Review Intermediate Algebra Tue, Oct 04 2016 P a g e | 1 of 7

2.4 First Degree Inequalities

2.5 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
Textbook:
Intermediate Algebra
Aufmann and Lockwood
9E AIM

Sample problems are not always exactly equal to the ones in the book.
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Section 2.4 1st Degree Inequalities:
What is an Inequality?
An inequality is a mathematical relationship between two
expressions, which is richer than an equation in the sense
that it expands on what you can do with equations, adding
relationships of greater than (>) and less than (<). Of course,
you can combine those new tools with the old equal sign to
get <, , > . In theory the NOT EQUAL () sign is pass the test against the original inequality. Exactly as
also an inequality sign but its bascially used to impose
restrictions.
Lets use a trivial real life example to see the difference.
Example 1: Suppose a storm is approaching and you need as
many litters of gas as you can get, but you only have $20.
Gas is 0.62 per litter, exempted from IVU. How much gas
can you get.
=
0.62 = What is it?
The total cost must be less than, at most, equal to $20. In
math terms: 0.62 20.
Except for a couple exceptions solving inequalities involves
much the same rules as solving equations. Using the
multiplicability rule you learned in previous sections
20
, 32.26
0.62
Of course this was an easy situation that you could probably
solve mentally, but there are a lot of more complex
situations where not knowing the rules youre about to learn
would make such problems impossible to solve.
The same way we had addition properties for equations, we
have addition properties for inequalities:
Addition Property for Inequalities:
If < , + < + solution is [2, ). Since the 2 is included as part of
If > , + > + the solution, you put a square bracket. If not, you
Same applies for , .
It just means that you can anything to an inequality always
than you do at both sides.
Solving an Inequality:
Solving an inequality means the same as solving an equation.
Is the process of reducing the inequality with equivalent
ones until you isolate the unknown variable.
Inequality. Lets try a couple of them. What if you
substitute 2, 5, and 0.
+24 +24 +24
(2) + 2 4 (5) + 2 4 (0) + 2 4
44 74 24
Note that 0 was not part of the solution and it failed to
we did when dealing with equations.
How do you chart it? Since it is a lineal inequality in
one variable you chart the solution using the real
numbers line.
(1) The equal sign in the inequality means that the 2
is part of the solution. Hence, in the real number
line you indicate that by a square bracket, or by a
filled circle. If the equal sign is not part of the
inequality, the square bracket would be replaced
by a parenthesis or a hollow circle.
(2) The bracket opens to the side where the inequality
tells you. It says that the solution is all numbers
greater than or equal to 2. That means 3, 4, 5
until infinity. Thats why all those numbers are
shaded by a line.
There is some more. You need a way to express the
solution, Yes, it is 2, but there is a
conventionalism to express that. One is called set
notation, the other is called interval notation.
a. Interval notation is the easier. In this case the
put a parenthesis. In the case of infinity, you always
use a parenthesis because infinity is not a number.
Is a concept.
b. The solution in set notation is {| 2}. It means,
such that 2. Depending on the solution set
there are some variations. The easiest way to learn
them is by working as many problems as you can.

