Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Inequalities
Rational inequalities involve expressions that are ratios of polynomials set in an inequality format. To solve them, one typically finds critical points where the expression is equal to zero or undefined, and then tests intervals to determine where the inequality holds true. Understanding how to manipulate and analyze these expressions is crucial for finding the solution set.
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Rationalizing Denominators
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a mathematical notation used to represent a range of values. It uses parentheses and brackets to indicate whether endpoints are included (closed intervals) or excluded (open intervals). For example, the interval (a, b] includes all numbers greater than 'a' and up to 'b', including 'b' itself. This notation is essential for clearly expressing the solution set of inequalities.
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Critical Points
Critical points are values of the variable that make the rational expression equal to zero or undefined. In the context of rational inequalities, these points divide the number line into intervals that can be tested to determine where the inequality holds. Identifying these points is a key step in solving rational inequalities, as they help establish the boundaries of the solution set.
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