Solve for x(basic question for fresher)

  • Thread starter Proleague
  • Start date
In summary, the student is struggling with pre-calculus concepts and is seeking help with two problems involving solving for x. For the first problem, the student attempted to find the solutions and concluded that x must be greater than 4 or -5. However, the correct solution is that x can be any number between -5 and 4. For the second problem, the student attempted to use a trigonometric identity but made a mistake by dividing by sin(x). The correct approach is to rearrange the equation and factor it to find the values of x that satisfy the equation.
  • #1
Proleague
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Homework Statement



I totally forgot my basic pre-calculus stuff.
So, please help me out to do this.

Homework Equations



Solve for x
1. (x-4)(x+5)>0

2. sin2x=sinx, 0<=x<=2x


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried number 1 it said x=4, x=-5 but it should be greater than 0.
I just confused only this part.

And, number 2 I don't know what the hell is this. T_T
 
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  • #2
For 1, if a*b > 0, what can you say about a and b?
BTW, x = 4 and y = -5 are NOT solutions of the inequality.
For 2, do you remember any of the double angle trig identities?
 
  • #3
I forgot almost things. so, For 1 I just answered x>4 and x>-5 is it correct?

and, I tried number2 using sin 2x = 2sin(x)cos(x)
so, I just got 2cox=1 but, I don't know next step. Please help me out.
 
  • #4
Proleague said:
I forgot almost things. so, For 1 I just answered x>4 and x>-5 is it correct?

and, I tried number2 using sin 2x = 2sin(x)cos(x)
so, I just got 2cox=1 but, I don't know next step. Please help me out.

Think about the first problem this way:

If x is really negative, say negative one million, then x-4 and x+5 will both be negative and (x-4)(x+5) would both be positive. As we increase x, x-4 and x+5 will remain negative until x becomes -5, in which case x+5 becomes zero. Increase x a tiny bit further and x+5 would be positive while x-4 would still be negative, so (x-4)(x+5) < 0. Increase x past x=4 and x-4 would be positive too. Increase it even more and (x-4)(x+5) would stay above 0 because both factors stay positive. So the intervals that where (x-4)(x+5) > 0 are...

As for the second problem, I supposed you divided both sides of sin x = 2sin(x)cos(x) by sin(x). Don't do that; you don't know that sin(x) isn't 0, and if it is, you'll be dividing by 0. Instead, rearrange the equation and factor it so that one side is 0. That way, you could say "if either factor 1 is 0 or factor 2 is 0, the whole thing would be 0. Factor 1 is zero when...factor 2 is 0 when..."
 

FAQ: Solve for x(basic question for fresher)

What is the concept of solving for x?

Solving for x is a mathematical process of finding the value of the variable x in an equation. It involves manipulating the given equation to isolate x on one side, and then performing operations to determine its numerical value.

How do I solve for x?

To solve for x, you need to follow the order of operations and use algebraic principles to manipulate the equation. Start by simplifying both sides of the equation, then use inverse operations to isolate x on one side. Finally, perform any necessary arithmetic operations to determine the value of x.

Can I solve for x if there are multiple variables in the equation?

Yes, you can solve for x even if there are multiple variables in the equation. The key is to use algebraic principles to isolate x on one side of the equation and then substitute the given values for the other variables to determine the value of x.

What happens if I get a negative number when solving for x?

If you get a negative number when solving for x, it means that the equation has no real solution. This can happen if the original equation has no solution or if there is a mistake in your calculations.

Can I use a calculator to solve for x?

Yes, you can use a calculator to solve for x. However, it is important to understand the concepts and steps involved in solving for x manually before relying on a calculator. Also, make sure to enter the equation correctly and use the correct order of operations to get an accurate solution.

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