Get started for free
Log In Start studying!
Get started for free Log out
Chapter 4: Problem 8
For the function $$ g(x)=\frac{x-2}{x+4} $$ solve each of the following. $$g(x) \leq 0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(x \in (-4, 2]\)
Step by step solution
01
Set Up the Inequality
Write the given inequality using the function expression: \[\frac{x-2}{x+4} \leq 0\]
02
Find the Critical Points
Set the numerator and the denominator equal to zero to find the critical points because these points will determine the intervals to test. 1. Numerator: \[x-2=0 \implies x=2\]2. Denominator: \[x+4=0 \implies x=-4\]
03
Identify Intervals
The critical points from Step 2 divide the number line into three intervals:1. \(( -\infty, -4 )\)2. \((-4, 2)\)3. \(( 2, \infty )\)
04
Test the Intervals
Choose a test point from each interval and determine whether the inequality \(\frac{x-2}{x+4} \leq 0\) holds:1. For \( x = -5 \) in interval \(( -\infty, -4 )\), \[\frac{-5-2}{-5+4} = \frac{-7}{-1} = 7 \implies 7 ot\leq 0 \]2. For \( x = 0 \) in interval \((-4, 2)\), \[\frac{0-2}{0+4} = \frac{-2}{4} = -\frac{1}{2} \implies -\frac{1}{2} \leq 0\]3. For \( x = 3 \) in interval \(( 2, \infty )\), \[\frac{3-2}{3+4} = \frac{1}{7} \implies \frac{1}{7} ot\leq 0\]
05
Include Critical Points with Zero Numerator
The function is zero at \( x = 2 \), so this point is included in the solution set: \[\frac{2-2}{2+4} = \frac{0}{6} = 0 \implies 0 \leq 0 \]
06
Exclude Points with Zero Denominator
The function is undefined at \( x = -4 \), so this point is excluded from the solution set.
07
Combine the Results
Combine the valid intervals and points:\((-4, 2] \)
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
critical points
Critical points are vital in solving rational inequalities. They are the values of the variable where the function changes its sign or becomes undefined. To find these points, set the numerator and denominator of the function to zero separately.
For the function \ g(x)=\frac{x-2}{x+4} \, set both parts to zero:
- Numerator: \( x-2=0 \) leads to \( x=2 \)
- Denominator: \( x+4=0 \) leads to \( x=-4 \)
Critical points \( x=2 \) and \( x=-4 \) help us form the intervals on the number line which are crucial for further steps.
function intervals
Function intervals occur between the critical points identified earlier. They help visualize how the function behaves on different segments of the number line.
For \( g(x)=\frac{x-2}{x+4} \), the critical points \( x=2 \) and \( x=-4 \) divide the number line into three intervals:
- \(( -\infty, -4 )\)
- \((-4, 2)\)
- \(( 2, \infty )\)
Understanding these intervals is necessary to see where the function is positive, negative, or zero.
test points
Test points are selected from each function interval to determine where the inequality holds true. You pick a value from each interval and plug it into the function. Let's test the function in each interval:
- For \( x = -5 \) in \( ( -\infty, -4 ) \): \( \frac{-5-2}{-5+4} = \frac{-7}{-1} = 7 \), which is not \( \leq 0 \).
- For \( x = 0 \) in \( (-4, 2) \): \( \frac{0-2}{0+4} = \frac{-2}{4} = -\frac{1}{2} \), which is \( \leq 0 \).
- For \( x = 3 \) in \( ( 2, \infty ) \): \( \frac{3-2}{3+4} = \frac{1}{7} \), which is not \( \leq 0 \).
By using these test points, you can identify which intervals satisfy the inequality.
numerator and denominator analysis
Numerator and denominator analysis is essential when solving rational inequalities. This step helps understand how the function behaves around the critical points and within intervals.
Set the numerator \( x-2 \) and denominator \( x+4 \) to zero:
- \( x-2=0 \rightarrow x=2 \)
- \( x+4=0 \rightarrow x=-4 \)
We see the function is zero at \( x = 2 \) and undefined at \( x = -4 \).
Note the behavior of the function:
- Numerator zero: The function itself is zero.
- Denominator zero: The function is undefined.
These insights, combined with interval testing, allow for a complete and accurate solution.
One App. One Place for Learning.
All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.
Get started for free
Most popular questions from this chapter
Recommended explanations on Math Textbooks
Discrete Mathematics
Read ExplanationTheoretical and Mathematical Physics
Read ExplanationLogic and Functions
Read ExplanationMechanics Maths
Read ExplanationPure Maths
Read ExplanationStatistics
Read ExplanationWhat do you think about this solution?
We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.
Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.
Sign-up for free
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.