Determine x-Values for the Quadratic: y = 3/4x² < 0

Quadratic Inequalities with Non-negative Values

Given the function:

y=34x2 y=\frac{3}{4}x^2

Determine for which values of x f(x)<0 f\left(x\right) < 0 holds

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Given the function:

y=34x2 y=\frac{3}{4}x^2

Determine for which values of x f(x)<0 f\left(x\right) < 0 holds

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll consider the given quadratic function y=34x2 y = \frac{3}{4}x^2 and analyze when it could be negative.

Let's break this down:

  • The expression x2 x^2 represents the square of x x , which is always non-negative for any real number x x .
  • Since the coefficient of x2 x^2 , which is 34\frac{3}{4}, is positive, multiplying x2 x^2 by this constant results in a non-negative value.

Combining these observations:

  • Since x20 x^2 \geq 0 for all x x , it follows that 34x20\frac{3}{4}x^2 \geq 0 for all x x .
  • Thus, the function y=34x2 y = \frac{3}{4}x^2 will always be non-negative, meaning it can never be less than zero.

Therefore, there are no values of x x for which f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 .

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is that there are No x x for which the expression is negative.

3

Final Answer

x0 x\ne0

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Squared terms are always non-negative for real numbers
  • Technique: Since x20 x^2 \geq 0 , then 34x20 \frac{3}{4}x^2 \geq 0 always
  • Check: Test any value: 34(2)2=34(4)=3>0 \frac{3}{4}(-2)^2 = \frac{3}{4}(4) = 3 > 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Thinking negative x-values make the function negative
    Don't assume that negative x-values give negative results = wrong conclusion! When you square a negative number, it becomes positive, so (3)2=9 (-3)^2 = 9 . Always remember that x20 x^2 \geq 0 for ANY real number x.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

The graph of the function below does not intersect the \( x \)-axis.

The parabola's vertex is marked A.

Find all values of \( x \) where
\( f\left(x\right) > 0 \).

AAAX

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't this quadratic function ever be negative?

+

Because any number squared is non-negative! Whether x is positive, negative, or zero, x20 x^2 \geq 0 . Since we're multiplying by the positive coefficient 34 \frac{3}{4} , the result stays non-negative.

What if the coefficient was negative instead?

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Great question! If we had y=34x2 y = -\frac{3}{4}x^2 , then the function would be negative for all x0 x \neq 0 because we'd be multiplying a positive x2 x^2 by a negative coefficient.

Does this mean the function equals zero somewhere?

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Yes! The function equals zero when x=0 x = 0 because 34(0)2=0 \frac{3}{4}(0)^2 = 0 . This is the only point where it's neither positive nor negative.

How do I remember that squared terms are always non-negative?

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Think of real examples: 32=9 3^2 = 9 (positive) and (3)2=9 (-3)^2 = 9 (also positive!). The negative sign disappears when you square because negative × negative = positive.

What's the difference between ≥ 0 and > 0?

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  • f(x)0 f(x) \geq 0 means greater than OR equal to zero
  • f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 means strictly greater than zero
  • Our function equals zero at x=0 x = 0 , so we use \geq

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