Math Problem Statement

Solve the inequality: (x - 10) / (x - 1) ≥ 4

Solution

The inequality in the image is:

x10x14\frac{x - 10}{x - 1} \geq 4

To solve this, let's follow these steps:

Step 1: Move all terms to one side

Rewrite the inequality by subtracting 4 from both sides:

x10x140\frac{x - 10}{x - 1} - 4 \geq 0

Step 2: Combine the expression into one fraction

Convert the 4 into a fraction with a denominator of x1x - 1:

x10x14(x1)x10\frac{x - 10}{x - 1} - \frac{4(x - 1)}{x - 1} \geq 0

Simplify the numerator:

(x10)4(x1)x10\frac{(x - 10) - 4(x - 1)}{x - 1} \geq 0

Expand the terms in the numerator:

x104x+4x10\frac{x - 10 - 4x + 4}{x - 1} \geq 0

Simplify further:

3x6x10\frac{-3x - 6}{x - 1} \geq 0

Step 3: Analyze the inequality

We now need to solve:

3(x+2)x10\frac{-3(x + 2)}{x - 1} \geq 0

This fraction will be non-negative when the numerator and denominator have the same sign. Let's consider the critical points: x=2x = -2 and x=1x = 1, where either the numerator or the denominator is zero.

Step 4: Critical points and sign analysis

The critical points are x=2x = -2 and x=1x = 1. Now, we perform a sign analysis for the intervals determined by these critical points: (,2),(2,1),(1,)(-\infty, -2), (-2, 1), (1, \infty).

  • For x<2x < -2, both the numerator and denominator are negative, so the fraction is positive.
  • For 2<x<1-2 < x < 1, the numerator is positive, and the denominator is negative, so the fraction is negative.
  • For x>1x > 1, both the numerator and denominator are positive, so the fraction is positive.

Step 5: Conclusion

The inequality is satisfied when the expression is non-negative. So, the solution includes:

x(,2](1,)x \in (-\infty, -2] \cup (1, \infty)

Final Answer:

The solution to the inequality is:

x(,2](1,)x \in (-\infty, -2] \cup (1, \infty)

Do you need more details or have any questions?


Here are five related questions:

  1. How can we solve rational inequalities that involve more complicated expressions?
  2. What is the significance of critical points in solving inequalities?
  3. How can we graph the solution of a rational inequality on a number line?
  4. How do we check for extraneous solutions when solving rational equations or inequalities?
  5. How can we use test points to determine the sign of a rational function in an interval?

Tip: Always remember to exclude points where the denominator is zero from your solution set, as the function is undefined at those points.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Inequalities
Sign Analysis

Formulas

Move all terms to one side of the inequality
Combine expressions with a common denominator
Analyze the sign of the expression by solving the numerator and denominator separately

Theorems

Rational inequalities are solved by analyzing critical points where the expression equals zero or is undefined

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12