Math Problem Statement

2x/x-1 is less than or equal to 0

Solution

To solve the inequality:

2xx10\frac{2x}{x - 1} \leq 0

We need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Analyze the function

The inequality is of the form AB0\frac{A}{B} \leq 0, where A=2xA = 2x and B=x1B = x - 1. The fraction AB\frac{A}{B} will be negative or zero when:

  • AA and BB have opposite signs, or
  • The fraction is equal to zero when the numerator is zero.

Step 2: Find when the fraction is equal to zero

The fraction 2xx1=0\frac{2x}{x - 1} = 0 when the numerator 2x=02x = 0. Solving for xx: 2x=0    x=02x = 0 \implies x = 0

Thus, x=0x = 0 is a solution to the equality part of the inequality.

Step 3: Determine when the fraction is negative

We need to figure out when 2xx1\frac{2x}{x - 1} is negative. This depends on the signs of 2x2x and x1x - 1:

  • 2x>02x > 0 when x>0x > 0

  • 2x<02x < 0 when x<0x < 0

  • x1>0x - 1 > 0 when x>1x > 1

  • x1<0x - 1 < 0 when x<1x < 1

Now, divide the real number line into intervals based on the critical points x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1.

Interval 1: x<0x < 0

In this interval:

  • 2x<02x < 0
  • x1<0x - 1 < 0

Since both the numerator and denominator are negative, the fraction 2xx1\frac{2x}{x - 1} is positive in this interval.

Interval 2: 0<x<10 < x < 1

In this interval:

  • 2x>02x > 0
  • x1<0x - 1 < 0

Since the numerator is positive and the denominator is negative, the fraction 2xx1\frac{2x}{x - 1} is negative in this interval.

Interval 3: x>1x > 1

In this interval:

  • 2x>02x > 0
  • x1>0x - 1 > 0

Since both the numerator and denominator are positive, the fraction 2xx1\frac{2x}{x - 1} is positive in this interval.

Step 4: Combine the results

From the analysis:

  • The fraction is negative when 0<x<10 < x < 1.
  • The fraction equals zero when x=0x = 0.

Thus, the solution to the inequality 2xx10\frac{2x}{x - 1} \leq 0 is:

x[0,1)x \in [0, 1)

Final Answer:

x[0,1)x \in [0, 1)

This means that xx can be any value from 0 (inclusive) to 1 (exclusive).


Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to practice:

  1. Solve 3xx+20\frac{3x}{x + 2} \leq 0.
  2. Solve 4xx3>0\frac{4x}{x - 3} > 0.
  3. Solve 5x2x+1<0\frac{5x}{2x + 1} < 0.
  4. Solve x24x20\frac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} \geq 0.
  5. Solve x3x24x0\frac{x - 3}{x^2 - 4x} \leq 0.

Tip: Always check for points where the denominator equals zero; these are critical points for solving rational inequalities!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inequalities
Rational Expressions

Formulas

\frac{A}{B} \leq 0
Numerator equals zero: A = 0
Sign analysis for intervals

Theorems

Zero of a rational expression
Sign analysis in inequalities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12