Pre calc review - interval notation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding the domain of the function 14/(x^2 - x - 6) in interval notation. Participants clarify that the correct interpretation of the function requires parentheses to denote the denominator properly. The domain must exclude values that make the denominator zero, specifically x = 3 and x = -2, leading to a union of three disjoint intervals rather than a single interval. Additionally, there are comments on the proper notation for interval representation, emphasizing that the smaller number should be on the left. The correct domain is essential for accurately solving the function.
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Homework Statement


What's the domain of 14/x2-x-6, in interval notation?


Homework Equations



\underline{14}x2-x-6

The Attempt at a Solution


[3, + infinity)
[-2,- infinity)
Sorry, I can't find the infinity symbol

Thx
 
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datafiend said:

Homework Statement


What's the domain of 14/x2-x-6, in interval notation?


Homework Equations



\underline{14}x2-x-6

The Attempt at a Solution


[3, + infinity)
[-2,- infinity)
Sorry, I can't find the infinity symbol

Thx

You wrote
\frac{14}{x^2} -x-6
when read using standard rules for parsing mathematical expressions. Did you really mean that, or did you want
\frac{14}{x^2 - x - 6} \: ?
If you meant the latter you absolutely MUST use parentheses, like this: 14/(x^2 - x - 6).
 
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My mistake, the denominator SHOULD be in parentheses.
 
datafiend said:

Homework Statement


What's the domain of 14/(x2-x-6), in interval notation?

Homework Equations



##\frac{14}{x^2-x-6}##

The Attempt at a Solution


[3, + infinity)
[-2,- infinity)
Sorry, I can't find the infinity symbol

Thx

The Attempt at a Solution


What about values between 3 and -2?
 
datafiend said:

Homework Statement


What's the domain of 14/x2-x-6, in interval notation?
You mean 14/(x2- x- 6)= 14/((x- 3)(x+ 2))

Homework Equations



\underline{14}x2-x-6

The Attempt at a Solution


[3, + infinity)
No, this is wrong because it does not include such numbers as x= 0 for which 14/(0- 0- 6)= -7/3 or x= -5 for which 14/(25+ 5- 6)= 7/12.

[-2,- infinity)
Strictly speaking this is bad notation- it should be (-infinity, -2]. (The smaller goes on the left.)
But even that is not correct because it does not contain x= 0 and x= 5 for which 14/(25- 5- 6)= 1.

The correct answer is NOT a single interval, it is a union of three disjoint intervals.

Sorry, I can't find the infinity symbol

Thx

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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HallsofIvy said:
Strictly speaking this is bad notation- it should be (-infinity, -2]. (The smaller goes on the left.)
But even that is not correct because it does not contain x= 0 and x= 5
I'm surprised no one's mentioned the incorrect use of the square bracket to end the set.
 

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