Intervals
A motoconcho driver can only charge a fare between $\text{RD}\$50$ and $\text{RD}\$100$ for the trip along the Autopista Duarte, and the corner colmado only accepts phone top-ups of more than $\text{RD}\$20$. In both cases we are talking about a set of possible values. In the limits chapter you will work with sets like this all the time: domains, neighborhoods of a point, and "forbidden" values. This section reviews interval notation and how to operate with intervals. At the end we will come back to the question: how do you write, without ambiguity, the set of allowed values?
Interval notation
Intervals are subsets of $\mathbb{R}$. Recall the chain of number sets: $\mathbb{N} \subset \mathbb{Z} \subset \mathbb{Q} \subset \mathbb{R}$. An interval contains all the real numbers between two endpoints, not just the integers or the rational numbers. That is why $[1, 2]$ has infinitely many elements, such as $1.5$, $\sqrt{2}$ or $\frac{7}{4}$.
In electronic component design, the voltage tolerance of a sensor is defined by the set of real values $x$ satisfying the following inequality: $-3 \leq x < 4.5$ Express…
In electronic component design, the voltage tolerance of a sensor is defined by the set of real values $x$ satisfying the following inequality:
$-3 \leq x < 4.5$
Express this set of values using interval notation and state the type of interval (open, closed, or half-open).
Given the following graphical representation on the number line, write the highlighted set in interval notation and in set-builder notation (using inequalities).
Given the following graphical representation on the number line, write the highlighted set in interval notation and in set-builder notation (using inequalities).
A tech company's data server maintains its optimal operating temperature in the interval given by $I = (-10, 35]$. Represent this interval on the number line and…
A tech company's data server maintains its optimal operating temperature in the interval given by $I = (-10, 35]$. Represent this interval on the number line and determine whether the following temperature values belong to the set:
-
$a = -10$
-
$b = 0$
-
$c = 35$
-
$d = 35.1$
Absolute value and neighborhoods
The absolute value $|x - a|$ is the distance between $x$ and $a$ on the number line. That is why $|x - a| < r$ means "$x$ is less than $r$ units away from $a$".
With non-strict inequalities you get a closed interval: $|x| \le 3$ is equivalent to $[-3, 3]$, and $|x - 2| \le 1$ is equivalent to $[1, 3]$.
Match each modulus with its corresponding interval: 1. $|x| \leq 3$ 2. $|x| < 5$ 3. $|x - 2| \leq 1$ Available intervals: $A = ( -5, 5)$ $B = [ -3, 3]$ $C = [ 1, 3]$
Match each modulus with its corresponding interval:
-
$|x| \leq 3$
-
$|x| < 5$
-
$|x - 2| \leq 1$
Available intervals:
-
$A = ( -5, 5)$
-
$B = [ -3, 3]$
-
$C = [ 1, 3]$
In the study of limits, the concept of a deleted neighbourhood is essential. If we have the neighbourhood $E(3; 0.5)$, which represents all real numbers whose distance…
In the study of limits, the concept of a deleted neighbourhood is essential. If we have the neighbourhood $E(3; 0.5)$, which represents all real numbers whose distance to the center $3$ is less than $0.5$:
- a) Write this set in interval form.
- b) Write the deleted neighbourhood $E^*(3; 0.5)$, that is, the same set but excluding the central point.
In the physics lab, a precision sensor measures the diameter of a metal part. The control system accepts parts whose diameter $x$ (in mm) meets the following tolerance…
In the physics lab, a precision sensor measures the diameter of a metal part. The control system accepts parts whose diameter $x$ (in mm) meets the following tolerance condition expressed by an absolute value:
$$|x - 12| < 0.05$$Represent this situation graphically on the real number line and express the set of accepted values as an interval and as a neighbourhood $E(a; r)$.
You can use this number line, where only the center of the tolerance, $12$, has been marked. Complete it in your notebook: mark the endpoints, shade the accepted values and indicate the radius.
You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.
To study the continuity of a function at the point $x = 3$, we need to work in a punctured neighborhood of that point with a radius of $0.1$ units. a) Write the…
To study the continuity of a function at the point $x = 3$, we need to work in a punctured neighborhood of that point with a radius of $0.1$ units.
- a) Write the definition of that set using the notation $E^*(a, r)$.
- b) Express it by means of an inequality that includes an absolute value.
- c) Represent it as the union of two open intervals.
