WoW - This is a cool thread with so many thing on inequalities....I have compiled it together with some of my own ideas...It should help.
1)
CORE CONCEPT@gurpreetsingh -
Suppose you have the inequality
f(x) = (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)(x-d) < 0
Arrange the NUMBERS in ascending order from left to right. a<b<c<d
Draw curve starting from + from right.
now if f(x) < 0 consider curve having "-" inside and if f(x) > 0 consider curve having "+" and combined solution will be the final solution. I m sure I have recalled it fully but if you guys find any issue on that do let me know, this is very helpful.
So for f(x) < 0 consider "-" curves and the ans is : (a < x < b) , (c < x < d)
and for f(x) > 0 consider "+" curves and the ans is : (x < a), (b < x < c) , (d < x)If f(x) has three factors then the graph will have - + - +
If f(x) has four factors then the graph will have + - + - +
If you can not figure out how and why, just remember it.
Try to analyze that the function will have number of roots = number of factors and every time the graph will touch the x axis.
For the highest factor d if x>d then the whole f(x) > 0 and after every interval of the roots the signs will change alternatively.
Note:
Make sure that the factors are of the form (ax - b), not (b - ax)...example -
(x+2)(x-1)(
7 - x)<0
Convert this to: (x+2)(x-1)(x-7)>0 (Multiply both sides by '-1')
Now solve in the usual way. Assign '+' to the rightmost region and then alternate with '-'
Since you are looking for positive value of the expression, every region where you put a '+' will be the region where the expression will be greater than 0.
2)
Variation - ODD/EVEN POWER@ulm/Karishma -
if we have even powers like (x-a)^2(x-b)
we don't need to change a sign when jump over "a".
This will be same as (x-b)We can ignore squares BUT SHOULD consider ODD powersexample -
2.a
(x-a)^3(x-b)<0 is the same as (x-a)(x-b) <0
2.b
(x - a)(x - b)/(x - c)(x - d) < 0 ==> (x - a)(x - b)(x-c)^-1(x-d)^-1 <0
is the same as (x - a)(x - b)(x - c)(x - d) < 0
3)
Variation <= in FRACTION@mrinal2100 -
if = sign is included with < then <= will be there in solutionlike for (x+2)(x-1)(x-7)(x-4) <=0 the solution will be -2 <= x <= 1 or 4<= x <= 7
BUT if it is a fraction the denominator in the solution will not have = SIGNexample -
3.a
(x + 2)(x - 1)/(x -4)(x - 7) < =0
the solution will be -2 <= x <= 1 or 4< x < 7
we cant make 4<=x<=7 as it will make the solution infinite
4)
Variation - ROOTS @Karishma -
As for roots, you have to keep in mind that given \(\sqrt{x}\), x cannot be negative.
\(\sqrt{x}\) < 10
implies 0 < \(\sqrt{x}\) < 10
Squaring, 0 < x < 100
Root questions are specific. You have to be careful. If you have a particular question in mind, send it.
Refer - inequalities-and-roots-118619.html#p959939
Some more useful tips for ROOTS....I am too lazy to consolidate<5>
THESIS -
@gmat1220 -
Once algebra teacher told me - signs alternate between the roots. I said whatever and now I know why
Watching this article is a stroll down the memory lane. I will save this future references....
Please add anything that you feel will help.
Anyone wants to add ABSOLUTE VALUES....That will be a value add to this post