Example 2: Solve and graph the solution set: + 2 4 Multiplication Property of Inequalities:
+2242 If < and > 0, then <
2 If > and > 0, then >
How do you graph that solution? If < and < 0, then >
First, what does the solution means? Well, it means that any If > and < 0, then <
number greater than or equal to 2, will satisfy the original Same applies to
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The first two rules are basically the same as for equations. The green one is the solution for < 3. The red one is
The difference is with the last two. Why? Because one of the the solution for > 2. You need to remove the
properties of negative numbers is to provoke a 180 degrees excess lines. Remenber, due to the AND, the solution is
rotation about zero. Lets see an example. the intersection of both sets. In this case the space
between -2 and 3. Not including the end points
4>2 No doubt about it. But what if I because there is no equal sign in the inequalities.
multiply bot sides by a negative.
(1)4 > 2(1)
4 > 2 Now we have a contradiction because
-4 is not larger than -2, but smaller. It
4 < 2 The solution in interval notation is: (2, 3)
is farther from zero. We need to make
a correction by reversing the The solution in set notation is {| 2 < < 3}
inequality sign. It could also be expressed as {| > 2 } {| < 3}
Example 3: Solve and chart 5( 2) < 9 3(2 4) Example 4: Solve 3 < 2 + 1 5
5( 2) < 9 3(2 4) Interval Notation:
Sometime the compound inequality can be expressed
5 10 < 9 6 + 12 (, 11) in one single expression. It is the same. You can
5 9 + 6 < 12 + 10 Set Notation: separate them as 2 + 1 > 3 AND 2 + 1 5, or
2 < 22 {| < 11} solve it as one unit. Same rules apply. What you do at
< 11 one side you most do at the others.
3 < 2 + 1 5 Interval Notation:
(2,2]
3 1 < 2 + 1 1 5 1
Set Notation:
4 < 2 4
1 1 1 {| 2 < 2}
COMPOUND INEQUALITIES:
4 ( ) < 2 ( ) 4 ( )
With simple inequalities the solution set extend to infinity, 2 2 2
one way or the other, + or . Most of the real life 2 < 2
problems cant be modeled that simple. So, we need to
acquire more tools. In this case it is in the form of compound Note that the solution is between -2 and 2. Not
inequalities, that is, 2 inequalities joined by or . including -2 but including 2.

AND: Refers to the intersection of two sets. Sometimes also

represented by the symbol .
OR: Refers to the union of two sets. Sometimes also
represented by U. Or, you can also draw it as:
Example 3: Solve 2 < 6 and 3 + 2 > 4
Since there is an AND, youre dealing with the intersection of
the solutions for both inequalities. So, you solve them
separately and joing the solutions.
Example 5: Solve 2 + 3 7 or 4 1 < 3
2 < 6 3 + 2 > 4
2 + 3 7 4 1 < 3 Interval Notation:
<3 3 > 6
2 4 4 < 4 (, 1) [2, )
> 2
2 <1
If you chart the solution first, it will be easier to see the Set Notation:
solution in interval notation. Lets do that 1st. {| < 1 } {| 2}

Sample problems are not always exactly equal to the ones in the book.
Review Intermediate Algebra Tue, Oct 04 2016 P a g e | 4 of 7

APPLICATION PROBLEMS: The order of the numbers donesnt matter.You will get
the same result in |4 3| = |7| = 7. As, seen
AP 1: To run an advertisement on certain website, the
below.
website owner charges a setup fee of $250 and $12 per day
to display the advertisement, what is the maximun number
of days the advertisement can run on the site?
Solution: Hence, we can define the absolute value of any
The total cost of the advertisement is the fixed cost of $250 quantity , like
plus $12 times the number of days the advertisement run. || = > , <
Lets call that number of days . That total cost must be, at
most, $1,250. In math terms: Thats all you need to remember. The rest is just
250 + 12 1500 arithmetic.
12 1,250 Absolute Value Equations:
104 days An absolute value equation is an equation that includes
AP 2: An average of 70 to 79 in a mathematics class receives absolute values. e.g. | 2| = 3. You learned that
a C grade. A student has scores of 56, 91, 83 and 62 on four absolute values represent distances. So, that equation
tests. Find the range of scores on the fith test that will give means that the distance between a number and 2 is
the student a C for the course. 3 units. What is ? Lets go to the number line.
Solution: To get a C, the average score must be greater than
70 and smaller than 79. Average is the sum of the scores
divided by the number of scores. The average would be
56+91+83+62+ 292+ As you can see in the number line, both -1 and 5 are 3
, that is . That average must be greater units apart from 2. The question is, how do I
5 5
than or equal to 70 but less than or equal to 79. 70 manipulate the equation to get both results? The
292+
79 answer is, you go back to the definition. It says that the
5
Since the exam is worth absolute value of anything in it is minus that value if
292 +
70 79 only 100 points, he could the expression inside is negative, or the same value if
5 the expression inside is positive. But you dont know if
never get a final score of
350 292 + 395 79. Thats why the solution the expression in the absolute value is negative or
58 103 set is capped at 100. positive because there is a variable whose value you
[58,100] dont know. What to do then? Simple, consider both
58 100 cases.
If 2 was positive If 2 was negative
2.5 - ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES: 2=3 ( 2) = 3
What is the Absolute Value: =5 2 = 3
Absolute value is the mathematical way of expressing = 1
distance between two numbers on the number line. If there There you have it! a method to get both results. No
is only one number in the absolute value is because the matter how complicated the equation, you goal is to
other number is zero and you intend to find the distance manipulate it to get it in the form:
from zero. Distance is never negative. It is always greater || =
than or equal to zero. Then, consider both cases. When expression is
positive, and when it is negative.
If I ask you what is the distance between -3 and zero, the
form of expressing it mathematically is |3|, which is 3. As Example 6: Solve: 5 |4 2| = 5
seen in the figure below. First, get the expression in the form | | =
5 |4 2| = 5
|4 2| = 10
Similarly, the distance between any two points , in the |4 2| = 10
number line can be found by substracting them. In such case Next, consider both cases for the expression in | |
it would be | | or | |. e.g., If I ask you the distance
between -3 and 4, it is |3 (4)| = |3 + 4| = |7| = 7.
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Review Intermediate Algebra Tue, Oct 04 2016 P a g e | 5 of 7

