# Interval Notation With Gaps

I have $A = (-10, -4)$ and $B = (3, 8)$. And I am trying to write the answer to $A \cup B$. I know the answer is $(-10, -4)$ and $(3, 8)$ but I am unsure how to write an interval range where there is a gap. I have found the notation $(-10,-4) \cup (3,8)$ but this is extremely close to the notation of the question.

Disclosure: This is related to a homework problem

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Do you mean $(-10,-4) \cup (3,8)$? That's a good answer. There's no way to get rid of the gap. –  Adam Saltz Sep 29 '11 at 2:34
Yes I did, it is fixed now, thanks. And I know I can't get rid of the gap, was wondering how to write it down on paper. Is there another notation to use other than $(-10, -4) \cup (3,8)$? –  MitMaro Sep 29 '11 at 2:36
You could write something like $\{x \in \mathbb{R} | -10 < x < -4 \text{ or } 3 < x < 8\}$, but that's cumbersome and a bit silly. What sort of class is this problem for? –  Adam Saltz Sep 29 '11 at 2:41
The notation is standard, but alternatively you could write $(-10,8)-(-4,3)$. However, that's probably not something a homework question would look for. Perhaps the question wants you to put it into set-builder notation? Hard to tell without context though. –  anon Sep 29 '11 at 2:42
@anon: That would be $(-10,8)-[-4,3]$. –  joriki Sep 29 '11 at 5:54