Quadratic Function Analysis: Finding Domains and Positive Values of (1/4)x² - 9

Question

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=14x29 y=\frac{1}{4}x^2-9

Then determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x) > 0

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find where the function y=14x29 y = \frac{1}{4}x^2 - 9 is greater than zero.
  • Step 2: Set the inequality 14x29>0\frac{1}{4}x^2 - 9 > 0 and solve.
  • Step 3: Identify regions by testing intervals derived from critical points.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The function is already given, and we need to solve where 14x29>0 \frac{1}{4}x^2 - 9 > 0 .
Step 2: Set the inequality: 14x29>0\frac{1}{4}x^2 - 9 > 0.
Start by multiplying through by 4 to clear the fraction: x236>0x^2 - 36 > 0.
Step 3: Solve the equation x236=0x^2 - 36 = 0 to find the zeros.
Solve for xx: x2=36x^2 = 36, which gives x=6x = 6 and x=6x = -6.

The critical points divide the number line into intervals: x<6x < -6, 6<x<6-6 < x < 6, and x>6x > 6.

Test an x-value in each region to determine if f(x)>0f(x) > 0:
- For x<6x < -6, choose x=7x = -7: (7)236>0(-7)^2 - 36 > 0 gives 4936=1349 - 36 = 13, so positive.
- For 6<x<6-6 < x < 6, choose x=0x = 0: 0236=360^2 - 36 = -36, so negative.
- For x>6x > 6, choose x=7x = 7: 7236>07^2 - 36 > 0 gives 4936=1349 - 36 = 13, so positive.

Therefore, the solution for the values where the function is greater than zero is when x>6 x > 6 or x<6 x < -6 .

Thus, the positive domain is when x>6 x > 6 or x<6 x < -6 .

The correct choice is : x>6 x > 6 or x<6 x < -6

.

Answer

x > 6 or x < -6