Sign In
Solve the related quadratic equation, plot the solutions on a number line, and test a value from each interval.
{ x| x < - 5 or x>- 1 }
To solve the quadratic inequality algebraically, we will follow three steps.
We will start by solving the related equation.
x^2+6x = - 5 ⇔ 1x^2+ 6x+ 5=0
Substitute values
Now we can calculate the first root using the positive sign and the second root using the negative sign.
| x = - 6 ± 4/2 | |
|---|---|
| x = - 6 + 4/2 | x = - 6 - 4/2 |
| x = - 2/2 | x = - 10/2 |
| x = - 1 | x = - 5 |
The solutions of the related equation are - 1 and - 5. 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 < - 5. For simplicity, we will choose x=- 6.
Since x=- 6 produced a true statement, the interval x < - 5 is part of the solution. Similarly, we can test the other two intervals.
| Interval | Test Value | Statement | Is It Part of the Solution? |
|---|---|---|---|
| - 5 < x < - 1 | - 2 | - 8 ≯ - 5 * | No |
| x > - 1 | 0 | 0 > - 5 ✓ | Yes |
We can now write the solution set and show it on a number line. { x| x < - 5 or x>- 1 } or (- ∞, - 5) ⋃ (- 1, ∞)