1

Problem

Solve the inequality \$| (2x + 3)/(x - 4) ge1 | \$.

2

Step

The given

\$| (2x + 3)/(x - 4) ge1 | \$

3

Step

Rewrite the absolute value inequality as two separate inequalities, first we take the positive value:

\$ (2x + 3)/(x - 4) ge 1 \$ (or) \$ (2x + 3)/(x - 4) le - 1 \$

\$ (2x + 3)/(x - 4) ge 1 \$

4

Step

Multiply both sides by x - 4 (assuming \$ x ne 4\$, since division by zero is undefined), then simplify:

\$ (2x + 3)/(\cancel(x - 4)) \times \cancel(x - 4) ge 1 \times (x - 4) \$

\$ 2x + 3 ge x - 4 \$

5

Step

Move the common terms to the same side then simplify:

\$ 2x - x ge - 4 - 3 \$

\$ x ge - 7 \$

6

Problem

Second, we take the negative value and then simplify:

7

Step

After simplification:

\$ 2x + 3 le - x + 4\$

\$ 2x + x le 4 - 3\$

\$ 3x le 1\$

\$ x le 1/3\$

8

Solution

So, the solution to the inequality \$| (2x + 3)/(x - 4) ge 1 | \$ is \$-7 le x le 1/3\$.

9

Sumup

Please summarize steps

Choices

10

Choice-A

This reads x is less than or equal to -7, which is less than or equal to \$1/3\$. This doesn’t represent the solution because -7 is not less than or equal to \$1/3\$

Wrong \$x le -7 le 1/3\$

11

Choice-B

This reads x is greater than or equal to -7, greater than or equal to \$1/3\$. This flips both inequalities and doesn’t represent the solution

Wrong \$x ge -7 ge 1/3\$

12

Choice-C

This reverses the order of the bounds and flips the first inequality. It doesn’t represent the solution

Wrong \$7 ge x le -1/3\$

13

Choice-D

Option D accurately captures the solution where x can be any value less than or equal to -7, or any value greater than or equal to \$1/3\$

Correct \$-7 le x le 1/3\$

14

Answer

Option

D

15

Sumup

Please summarize choices