Math Problem Statement

Solve the rational inequality and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express the solution set in interval notation. StartFraction 15 x plus 2 Over 5 x minus 1 EndFraction less than or equals 4 Question content area bottom Part 1 Solve the inequality. What is the solution​ set? Select the correct choice below​ and, if​ necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice. A. The solution set is    left parenthesis infinity comma one fifth right parenthesis union left bracket six fifths comma infinity right parenthesis . ​(Simplify your answer. Type your answer in interval notation. Type an exact​ answer, using radicals as needed. Use integers or fractions for any numbers in the​ expression.)

Solution

To solve the rational inequality

15x+25x14\frac{15x + 2}{5x - 1} \leq 4

let's work step by step.


Step 1: Eliminate the denominator

Rearrange the inequality to set up a single rational expression. Start by subtracting 4 from both sides:

15x+25x140\frac{15x + 2}{5x - 1} - 4 \leq 0

Rewrite with a common denominator:

15x+24(5x1)5x10\frac{15x + 2 - 4(5x - 1)}{5x - 1} \leq 0

Simplify the numerator:

15x+220x+4=5x+615x + 2 - 20x + 4 = -5x + 6

So the inequality becomes:

5x+65x10\frac{-5x + 6}{5x - 1} \leq 0


Step 2: Find critical points

The critical points occur where the numerator and denominator are zero:

  1. Numerator: 5x+6=0-5x + 6 = 0
    Solve for xx:
    x=65x = \frac{6}{5}

  2. Denominator: 5x1=05x - 1 = 0
    Solve for xx:
    x=15x = \frac{1}{5}

These points split the number line into intervals for testing.


Step 3: Analyze intervals

The critical points divide the number line into the following intervals:

  1. (,15)(-\infty, \frac{1}{5})
  2. (15,65)(\frac{1}{5}, \frac{6}{5})
  3. (65,)(\frac{6}{5}, \infty)

We test the sign of the rational expression 5x+65x1\frac{-5x + 6}{5x - 1} in each interval:

  1. Interval (,15)(-\infty, \frac{1}{5}):
    Pick x=0x = 0:
    5(0)+65(0)1=61=6(negative)\frac{-5(0) + 6}{5(0) - 1} = \frac{6}{-1} = -6 \quad (\text{negative})

  2. Interval (15,65)(\frac{1}{5}, \frac{6}{5}):
    Pick x=1x = 1:
    5(1)+65(1)1=5+651=14(positive)\frac{-5(1) + 6}{5(1) - 1} = \frac{-5 + 6}{5 - 1} = \frac{1}{4} \quad (\text{positive})

  3. Interval (65,)(\frac{6}{5}, \infty):
    Pick x=2x = 2:
    5(2)+65(2)1=10+6101=49(negative)\frac{-5(2) + 6}{5(2) - 1} = \frac{-10 + 6}{10 - 1} = \frac{-4}{9} \quad (\text{negative})


Step 4: Determine solution regions

We want the rational expression 5x+65x10\frac{-5x + 6}{5x - 1} \leq 0. This means the expression should be either negative or zero.

  1. Negative in (,15)(-\infty, \frac{1}{5}) and (65,)(\frac{6}{5}, \infty).
  2. Zero at x=65x = \frac{6}{5} (where the numerator is zero).
  3. Undefined at x=15x = \frac{1}{5} (excluded from the solution).

Thus, the solution set is:

(,15)[65,)(-\infty, \frac{1}{5}) \cup [\frac{6}{5}, \infty)


Step 5: Graph the solution set

  • Draw a real number line.
  • Open circle at x=15x = \frac{1}{5} (excluded).
  • Closed circle at x=65x = \frac{6}{5} (included).
  • Shade regions (,15)(-\infty, \frac{1}{5}) and [65,)[\frac{6}{5}, \infty).

Final Answer:

The solution set is:

(,15)[65,)(-\infty, \frac{1}{5}) \cup [\frac{6}{5}, \infty)

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Inequalities
Interval Notation
Number Line Graphing

Formulas

Rewriting a rational inequality with a common denominator
Critical points: setting numerator and denominator to zero
Testing intervals to determine the sign of a rational function

Theorems

Critical Point Analysis
Sign Analysis of Rational Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12