Which of the following represents the set of all -coordinates of points that satisfy the system of inequalities above?
For a system that asks for all possible values of one variable, rewrite both inequalities as bounds on the other variable. Here, solve for in terms of , then require the lower bound on to be strictly less than the upper bound so that at least one exists. Solve the resulting inequality in , paying close attention to strict versus non-strict inequality signs.
Hints
Focus on , not
You are not being asked for all pairs, only for all possible -values. For each fixed , think about whether there is at least one that can satisfy both inequalities.
Rewrite the inequalities in a helpful form
Solve each inequality for in terms of . This will show the range of -values allowed for a given .
Combine the -ranges
Once you have an upper and lower bound for in terms of , ask what condition those bounds must satisfy for some to lie between them. Then solve the resulting inequality in .
Desmos Guide
Graph the boundary lines
In Desmos, enter and as separate equations. These graphs are the boundary lines for the inequalities.
Find the intersection
Click the point where the two lines intersect. Its -coordinate is the upper boundary for the possible -values, although that boundary is not included because the first inequality is strict.
Verify the solution region
Enter and . Desmos shades the solution region. Verify that its -values extend below, but not to, the intersection point's -coordinate; then select the matching answer choice.
Step-by-step Explanation
Express each inequality as a condition on for a fixed
We want all possible -coordinates for points that satisfy both inequalities.
Start by solving each inequality for in terms of :
From :
From :
So, for a given , any valid must satisfy both and .
Require that some -values actually work for that
For a -value to be allowed, there must be at least one that fits between the lower and upper bounds.
The lower bound on is from .
The upper bound on is from .
For there to be any at all, the lower bound must be strictly less than the upper bound:
The inequality must be strict because has to be at least the lower bound and less than the upper bound. If the bounds were equal, no value of could satisfy both conditions.
Solve the inequality for
Now solve
First clear the fraction by multiplying both sides by :
Therefore, the possible -coordinates are exactly the real numbers satisfying , which is choice D.