Problem

Solve for x x-4> =0

The given problem is a basic inequality question, where one is asked to find the value or range of values for the variable "x" that satisfy the inequality "x - 4 ≥ 0". The task involves determining when the expression "x - 4" is greater than or equal to zero, which will determine the solution set for "x".

$x - 4 \geq 0$

Answer

Expert–verified

Solution:

Step 1:

Increase both sides of the inequality by $4$ to isolate $x$. The inequality becomes $x \geq 4$.

Step 2:

Express the solution in various representations. In inequality notation, we have $x \geq 4$. In interval notation, the solution is $[4, \infty)$.

Knowledge Notes:

To solve an inequality such as $x - 4 \geq 0$, the goal is to isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign. This is similar to solving an equation, but with an inequality, the solution is often a range of values rather than a single number.

Here are the relevant knowledge points for this problem:

  1. Inequality Manipulation: Just like with equations, you can add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides of an inequality by the same non-zero number without changing the inequality's direction, as long as you multiply or divide by a positive number. If you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must reverse the direction of the inequality.

  2. Isolating the Variable: To find the solution to an inequality, you want to get the variable by itself on one side. In this case, adding $4$ to both sides removes the $-4$ from the left side and isolates $x$.

  3. Inequality Notation: The solution to an inequality can be written in inequality form, such as $x \geq 4$, which reads as "x is greater than or equal to 4."

  4. Interval Notation: Interval notation is another way to express the set of solutions to an inequality. The interval $[4, \infty)$ includes all real numbers that are greater than or equal to $4$. The square bracket, $[$, indicates that $4$ is included in the set, while the parenthesis, $)$, indicates that the set does not include infinity (since infinity is not a number and cannot be reached).

  5. Number Line Representation: Although not mentioned in the solution, another way to represent the solution to an inequality is on a number line, where you would shade all points to the right of $4$ and include a solid dot or circle at $4$ to indicate that it is part of the solution set.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving inequalities and representing their solutions correctly.

link_gpt