Doubt in an inequality problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the inequality (y+2)(y-3) <= 0. Participants are exploring the conditions under which this inequality holds true and questioning the interpretation of the resulting intervals for y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to derive the intervals for y from the inequality, expressing confusion about the correct interpretation of the results. They question how the intervals -2 <= y <= 3 can be valid when considering the conditions y <= -2 and y <= 3.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions such as graphing the expression to visualize the solution. There is a recognition of the need to examine different cases for the product of the expressions to determine the correct intervals for y.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the initial interpretations may not follow logically from the inequality, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the conditions required for the product to be non-positive.

Thiru07
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Homework Statement


Given : (y+2)(y-3) <= 0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Now, I have y-3 <= 0 or y+2 <= 0
Hence, y <= 3 or y <= -2
But how
-2 <= y <= 3
is correct?
I think
-2 <= y <= 3
is wrong because y <= -2.
Can someone please clarify?
 
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Thiru07 said:

Homework Statement


Given : (y+2)(y-3) <= 0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Now, I have y-3 <= 0 or y+2 <= 0
Hence, y <= 3 or y <= -2
But how is correct?
I think is wrong because y <= -2.
Can someone please clarify?

You could draw a graph of ##(y+2)(y-3)## to see what's happening.

What happens if both ##y+2 < 0## and ##y-3 < 0##?
 
PeroK said:
You could draw a graph of ##(y+2)(y-3)## to see what's happening.

What happens if both ##y+2 < 0## and ##y-3 < 0##?
In that case , we will keep y < -2 and ignore y < 3.
I think I got it. We have to ignore y+2 <= 0 and y-3 >=0 as
y <= -2 and y >= 3
is not possible and keep
y >= -2 and y <= 3

Thanks PeroK :)
 

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Thiru07 said:
Given : (y+2)(y-3) <= 0

Now, I have y-3 <= 0 or y+2 <= 0
No, the above doesn't follow from the inequality. I think you might already have solved this inequality, but showing where you went wrong is worthwhile.
For the product of two expressions to be negative, one of them has to be negative, and the other has to be positive. Since this can happen in either of two ways, you need to examine two different cases.
Thiru07 said:
Hence, y <= 3 or y <= -2
 

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