Since the word between the inequalities is or, we are looking for the union of the solution sets to the individual inequalities.
Solution Set: a<-7 or a>15 Graph:
Practice makes perfect
To solve the compound inequality, we have to solve each of the inequalities separately. Since the word between the individual inequalities is or, the solution set for the compound inequality is the union of the individual solutions.
First Inequality
Inequalities can be solved in the same way as equations, by performing inverse operations on both sides until the variable is isolated. The only difference is that when we divide or multiply by a negative number, we must reverse the inequality sign.
This inequality tells us that all values greater than 15 will satisfy the inequality.
Note that the point on 15 is open because it is not included in the solution set.
Compound Inequality
The solution to the compound inequality is the combination of the solution sets.
First Solution Set:& a< -7
Second Solution Set:& a>15
Combined Solution Set:& a<-7ora>15
Finally, we will graph the solution set to the compound inequality.
