Math  /  Algebra

QuestionSolve the polynomial inequality and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express the solution set in interval notation. (x2)(x+4)0(x-2)(x+4) \leq 0

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to find the values of xx that make the expression (x2)(x+4)(x-2)(x+4) less than or equal to zero, and then show those values on a number line and write them in interval notation! Watch out! Don't forget to include the endpoints where the expression equals zero!

STEP 2

1. Find the critical points.
2. Test the intervals.
3. Write the solution.

STEP 3

Let's **find the critical points** by setting each factor equal to zero.
This is where our expression could potentially change its sign!

STEP 4

So, x2=0x-2 = 0 gives us x=2x = \mathbf{2}, and x+4=0x+4 = 0 gives us x=4x = \mathbf{-4}.
These are our **critical points**!

STEP 5

Now, let's **test the intervals** created by these critical points.
We have three intervals to check: x<4x < -4, 4x2-4 \leq x \leq 2, and x>2x > 2.

STEP 6

For x<4x < -4, let's pick x=5x = \mathbf{-5}.
Plugging this into our expression gives us (52)(5+4)=(7)(1)=7(-5-2)(-5+4) = (-7)(-1) = \mathbf{7}, which is *greater than zero*.
So, this interval *doesn't* satisfy our inequality.

STEP 7

For 4x2-4 \leq x \leq 2, let's pick x=0x = \mathbf{0}.
Plugging this in gives us (02)(0+4)=(2)(4)=8(0-2)(0+4) = (-2)(4) = \mathbf{-8}, which is *less than zero*.
This interval *does* satisfy our inequality!

STEP 8

For x>2x > 2, let's pick x=3x = \mathbf{3}.
Plugging this in gives us (32)(3+4)=(1)(7)=7(3-2)(3+4) = (1)(7) = \mathbf{7}, which is *greater than zero*.
So, this interval *doesn't* satisfy our inequality.

STEP 9

The interval that satisfies our inequality is 4x2-4 \leq x \leq 2.
Since we're looking for values *less than or equal to* zero, we **include the endpoints**!

STEP 10

On the number line, we'll have **closed circles** at x=4x = -4 and x=2x = 2, and we'll shade the region between them.

STEP 11

In interval notation, our solution is [4,2][\mathbf{-4}, \mathbf{2}].
Those square brackets mean we're including the endpoints!

STEP 12

The solution set is [4,2][-4, 2].
This is represented on the number line with closed circles at 4-4 and 22, and the region between them shaded.

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