Math Problem Statement

Solve the inequality. Write the solution set in interval notation if possible 4/(5-X) <OR equal to 5/(2-X)

Solution

We are given the inequality:

45x52x\frac{4}{5 - x} \leq \frac{5}{2 - x}

Step 1: Find the values where the denominators are undefined.

The denominators 5x5 - x and 2x2 - x must not be zero, so:

  1. 5x=05 - x = 0 gives x=5x = 5
  2. 2x=02 - x = 0 gives x=2x = 2

Therefore, the inequality is undefined at x=5x = 5 and x=2x = 2.

Step 2: Eliminate the denominators

To clear the fractions, multiply both sides of the inequality by (5x)(2x)(5 - x)(2 - x). However, this is only valid where (5x)(2x)0(5 - x)(2 - x) \neq 0, so x5x \neq 5 and x2x \neq 2.

Multiplying both sides:

4(2x)5(5x)4(2 - x) \leq 5(5 - x)

This simplifies to:

84x255x8 - 4x \leq 25 - 5x

Step 3: Solve the inequality

Now, solve for xx:

84x255x8 - 4x \leq 25 - 5x

First, add 5x5x to both sides:

8+x258 + x \leq 25

Next, subtract 8 from both sides:

x17x \leq 17

Step 4: Combine the restrictions

We now know that x17x \leq 17, but we also have the restrictions that x5x \neq 5 and x2x \neq 2, because the original expression is undefined at those points.

Step 5: Solution in interval notation

The solution set is all values of xx such that x17x \leq 17, excluding x=5x = 5 and x=2x = 2. In interval notation, this is:

(,2)(2,5)(5,17](-\infty, 2) \cup (2, 5) \cup (5, 17]

This is the solution to the inequality.


Would you like more details on any step or further clarifications?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do we handle inequalities when dividing or multiplying by negative numbers?
  2. What happens if the inequality sign changes when solving similar inequalities?
  3. Can inequalities have more than two intervals in their solution?
  4. How can you visualize the solution of an inequality on a number line?
  5. What are some common pitfalls when solving rational inequalities?

Tip: Always check for points where the function is undefined when solving inequalities involving rational expressions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Inequalities

Formulas

Multiplication of both sides of an inequality by a common denominator
Solving linear inequalities

Theorems

Properties of inequalities
Restrictions on rational functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12