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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 13th EditionCh. 3 - Polynomial and Rational FunctionsProblem 58
Chapter 4, Problem 58

Solve each rational inequality. Give the solution set in interval notation. 20/(x - 1) ≥ 1

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Start by rewriting the inequality: \(\frac{20}{x - 1} \geq 1\).
Bring all terms to one side to have zero on the other side: \(\frac{20}{x - 1} - 1 \geq 0\).
Find a common denominator and combine the terms into a single rational expression: \(\frac{20 - (x - 1)}{x - 1} \geq 0\).
Simplify the numerator: \(\frac{21 - x}{x - 1} \geq 0\).
Determine the critical points by setting numerator and denominator equal to zero: \(21 - x = 0\) and \(x - 1 = 0\), then analyze the sign of the expression on intervals defined by these points to find where the inequality holds.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Rational Inequalities

Rational inequalities involve expressions where one or both sides contain rational functions, which are ratios of polynomials. Solving them requires finding values of the variable that make the inequality true, often by analyzing the sign of the expression and considering restrictions from denominators.
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Domain Restrictions

When solving rational inequalities, it is crucial to identify values that make the denominator zero, as these are excluded from the domain. These restrictions help determine critical points that divide the number line into intervals for testing the inequality.
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Interval Testing and Interval Notation

After finding critical points, the number line is divided into intervals. Each interval is tested to see if it satisfies the inequality. The solution set is then expressed in interval notation, which concisely represents all values that satisfy the inequality.
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