If 4 2 was positive If 4 2 was negative

4 2 = 10 (4 2) = 10
4 = 12 4 2 = 10
=3 4 = 8 Note, there is no intersection of the solutions, so
= 2 youre dealing with the union of both.
As with regular equations, you can confirm your results by Set Notation Interval Notation
substituying the solutions back into the original equation. If {| < 1} {| > 2} (, 1) (2, )
you get an equality, your solution is correct. Lets try them Note that 1 and 2 are excluded because the inequality
5 |4 2| = 5 5 |4 2| = 5 does not include the equal sign. Lets try another.
5 |4(3) 2| = 5 5 |4(2) 2| = 5 Example 7: Solve: |4 3| 5
5 |10| = 5 5 |10| = 5 If 4 3 was positive If 4 3 was negative
5 10 = 5 5 10 = 5 4 3 5 (4 3) 5
5 = 5 5 = 5 4 8 4 3 5
2 4 2
Solve Absolute Value Inequalities: 1

Remember, an inequality is just a way of expanding what 2
Now you have to express the solution either in interval
you can do with equations by adding comparison tools such
notation or in set notation. At first, an easy way to
as greater then and less then. There is a couple of new rules
visualize the solution is to chart your results in the
what you learned a couple sessions back. The rest is the
number line.
same. Just apply the rules and do the algebra.
Lets suppose you have an inequality of the form:
| + | <
Since you dont know if + will be positive or negative,
you consider both cases. Noe there is an overlap, so we are talking about an
Case + is positive Case + is negative AND. We remove everything except the overlapping.
+ < ( + ) <
And solve for Here, something changes.
Remenber, when you
multiply by a negative, the Mote also that the end points are included this time
inequality symbol changes. because the inequality includes the equal sign.
( + ) > Set Notation Interval Notation
1
{| 2 2} 1
Thats it. The rest is the usual algebra stuff. It doesnt matter [ , 2]
if the symbol is <, >, . If you learn the fundamentals, You can also express it as 2
you can solve any problem. If you try to memorize formulas, 1
{| } {| 2}
there is not enough neurons in the planet to memorize them 2
all. Lets try an example. Example 8: Solve: |4 3| < 0
Example 6: Solve: |3 2| > 1 There is no solution because distances are always
Remember, since you dont know how 3 2 will be positives. What this problem is telling you is that the
(positive or negative), you need to consider both cases. distances between 3, and 4 times a number, is less
If 3 2 was positive If 3 2 was negative than zero, which is impossible. Solution is the empty
3 2 > 1 (3 2) > 1 set. Also expressed as { }. If you try to solve that
2 > 2 3 2 < 1 problem using the procedure youll find a null solution,
<1 2 < 4 pointing to an empty set.
>2
APPLICATION PROBLEMS:
Now you have to express the solution either in interval
All you have learned so far has one goal: Solve real life
notation or in set notation. At first, an easy way to visualize
problems. You just learned the math. Now, you have
the solution is to chart your results in the number line.
to apply it. It involves one additional step, applying the
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Sample problems are not always exactly equal to the ones in the book.
Review Intermediate Algebra Tue, Oct 04 2016 P a g e | 6 of 7

