Representation of (x-7) and (x+1)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of the inequality (x-7)(x+1) ≤ 0, with participants seeking clarification on the sign changes of the factors involved and how they relate to the overall product. The conversation includes both conceptual understanding and technical reasoning regarding inequalities and their graphical representations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the representation of the inequality (x-7)(x+1) ≤ 0 and requests an explanation.
  • Another participant explains that the product (x-7)(x+1) is negative if one factor is negative and the other is positive, noting the sign changes at x = -1 and x = 7.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the intervals where each factor is positive or negative, indicating that (x-7) is negative for x < 7 and positive for x > 7, while (x+1) is negative for x < -1 and positive for x > -1.
  • One participant summarizes that the product is positive for x < -1 and x > 7, and negative for -1 < x < 7, where (x-7) is negative and (x+1) is positive.
  • A later post reiterates the confusion regarding the inequality, confirming the formula in the diagram as (x-7)(x+1) and seeking further clarification.
  • Another participant suggests that x should be such that the product is negative or zero, emphasizing logical understanding of the equations involved.
  • One participant diverges slightly from the topic to discuss misconceptions about cross multiplication and the implications of dividing by zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and confusion regarding the representation of the inequality. There is no consensus on a clear explanation, and multiple interpretations of the factors and their signs are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference a diagram that is not visible in the discussion, which may limit the clarity of their explanations. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in the factors mentioned, with one participant mistakenly referring to (x-1) instead of (x+1) in their explanation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to understand the graphical representation of polynomial inequalities, particularly in the context of sign changes and product analysis.

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Mod note: Changed the title and this post to reflect the situtation in the diagram
the representation of the inequality (x-7)(x+1) ≤ 0 makes no sense to me . can someone explain this .
the diagram is attached
 

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a times b < 0 if either a or b is negative and the other factor is positive. So they look at that. The vertical lines may be somewhat confusing to you ? The one with the 7 applies to x-7, which changes sign at x =7 and the one with the -1 applies to x = -1.
Both lines apply to the product, that changes sign both at x = -1 and at x = 7. From the +++ and the - - - you can conclude the sign of the product.
 
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The top row shows where x- 7 is negative and positive- it is negative for all x< 7, positive for all x> 7.
The second row shows where x- 1 is negative and positive- it is negative for all x< 1, positive for all x> 1.

Since the product of two negative or of two positive number is positive while the product of one negative and one positive number is negative, the diagram shows that the product (x- 7)(x- 1) is positive for x< 1, where both factors, (x- 7) and (x- 1), are negative, positive for x> 7where both factors, (x- 7) and (x- 1), are positive, and negative for 1< x< 7 where (x- 7) is negative and (x- 1) is positive.
 
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HallsofIvy said:
The top row shows where x- 7 is negative and positive- it is negative for all x< 7, positive for all x> 7.
The second row shows where x- 1 is negative and positive- it is negative for all x< 1, positive for all x> 1.

Since the product of two negative or of two positive number is positive while the product of one negative and one positive number is negative, the diagram shows that the product (x- 7)(x- 1) is positive for x< 1, where both factors, (x- 7) and (x- 1), are negative, positive for x> 7where both factors, (x- 7) and (x- 1), are positive, and negative for 1< x< 7 where (x- 7) is negative and (x- 1) is positive.
got it Thank you !
 
#neutrino said:
the representation of the inequality (x-7)(x-1) ≤ 0 makes no sense to me . can someone explain this .
the diagram is attached
The formula in the diagram is (x-7)(x+1).

Mod note: edited the thread title and post #1 to reflect what's shown in the diagram.
 
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correct ,sorry
 
A simple way is that x should be such that product is negative or zero. hence x should be such that only one of two multiples is negative. If number is greater than 7 product will surely be positive and less than -1 both will be negative. I always tell try to understand logically the equations and understanding of euclid's axiom is highly required before using them. Some often gets confused that 0/0 is 1 as 1*0 is 0 and by cross multiplication...
There's nothing true in cross multiplication we divide both sides by zero and it gives 0/0 is 0/0. Sorry I got away from topic but I thought it would help and makes maths interesting and fun.
 

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