Math Problem Statement

Suppose 3 < a < 4 and 4 < b < 5. Find all possible values of (a - b) / (2a).

Solution

The given problem states:

Suppose 3<a<43 < a < 4 and 4<b<54 < b < 5. Find all possible values of the expression:

ab2a\frac{a - b}{2a}

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Bounds for aa and bb:

    • a(3,4)a \in (3, 4)
    • b(4,5)b \in (4, 5)
  2. Expression to evaluate: ab2a\frac{a - b}{2a}

Evaluate for the extreme values:

  • For a=3a = 3 (approaching from the right) and b=5b = 5 (approaching from the left):

    352(3)=26=13\frac{3 - 5}{2(3)} = \frac{-2}{6} = -\frac{1}{3}

  • For a=4a = 4 (approaching from the left) and b=4b = 4 (approaching from the right):

    442(4)=08=0\frac{4 - 4}{2(4)} = \frac{0}{8} = 0

Thus, the expression ab2a\frac{a - b}{2a} can range between 13-\frac{1}{3} and 00.

Final Answer:

The possible values of the expression ab2a\frac{a - b}{2a} range between 13-\frac{1}{3} and 00, i.e.,

13ab2a0-\frac{1}{3} \leq \frac{a - b}{2a} \leq 0

Would you like more details or have any questions about the solution? Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. How would the range of the expression change if aa and bb were constrained differently?
  2. What happens if the denominator involves bb instead of aa?
  3. Can you find the maximum and minimum values of ab2a\frac{a - b}{2a} using calculus techniques?
  4. How does the behavior of the function change if we add another variable or condition?
  5. What would the expression look like if we inverted it (i.e., 2aab\frac{2a}{a - b})?

Tip: When working with inequalities involving variables, always test the extreme values to understand the range of possible outcomes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inequalities
Expressions with variables

Formulas

(a - b) / (2a)

Theorems

Bounds and inequalities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11