 2$ . Plugging this value into the inequality, we get:

18(2)^2 < 17(2) + 1

72 < 35

This is a false statement, so the interval $x > 1$ is not part of the solution set.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the solution set of the polynomial inequality $18x^2 < 17x + 1$ is $(-\infty, -\frac{1}{18}) \cup (\frac{1}{18}, \infty)$ . This can be expressed in interval notation as $(-\infty, -\frac{1}{18}) \cup (\frac{1}{18}, \infty)$ .

Final Answer

$The final answer is: $\boxed{(-\infty, -\frac{1}{18}) \cup (\frac{1}{18}, \infty)}$<br/> **Solving Polynomial Inequalities: A Step-by-Step Guide**$

Q&A: Solving Polynomial Inequalities

Q: What is a polynomial inequality?

A: A polynomial inequality is an inequality that involves a polynomial expression. The general form of a polynomial inequality is $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants, and $x$ is the variable.

Q: How do I solve a polynomial inequality?

A: To solve a polynomial inequality, you can use various techniques, including factoring, quadratic formula, and graphical methods. The first step is to rewrite the inequality in the standard form $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$ . Then, you can try to factor the left-hand side of the inequality, if possible. If it does not factor easily, you can use the quadratic formula to find the roots of the equation.

Q: What is the quadratic formula?

A: The quadratic formula is given by:

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

Q: How do I use the quadratic formula to solve a polynomial inequality?

A: To use the quadratic formula to solve a polynomial inequality, you need to plug the values of $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ into the formula. Then, you can simplify the expression to find the roots of the equation.

Q: What are the roots of the equation?

A: The roots of the equation are the values of $x$ that make the left-hand side of the inequality equal to zero. In other words, they are the values of $x$ that satisfy the equation $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ .

Q: How do I graph the solution set?

A: To graph the solution set, you can use a number line. You will plot the roots of the equation on the number line and test each interval to determine whether it is part of the solution set.

Q: What is the solution set?

A: The solution set is the set of all values of $x$ that satisfy the inequality. It can be expressed in interval notation as $(-\infty, a) \cup (b, \infty)$ , where $a$ and $b$ are the roots of the equation.

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

A: To express the solution set in interval notation, you need to identify the roots of the equation and determine which intervals are part of the solution set. Then, you can use the interval notation to express the solution set.

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

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

Not rewriting the inequality in the standard form $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$
Not factoring the left-hand side of the inequality, if possible
Not using the quadratic formula to find the roots of the equation
Not graphing the solution set on a number line
Not expressing the solution set in interval notation

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving polynomial inequalities requires a combination of algebraic and graphical techniques. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can solve polynomial inequalities and express the solution set in interval notation.

Final Answer

The final answer is: $\boxed{(-\infty, -\frac{1}{18}) \cup (\frac{1}{18}, \infty)}$