Solve (2x-16)² > 0: Finding Values Where Function is Positive

Quadratic Inequalities with Perfect Squares

Look at the function below:

y=(2x16)2 y=\left(2x-16\right)^2

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

f(x)>0 f(x) > 0

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the function below:

y=(2x16)2 y=\left(2x-16\right)^2

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

f(x)>0 f(x) > 0

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine when the function y=(2x16)2 y = (2x - 16)^2 is greater than zero, we observe the following:

  • The function's expression, (2x16)2(2x - 16)^2, is a square and thus always non-negative (0 \geq 0 ).
  • The expression will equate to zero when the inside term is zero: 2x16=02x - 16 = 0.
  • Solve the equation 2x16=02x - 16 = 0 to find x=8x = 8.
  • Therefore, (2x16)2=0(2x - 16)^2 = 0 only at x=8x = 8.
  • For y>0 y > 0 , (2x16)2(2x - 16)^2 must be greater than zero, which occurs for all x x except x=8 x = 8.

The solution is x8 x \ne 8 , which means y y is positive for all x x except x=8 x = 8 .

3

Final Answer

x8 x\ne8

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Perfect squares are always non-negative for all real numbers
  • Technique: Set (2x - 16)² = 0 to find x = 8
  • Check: Test x = 5: (2(5) - 16)² = 36 > 0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Solving as if it equals zero instead of greater than zero
    Don't solve (2x - 16)² = 0 and think that's the final answer = x = 8 only! This gives you where the function equals zero, not where it's positive. Always remember that squares are positive everywhere except at the zero point, so the answer is x ≠ 8.

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 isn't the answer 'true for all values of x'?

+

Because at x=8 x = 8 , the function equals zero, not positive. Since we need f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 (strictly greater than), we must exclude the point where it equals zero.

How do I find where a perfect square equals zero?

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Set the expression inside the square equal to zero: 2x16=0 2x - 16 = 0 . Solve to get x=8 x = 8 . This is the only point where the square equals zero.

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

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≥ 0 means 'greater than or equal to zero' (includes zero), while > 0 means 'strictly greater than zero' (excludes zero). Perfect squares satisfy ≥ 0 always, but > 0 excludes the zero point.

Can I graph this to check my answer?

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Yes! The graph of y=(2x16)2 y = (2x - 16)^2 is a parabola opening upward that touches the x-axis at x=8 x = 8 and is positive everywhere else.

Why does the square make the function always non-negative?

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Any real number squared gives a non-negative result. Whether 2x16 2x - 16 is positive or negative, squaring it always gives zero or a positive value.

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