Domain Analysis: Finding Positive Values of (1/3x-1/6)(-x-4.2)

Quadratic Inequalities with Sign Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the following function:

y=(13x16)(x415) y=\left(\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6}\right)\left(-x-4\frac{1}{5}\right)

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)>0 f\left(x\right) > 0

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Find the positive and negative domains of the following function:

y=(13x16)(x415) y=\left(\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6}\right)\left(-x-4\frac{1}{5}\right)

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)>0 f\left(x\right) > 0

2

Step-by-step solution

To find the set of x x values where y=(13x16)(x415) y = \left(\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6}\right)\left(-x-4\frac{1}{5}\right) is positive, we need to determine where each factor changes sign.

First, find the zeros of the linear factors:

  • For 13x16=0\frac{1}{3}x - \frac{1}{6} = 0:
    Solving gives 13x=16 \frac{1}{3}x = \frac{1}{6} or x=12 x = \frac{1}{2} .
  • For x415=0-x - 4\frac{1}{5} = 0:
    Solving gives x=415-x = -4\frac{1}{5} or x=415 x = -4\frac{1}{5} .

These zeros split the real number line into three intervals. Let's determine the sign of each expression in the intervals:

  • Interval (,415)(-\infty, -4\frac{1}{5}):
    - 13x16<0\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6} < 0 and x415>0-x-4\frac{1}{5} > 0
  • Interval (415,12)(-4\frac{1}{5}, \frac{1}{2}):
    - 13x16<0\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6} < 0 and x415<0-x-4\frac{1}{5} < 0
  • Interval (12,)(\frac{1}{2}, \infty):
    - 13x16>0\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6} > 0 and x415<0-x-4\frac{1}{5} < 0

The product (13x16)(x415)\left(\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6}\right)\left(-x-4\frac{1}{5}\right) is positive in the interval where both factors are negative or both are positive:

Therefore, the solution is 415<x<12-4\frac{1}{5} < x < -\frac{1}{2}, matching with choice 3.

3

Final Answer

415<x<12 -4\frac{1}{5} < x < -\frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Zero Finding: Set each factor equal to zero to find critical points
  • Sign Testing: Test intervals using x=5 x = -5 : both factors negative, product positive
  • Verification: Check boundary points are excluded since we need strict inequality ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Solving the inequality by expanding first
    Don't expand (13x16)(x415) (\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{6})(-x-4\frac{1}{5}) into a quadratic = messy algebra and sign errors! This creates unnecessary complexity with fractions and decimals. Always keep factors separate and use sign analysis on intervals.

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 do we find zeros before solving the inequality?

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The zeros are where each factor changes sign! These critical points x=12 x = \frac{1}{2} and x=415 x = -4\frac{1}{5} divide the number line into intervals where the sign stays constant.

How do I know which intervals to test?

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Pick any test value from each interval between the zeros. For example, use x=5 x = -5 for the leftmost interval (,415) (-\infty, -4\frac{1}{5}) .

What if one of the factors equals zero?

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When a factor equals zero, the entire product equals zero! Since we need f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 (strictly positive), we exclude the zeros from our solution.

Why is the answer between the two zeros?

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In the middle interval (415,12) (-4\frac{1}{5}, \frac{1}{2}) , both factors are negative, so their product is positive. This is the only interval where both factors have the same sign!

How can I double-check my interval testing?

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Substitute a value from your answer interval back into the original function. For x=2 x = -2 : (13(2)16)((2)415)=(56)(24.2)=(56)(2.2)>0 (\frac{1}{3}(-2)-\frac{1}{6})(-(-2)-4\frac{1}{5}) = (-\frac{5}{6})(2-4.2) = (-\frac{5}{6})(-2.2) > 0

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