Why cant I do this? (Regarding finding domain of function)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the domain of the function defined by the inequalities 9 - 4x ≥ 0 and 2x - 1 > 0. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly manipulating inequalities, particularly when dividing by negative numbers, which can reverse the inequality sign. A critical error identified in the solution attempt is the incorrect simplification of 2x - 2 ≠ x, highlighting the need for proper algebraic techniques to isolate variables. The final domain consists of all values of x that satisfy both inequalities simultaneously.

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Homework Statement



Problem:

http://archives.math.utk.edu/visual.calculus/0/domain.1/f6.gif

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Look at the pic, and tell me again why I can't do this:

http://i47.tinypic.com/bhadsj.jpg
 
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-4x +4 is not x

Also be careful with the direction your inequality sign is supposed to point if you start dividing by negatives.
 
In addition to what aftershock said, you are missing something else. For f(x) to be defined, it must be true that 9 - 4x ≥ 0 AND 2x - 1 > 0. The domain for this function will be all of the numbers that satisfy both inequalities.

Also, you have a mistake in this work, similar to the one that aftershock pointed out.
2x - 1 > 0
2x > 1 (OK, so far)
Then you subtract 2 from both sides. What's wrong with that is that 2x - 2 ≠ x. To isolate x, divide both sides by 2.
 

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