
The Intersection of Graphs Method can be used to find solutions
for an inequality. To solve the inequality
using this method, follow the steps below.
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Intersection of Graphs Method of Solving an Inequality This method uses graphing of functions to solve an inequality. STEP 1: Set STEP 2: Graph STEP 3: Locate any points of intersection.
The x-values of these points correspond to points that are the boundaries
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STEP 1: Press the
button, then enter the left side of the inequality for
and the right side of the inequality
for
.

STEP 2: Next press the ZOOM, then 6. The graphs of the functions in a standard window are shown below.

STEP 3: Note that there are 2 intersection points. Now press the 2nd key, then TRACE [CALC], then select 5:intersection.
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We see above that there are 2 intersections points. We must find the x-coordinates
of both intersection points. If the cursor is not near the leftmost intersection
point, move it close to the point of intersection using the ARROW keys
and then press ENTER.
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The last screen above shows that one of the critical x values is x
= -0.317. Now we must find the other intersection point.
Repeating STEP 2: Next press the GRAPH. The graphs of the functions in a standard window are shown below.

Repeating STEP 3: Now press the 2nd key, then TRACE [CALC], then select 5:intersection.
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We see above that there are 2 intersections points. We must find the x-coordinates
of both intersection points. If the cursor is not near the rightmost intersection
point, move it close to the point of intersection using the ARROW keys
and then press ENTER.
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The second critical x value is x = 6.317. Both critical values, x = -0.317 and x = 6.317, are shown on the number line below.
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Now we must decide which one(s) of the three resulting intervals are
part of the solution set. To determine that, use the table function
of the calculator. First press 2nd WINDOW[TBLSET] to get the
TABLE SETUP window. Enter -5 for TblStart and 1 for
.
Then press 2nd GRAPH[TABLE] to view the table of x and y values.
Scroll down to see more values.
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The inequality that we are solving is of the form,
>
.
For the x values less than the smaller critical value, x = -0.317, we
see that
<
.
These x's are not in the solution set. However, for x values greater
than -0.317,
>
until the x values become greater than the second critical value, 6.317.
For x's greater than 6.317, we find that once again
<
.
Thus, the solution to the inequality,
,
is -0.317 < x < 6.317, or
in interval notation, (-0.317, 6.317).
See the graph of the solution set below.
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Note that the solution to the inequality,
,
would be obtained through the same steps up to the selection of the
solution set. Since
<
when
x < -0.317 or x > 6.317, the solution set would be graphed as
seen below.
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