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Questions and Answers
What is the Wavy Curve Method used to solve?
What is the Wavy Curve Method used to solve?
In the Wavy Curve Method, how are the roots of the polynomial arranged on the number line?
In the Wavy Curve Method, how are the roots of the polynomial arranged on the number line?
What does the wavy curve represent in the Wavy Curve Method?
What does the wavy curve represent in the Wavy Curve Method?
What is the first step in the Wavy Curve Method?
What is the first step in the Wavy Curve Method?
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According to the Wavy Curve Method, when does the curve change direction along the number line?
According to the Wavy Curve Method, when does the curve change direction along the number line?
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What is the purpose of plotting the roots on the number line using the Wavy Curve Method?
What is the purpose of plotting the roots on the number line using the Wavy Curve Method?
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In the context of the Wavy Curve Method, what does it mean when the wavy curve changes direction at a root?
In the context of the Wavy Curve Method, what does it mean when the wavy curve changes direction at a root?
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What does the Wavy Curve Method help in determining for inequalities involving polynomials?
What does the Wavy Curve Method help in determining for inequalities involving polynomials?
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What does a wavy curve drawn using the Wavy Curve Method represent on a number line?
What does a wavy curve drawn using the Wavy Curve Method represent on a number line?
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In the Wavy Curve Method, why is it important to start drawing the wavy curve from the right of the last root?
In the Wavy Curve Method, why is it important to start drawing the wavy curve from the right of the last root?
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How does finding the roots of a polynomial aid in solving inequalities using the Wavy Curve Method?
How does finding the roots of a polynomial aid in solving inequalities using the Wavy Curve Method?
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Study Notes
Wavy Curve Method for Finding Roots of Polynomials
The Wavy Curve Method, also known as the Method of Intervals, is a strategy used to solve inequalities of the form $$f(x) \geq 0$$ or $$f(x) \leq 0$$. This method is particularly useful for solving quadratic inequalities, which are the same as solving quadratic equations. The technique involves the following steps:
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Find the roots of the polynomial: Identify the roots of the given polynomial equation, denoted as $$x = \alpha_1, x = \alpha_2, x = \alpha_3, \dots, x = \alpha_n$$.
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Plot the roots on the number line: Arrange the roots of the polynomial equation in increasing order and plot them on the number line.
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Draw a wavy curve: Starting from the right of the last root, draw a wavy curve along the number line that alternatively changes direction at the roots of the polynomial equation. The direction of the curve depends on the parity (odd or even) of the power of the corresponding root.
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Identify the intervals: The Wavy Curve Method is a positive function for all the intervals in which the curve lies above the x-axis.
Here's an example to illustrate the Wavy Curve Method:
Consider the quadratic inequality $$\frac{x(3 - x)}{(x + 4)^2} \geq 0$$.
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Factor the polynomial: $$\frac{x(3 - x)}{(x + 4)^2} = \frac{x(3 - x)}{(x + 4)^2}$$.
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Find the roots of the polynomial: In this case, the roots are $$x = 0$$ and $$x = 3$$.
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Plot the roots on the number line: Place the roots on the number line, starting from the right of the last root ($$x = 3$$) and moving left towards the first root ($$x = 0$$).
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Draw a wavy curve: Starting from the right of $$x = 3$$, draw a wavy curve along the number line that changes direction at $$x = 0$$ and $$x = 3$$, depending on the parity of the power of each root.
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Identify the intervals: The Wavy Curve Method is a positive function for all the intervals in which the curve lies above the x-axis. In this case, the curve lies above the x-axis for $$x \in [0, 3]$$, so the solution set is $$x \in [0, 3]$$.
In summary, the Wavy Curve Method is a powerful technique for solving inequalities involving polynomials, particularly quadratic inequalities. By finding the roots of the polynomial, plotting them on the number line, and drawing a wavy curve that changes direction at the roots, we can identify the intervals where the function is positive or negative and solve the inequality.
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Description
Explore the Wavy Curve Method, also known as the Method of Intervals, for solving quadratic inequalities involving polynomials. This method involves finding the roots of the polynomial, plotting them on a number line, drawing a wavy curve, and identifying the intervals where the function is positive or negative. Learn how to use this powerful technique to solve quadratic inequalities.