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Solve the related quadratic equation, plot the solutions on a number line, and test a value from each interval.
{ x| 4 < x < 5 }
To solve the quadratic inequality algebraically, we will follow three steps.
We will start by solving the related equation.
x^2-9x=- 20 ⇔ 1x^2+( - 9)x+ 20=0
Substitute values
Calculate root
Now we can calculate the first solution using the positive sign and the second solution using the negative sign.
| x=9 ± 1/2 | |
|---|---|
| x=9 + 1/2 | x=9 - 1/2 |
| x= 10/2 | x= 8/2 |
| x=5 | x=4 |
The solutions of the related equation are 5 and 4. Let's plot them on a number line. Since the original is a strict inequality, the points will be open.
Finally, we must test a value from each interval to see if it satisfies the original inequality. Let's choose a value from the first interval, x < 4. For simplicity, we will choose x=0.
x= 0
Calculate power
Zero Property of Multiplication
Identity Property of Addition
Since x=0 did not produce a true statement, the interval x < 4 is not part of the solution. Similarly, we can test the other two intervals.
| Interval | Test Value | Statement | Is It Part of the Solution? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4< x < 5 | 4.5 | - 20.25 < - 20 ✓ | Yes |
| x > 5 | 10 | 10 ≮ - 20 * | No |
We can now write the solution set and show it on a number line. { x| 4 < x < 5 } or (4, 5)