Fundamentals. If you learned the fundamentals youll have Figure 1: Vehicle Engine
no problems. If you didnt, there is no way you can solve this
kind of problems reliably.
Example 9: The diameter of a piston for an automobile
5 1
is 3 16 in, with a tolerance of 64 in. Find the Lower and
upper limits of the diameter of the Piston.
Step 1: Understand the problem
First, you need to understand what a piston is. Otherwise
you wont gain any experience from solving the problem
mathematically. Seach the internet. Look for videos en
youtube to learn what it is and how it works.
A piston is the part that compress a mixture of gas/air in a
combustion engine, such as those found in cars. See Fugure
1. As you see it must fit inside a cavity. It must fit tight but
freely to move up and down. youre learning in class. However, in real life NO one
will tell you what tool you need to use. You need to
The problem is telling you that in order to fit a piston must look in your toolbox and apply the one you believe
5
be 3 in. Problem is it is too hard to manufacture two most fit for the job.
16
things exactly alike. Some will be a little larger than Step 3: Stablish the equations
intended, others will be a little smaller. The best you can do The distance between the diameter (d) of the piston
is stablish a range within which the diemnsions of the part and the limits (T) has to be smaller than, at most, equal
must fall. That range is called Limits (L). We usually identify to the tolerance (T). In math terms, the distance
then as Lower Specification Limit (LSL) and Upper between L and d (| |) must be smaller than or
Specification Limit (USL). LSL= The difference between the equal to T ( ). We express difference between two
Limits and The target (d) is what is called tolerance (T). The numbers using absolute value, and comparisons on size
1
problem is telling you that tolerance must be within in. using inequalities. So, what you have here is an
64
Draw a sketch to help you visualize. absolute value inequality.
Note that HSL is the larger | | , which can also be written as | | .
the diameter can be, while
the LSL is the smaller the All you have to do now is solve that absolute value
diameter can be to be inequality. Ehhh, solving for what? Well, you need to
within specifications. The find what the Limits (L) are. So, you solve that
tolerance is that difference. inequality for L.
Of course, the tolerance (T) If ( ) was positive If ( ) was negative
is exagerated in the ( )
drawing. Remember it is a
sketch, not an engineering
drawing made to scale. +
Step 2: Identify what tool you need to solve the problem 5 1
Now, substitute the numbers: = 3 16 in , 64
in
Possibly, from experience, you can say: ok, if something
meaure inches, but cant be smaller than , nor larger +
5 1 5 1
than + , than it is a simple problem of addition. Why do I 3 3 +
need inequalities for that? Ahhhh, this problem is simple 16 64 16 64
53 1 212 1
because youre developing the skills. Most problems are a lot +
harder and you wont be able to solve them so 16 64 64 64
straighforward unless you have a reliable method. So, you 212 1 213

need to learn how to use the tools. Thats why. In this case, 64 64 64
211 19 21
you need it is a problem of inequalities because thats what , 3 in 3 64 in
64 64
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Sample problems are not always exactly equal to the ones in the book.
Review Intermediate Algebra Tue, Oct 04 2016 P a g e | 7 of 7

Set Notation Interval Notation

19
{| 3 3
21
} 19 21
64 64 [3 ,3 ]
You can also express it as 64 64
19 21
{| 3 } {| 3 }
64 64
Note that I didnt convert the results to decimals. Why?
Because in such application you must keep the results as
exact as possible.

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Sample problems are not always exactly equal to the ones in the book.