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interval_notation

Interval Notation

  • If an endpoint is included, then use [ or ]. If not, then use ( or ). For example, the interval from -3 to 7 that includes 7 but not -3 is expressed (-3,7].
  • For infinite intervals, use Infinity for ∞ (positive infinity) and -Infinity for -∞ (negative infinity). For example, the interval containing all points greater than or equal to 6 could be expressed [6,infinity).
  • If the set includes more than one interval, they are joined using the union symbol U. For example, the set consisting of all points in (-3,7] together with all points in [-8,-5) is expressed [-8,-5)U(-3,7].
  • If the answer is the empty set, you can specify that by using braces with nothing inside: { }
  • You can use R as a shorthand for all real numbers. This is equivalent to entering (-infinity, infinity).
  • You can use set difference notation. So, for all real numbers except 3, you can use R-{3} or (-infinity, 3)U(3,infinity). Similarly, [1,10)-{3,4} is the same as [1,3)U(3,4)U(4,10).
  • WebWork will not interpret [2,4]U[3,5] as equivalent to [2,5], unless a problem tells you otherwise. All sets should be expressed in their simplest interval notation form, with no overlapping intervals.
interval_notation.txt · Last modified: 2018/09/23 21:48 by rthomas