Porisma

Worked solution

Use a difference graph, two graphs or a factored sign line

Find the set of values of x satisfying x2−9>(x−3)(5−x2)x^2-9>(x-3)(5-x^2).

CJC · Lecture · Example 3

Method 1: one difference graph

Move the right side to the left: (x2−9)−(x−3)(5−x2)>0(x^2-9)-(x-3)(5-x^2)>0. The difference graph has roots −2,1,3. It is above the x-axis for −2<x<1 or x>3.

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Method 2: compare the two original graphs

Sketch y=x²−9 and y=(x−3)(5−x2)y=(x-3)(5-x^2). They intersect at x=−2,1,3. Select the intervals where the first graph is above the second: −2<x<1 or x>3.

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Method 3: factor before testing signs

(x−3)(x+3)−(x−3)(5−x2)>0(x-3)(x+3)-(x-3)(5-x^2)>0 becomes (x−3)[(x+3)−(5−x2)]>0(x-3)[(x+3)-(5-x^2)]>0, then (x−3)(x2+x−2)>0(x-3)(x^2+x-2)>0, hence (x−3)(x−1)(x+2)>0(x-3)(x-1)(x+2)>0. Signs between −2,1,3 are −,+,−,+. Thus the solution set is {x∈R:−2<x<1 or x>3}\{x\in\mathbb R:-2<x<1\text{ or }x>3\}.

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Keep equivalent representations and avoid an invalid cancellation

The source’s Equivalence note connects algebraic and graphical representations: all three methods describe the same input set. Its speech bubble asks whether x−3 can simply be divided out. It cannot be cancelled without cases: x−3 has unknown sign, and dividing reverses the inequality for x<3. At x=3 the original strict inequality is false. The source asks for a set, so present the result in set notation; its remarks allow inequality, interval or set notation for a request phrased as a range.

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Compare your sketch

Expand diagram

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The source difference graph, two-graph comparison and sign line all retain critical inputs −2,1,3 and select −2<x<1 or x>3. Blue is x²−9; orange is (x−3)(5−x²).
The source difference graph, two-graph comparison and sign line all retain critical inputs −2,1,3 and select −2<x<1 or x>3. Blue is x²−9; orange is (x−3)(5−x²).
The source difference graph, two-graph comparison and sign line all retain critical inputs −2,1,3 and select −2<x<1 or x>3. Blue is x²−9; orange is (x−3)(5−x²).

Common mistakes

Dividing by x−3 without considering its sign changes the solution set. Set notation is the requested presentation here.

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