We need to specify the interval for numbers ranging from -5 to 4.
Moreover, we must exclude the values -1 and 4 from this range.
First, let’s note some crucial guidelines regarding interval notation.
It’s essential to identify which values are included and which ones are not in the specified range.
An open interval (or) indicates excluded numbers, while a closed interval [or] shows included numbers.
In this scenario, we notice three key numbers: -5, -1, and 4.
It is explicit that -1 and 4 are excluded, though -5 is not indicated as excluded, hence it remains included.
-1 lies between -5 and 4 on the number line.
Consequently, we can represent the interval notation from -5 to -1. (Note: -5 is included and -1 is not).
Thus, we write a closed interval " [ " on the left side of -5 and an open interval " ( " on the right side of -1. This gives us,
[-5, -1 ).
Next, we represent the interval from -1 to 4.
Since both endpoints are excluded, we will use open intervals ( ) on both sides of -1 and 4.
This results in the interval being
(-1,4).
We combine the two interval notations using the union symbol. So, the final interval representation is
[-5, -1 ) ∪ (-1,4).