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Solve the related quadratic equation, plot the solutions on a number line, and test a value from each interval.
{ x| x<-6 or x>-2 }
To solve the quadratic inequality algebraically, we will follow three steps.
We will start by factoring the related equation.
x^2+8x+12=0 ⇔ 1x^2+ 8x+ 12=0
Substitute values
Now we can calculate the first root using the positive sign and the second root using the negative sign.
| x = -8 ± 4/2 | |
|---|---|
| x = -8 + 4/2 | x= -8 - 4/2 |
| x = -4/2 | x=-12/2 |
| x = - 2 | x = - 6 |
The solutions of the related equation are - 2 and -6. 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 < - 6. For simplicity, we will choose x=- 8.
x= - 8
Calculate power
a(- b)=- a * b
Add and subtract terms
Since x=- 8 produced a true statement, the interval x < - 6 is part of the solution. Similarly, we can test the other two intervals.
| Interval | Test Value | Statement | Is It Part of the Solution? |
|---|---|---|---|
| x < -6 | -8 | 12 > 0 ✓ | Yes |
| - 6 < x < -2 | -4 | -4 ≯ 0 * | No |
| x > -2 | 0 | 12 > 0 ✓ | Yes |
We can now write the solution set and show it on a number line. { x| x<-6 or x>-2 }