Bounding to find the radius of a neighborhood
In limits you are asked something like this: "how close to $a$ must $x$ be so that $f(x)$ is within $\varepsilon$ of its value?" That is, given a neighborhood on the $Y$-axis, you must find the radius $\delta$ of a neighborhood on the $X$-axis. If $f$ is linear, you solve directly. If $f$ is quadratic, a factor that depends on $x$ appears and you have to bound it.
In the formal definition of a limit, when we say that $\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 5$, we are stating that for every $\varepsilon>0$ there exists a $\delta>0$ such that, if…
In the formal definition of a limit, when we say that $\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 5$, we are stating that for every $\varepsilon>0$ there exists a $\delta>0$ such that, if $0<|x-2|<\delta$, then $|f(x)-5|<\varepsilon$. We take $\varepsilon = 0.2$, which determines a neighborhood of $5$ on the $Y$ axis. The graph shows the function $f(x) = 2x + 1$ and the point of the curve with $x = 2$.
- a) Determine the interval corresponding to the neighborhood $E(5; 0.2)$.
- b) Given that the function is $f(x) = 2x + 1$, find the interval of values of $x$ on the $X$ axis whose images fall within the interval obtained in the previous part.
A surveillance drone must maintain a flight altitude $h$ (in meters) such that its distance from the safety altitude of $100$ meters is always less than $5$ meters, but…
A surveillance drone must maintain a flight altitude $h$ (in meters) such that its distance from the safety altitude of $100$ meters is always less than $5$ meters, but due to turbulence, it cannot fly at exactly $100$ meters.
Express the altitude condition $h$ using:
- a) A deleted neighborhood.
- b) An inequality involving absolute value.
- c) A union of intervals.
A neighbourhood of the point $a = 3$ is defined by the expression $|x - 3| < \delta$. Determine the maximum value of $\delta$ such that all points $x$ in this…
A neighbourhood of the point $a = 3$ is defined by the expression $|x - 3| < \delta$. Determine the maximum value of $\delta$ such that all points $x$ in this neighbourhood satisfy that their squares, $x^2$, are at a distance of less than $0.5$ from the value $9$. That is, solve the implication:
$$|x - 3| < \delta \implies |x^2 - 9| < 0.5$$Union, intersection, and complement
Express the result of the following union of sets as a single interval: $A = (- \infty, 2) \cup [0, 6]$ Use a graphical representation to help you if necessary.
Express the result of the following union of sets as a single interval:
$A = (- \infty, 2) \cup [0, 6]$
Use a graphical representation to help you if necessary.
Determine the intersection of the following intervals of real numbers: $I_1 = [-3, 4]$ $I_2 = (0, + \infty)$ Write the final result both in interval form and as an…
Determine the intersection of the following intervals of real numbers:
$I_1 = [-3, 4]$
$I_2 = (0, + \infty)$
Write the final result both in interval form and as an inequality.
Find the intersection and the union of the following sets of real numbers. Express the final result using interval notation: $A = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : -2 \leq x < 5\}$…
Find the intersection and the union of the following sets of real numbers. Express the final result using interval notation:
$A = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : -2 \leq x < 5\}$
$B = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : |x - 3| \leq 4\}$
Given the intervals $I = (-\infty, 4]$ and $J = (-2, +\infty)$, perform the following operations and express the result in interval notation and graphically: a)…
Given the intervals $I = (-\infty, 4]$ and $J = (-2, +\infty)$, perform the following operations and express the result in interval notation and graphically:
- a) $I \cap J$
- b) $I \cup J$
- c) $\mathbb{R} - (I \cap J)$
Intervals that come from inequalities
Often the interval is not given: you have to obtain it by solving an inequality. With a quadratic, you find the roots and study the sign on each stretch.
For an absolute value with $>$ the opposite of $<$ happens: $|x - a| > r$ means $x < a - r$ or $x > a + r$, that is, a union of two rays.
Determine the set of values of $x$ that satisfy the following quadratic inequality, expressing the result as an interval or union of intervals: $$x^2 - 5x + 4 \leq 0$$…
Determine the set of values of $x$ that satisfy the following quadratic inequality, expressing the result as an interval or union of intervals:
$$x^2 - 5x + 4 \leq 0$$Is this set a neighborhood of any real number? Justify your answer by finding the center and the radius if possible.
