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Math 137 Chapter 1 Fundamentals

Section 1.1 Real Numbers - Interval Notation and Absolute Value

Interval Notation
We will see many examples of bounded and unbounded intervals. These need to be written using interval
notation. This notation describes a set of numbers on the number line that form an ‘interval’. Another way to
describe these sets is using set-builder notation. Here are a few examples:

Set-Builder Notation Graph Interval Notation

{x | x > 0}

(-5, 3]

{x | x < 3}

Graph each set on a number line:

 ,3  5,  

1,3   2, 7  

1,3   2, 7
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Absolute Value

Definition
x if x  0
x 
 x if x  0

Here’s how you can think of the above definition:

To remove absolute value bars (and so to evaluate the absolute value) look inside.
 If inside the absolute value is _____________________, drop the absolute values.

 If inside the absolute values is _____________________, drop the absolute values, but
multiply the inside by ______ (i.e. write the ______________ of what was inside.)

1. Find 2 and 2 using this definition.

2. Rewrite the following expressions without using absolute values, and simplify if possible.

(a) 3  4  3 4 (b) 1  2  5

(c)   5  2 (d) x  3  8  x given x  3