Help with solving equations for x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a set of equations for the variable x, covering various mathematical concepts including inequalities, trigonometric identities, and logarithmic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods for solving inequalities, factoring, and applying trigonometric identities. There are attempts to clarify the implications of setting factors to zero and questions about the signs of expressions in inequalities.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered guidance on specific problems, suggesting methods such as multiplying out expressions, completing the square, and using trigonometric identities. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these methods, particularly regarding the conditions under which the inequalities hold.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the initial steps for certain problems, and there are discussions about the assumptions involved in solving inequalities, particularly regarding the signs of factors.

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Homework Statement



Can someone please help or guide me with these problems.
Thanks in advance.
less than or equal to = </=

1 (x+3)(x-3)>0

2 x^2-2x-15</= 0

3 sin2x=sinx, 0</=x</=2pi

4 logx+log(x-3)=1

The Attempt at a Solution


OK so for number 1 I do not know where to start.
For number two I factor it and I'm in the same spot as number 1.
As far as number 3 is concerned I do not know where to start.
Number 4 I know that I have to condense the logarithms into one but I'm not sure what to do afterwards.
 
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For #1, multiply the lefthand side out.

For #2, complete the square.

Note for #1 and #2, you could also look at the sign of each factor. If ab>0, then you must have a>0 and b>0 OR a<0 and b<0. What do you need for ab<0?

For #3, use the trig identity sin 2x = 2 sin x cos x.

For #4, what's the inverse of the logarithm function?
 
#1 try ways curve method ...
 
thank you both for the help
 
Did you figure them out?
 
On number 1 can you just not set both factors equal to greater than 0 and solve for x?

Ah completing the square! so much fun.
 
zaldar said:
On number 1 can you just not set both factors equal to greater than 0 and solve for x?
No.

For some values of x, (x-3) and (x+3) have opposite sign. For these values, is (x-3)(x+3) positive, or is it negative?

For other values of x, (x-3) and (x+3) have like signs. For these values, is (x-3)(x+3) positive, or is it negative?
 
zaldar said:
On number 1 can you just not set both factors equal to greater than 0 and solve for x?

For these type of questions you can only ignore those terms to find range which are always >0 no matter what is x
 
hmm so on 1 after multiplying it out you then complete the square to solve for x since that will give you an actual number on the right side?

Interesting wrinkle since as long as it is a number this is how you solve these type of problems factor and then set equal to the number or 0 and solve for x.

Though wait it has to be greater than 0 so does that not mean that both x's have to be positive? So x can be greater than 3 (from x -3) or greater than -3 from x +3

if x is -2 then x+3 would be 1, x-3 would then be ug -5 ok so that doesn't work..interesting.
 
  • #10
#1
completing square will give you ... x2 - 9 = 0 or x2 = 9

now just take square root

but don't forget \sqrt{x^2} \ = \ |x| and not just x
 

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