A thermal control sensor in a biomass processing plant operates correctly provided that the temperature $T$ (in $^\circ\text{C}$) satisfies the condition…
A thermal control sensor in a biomass processing plant operates correctly provided that the temperature $T$ (in $^\circ\text{C}$) satisfies the condition $T \in [90, 150]$. If the process temperature changes over time according to the function $T(t) = t^2 - 20t + 175$, where $t$ is the time in minutes ($t \geq 0$), determine the time intervals during which the sensor detects a temperature outside its operating range.
Rational inequalities
With a fraction you cannot just multiply by the denominator, because its sign changes depending on $x$ (and if it is negative, the inequality flips). The safe method is to move everything to one side, leave a single quotient compared with 0, and study the signs on each stretch.
Let sets $S_1$ and $S_2$ be defined by the following conditions. Calculate exactly the set resulting from the operation $(S_1 \cup S_2)^c$ (complement of the union):…
Let sets $S_1$ and $S_2$ be defined by the following conditions. Calculate exactly the set resulting from the operation $(S_1 \cup S_2)^c$ (complement of the union):
$$S_1 = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 - x - 2 < 0\}$$ $$S_2 = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : \frac{1}{x} \geq 1\}$$Determine the set of real values $x$ that simultaneously satisfy the following rational inequality and the interval defined by the absolute value. Express the final…
Determine the set of real values $x$ that simultaneously satisfy the following rational inequality and the interval defined by the absolute value. Express the final result as an interval or union of intervals:
$$\frac{x^2 - 5x + 6}{x + 1} \leq x - 3 \quad \text{and} \quad |2x - 5| > 7$$Intervals as the domain of a function
The domain of a function is the set of values of $x$ for which the formula makes sense. When operating with functions (for example, composing them), the domain of $f(g(x))$ requires that $x$ be in the domain of $g$ and that $g(x)$ be in the domain of $f$: again, an intersection of conditions.
Write in interval form the domain of a function that only accepts positive values of $x$ less than or equal to $100$, but excluding the exact value $x = 25$ due to a…
Write in interval form the domain of a function that only accepts positive values of $x$ less than or equal to $100$, but excluding the exact value $x = 25$ due to a technical singularity. Present the result as a difference of sets or as a union of two intervals.
Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 - 9}$, determine its domain and express it as a union of intervals. Then, state whether the value $x = 3.0001$ belongs…
Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 - 9}$, determine its domain and express it as a union of intervals. Then, state whether the value $x = 3.0001$ belongs to a neighborhood with center $3$ and radius $\delta = 0.001$.
In the design of a precision part for a telescope, the radius of curvature $R$ must belong to the domain of the following function to ensure structural stability. Find…
In the design of a precision part for a telescope, the radius of curvature $R$ must belong to the domain of the following function to ensure structural stability. Find said domain and express it as a union of intervals:
$f(R) = \sqrt{\frac{\ln(R^2 - 8)}{R - 4}}$
Consider the function $g(x) = \log_2\left( |x^2 - 1| - 2 \right)$. a) Determine the set of real values of $x$ for which the function is not defined. b) Express this set…
Consider the function $g(x) = \log_2\left( |x^2 - 1| - 2 \right)$.
- a) Determine the set of real values of $x$ for which the function is not defined.
- b) Express this set as an interval or as a union of intervals.
- c) Classify each interval obtained as open, closed or half-open.
Sets with a parameter
Sometimes an interval depends on a letter $k$ and you are asked for which value of $k$ something happens. The method is: write each set as an interval, draw them, and study how the intersection turns out depending on the value of $k$.
Determine the value of the real parameter $k > 0$ so that the intersection of the sets $A$ and $B$ is an interval of length exactly equal to $3$ units, where: $$A = \{x…
Determine the value of the real parameter $k > 0$ so that the intersection of the sets $A$ and $B$ is an interval of length exactly equal to $3$ units, where:
$$A = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : |x - 1| < k\} \quad \text{and} \quad B = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : x^2 - 10x + 21 \leq 0\}$$Hint: express $A$ and $B$ as intervals of the real line and study, depending on the value of $k$, what $A \cap B$ looks like.
Extension: bounded sets
Find the set of solutions of the following inequality with nested moduli. Represent the solution on the number line and specify whether it is a bounded set, stating its…
Find the set of solutions of the following inequality with nested moduli. Represent the solution on the number line and specify whether it is a bounded set, stating its supremum and infimum if so:
$$\left| |x - 2| - 4 \right| \leq 3$$Summary
Go back to the beginning: the allowed values of a fare or a top-up are written with an interval, for example $[50, 100]$ or $(20, +\infty)$, with a bracket if the endpoint is included and a parenthesis if it is not.