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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< - 4 or x > 5/2 }
To solve the quadratic inequality algebraically, we will follow three steps.
We will start by identifying a, b, and c in the related equation.
2x^2+3x -20 = 0 ⇔ 2x^2+ 3x + ( - 20) = 0
Substitute values
Now we can calculate the first root using the positive sign and the second root using the negative sign.
| x= -3 ± 13/4 | |
|---|---|
| x= -3 + 13/4 | x= -3 - 13/4 |
| x= 10/4 | x= -16/4 |
| x = 5/2 | x = -4 |
The solutions of the related equation are - 4 and 52. 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=- 5.
Since x=- 4 produced a true statement, the interval x < - 4 is part of the solution. Similarly, we can test the other two intervals.
| Interval | Test Value | Statement | Is It Part of the Solution? |
|---|---|---|---|
| x < -4 | -5 | 15 > 0 * | Yes |
| - 4 < x < 5/2 | 0 | -20 > 0 ✓ | No |
| x > 5/2 | 3 | 7 > 0 * | Yes |
We can now write the solution set and show it on a number line. {x| x< - 4 or x > 5/2 }