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The problem

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Totally lost. Not understanding if this is an inequality or an interval notation. If this is an interval notation. What exactly is an interval notation?

Answer provided by our tutors

The solution is:

-5 <= x < 1

You can draw this on the line and show it as an interval. 

You can do that is you select the "Graph" tab:

Interval notation is a way to describe a set of real numbers that fall between two specified values. The type of bracket used indicates whether the endpoints are included in the set.

  • A square bracket [ or ] means the endpoint is included in the interval (like with ≤ or ≥).
  • A parenthesis ( or ) means the endpoint is not included in the interval (like with < or >).


In your example:

  • −5≤x means that −5 is included, so you use a square bracket [.
  • x<1 means that 1 is not included, so you use a parenthesis ).


When you combine these, you get [-5, 1).

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