Solve (2x+30)² < 0: Finding Values When a Square is Negative

Quadratic Functions with Square Properties

Look at the function below:

y=(2x+30)2 y=\left(2x+30\right)^2

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

f(x)<0 f(x) < 0

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the function below:

y=(2x+30)2 y=\left(2x+30\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 solve this problem, we analyze the function y=(2x+30)2 y = (2x + 30)^2 .

Notice that this function involves a squared term, (2x+30) (2x + 30) , which is squared to yield the expression (2x+30)2 (2x + 30)^2 . A crucial property of squares is that the square of any real number is never negative. Thus, for any real number z z , z20 z^2 \geq 0 .

Since (2x+30)2 (2x + 30)^2 is the square of a real expression, it implies that this expression is always greater than or equal to zero. Therefore, it is impossible for y y to be less than zero. There are no real values of x x that would satisfy the inequality f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 .

Consequently, the correct interpretation is that the inequality (2x+30)2<0 (2x + 30)^2 < 0 holds true for no values of x x .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:

True for no values of x x

3

Final Answer

True for no values of x x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Square Property: Any real number squared is always non-negative
  • Analysis: (2x+30)20 (2x+30)^2 \geq 0 for all real x values
  • Verification: Test x = -15: (2(15)+30)2=02=00 (2(-15)+30)^2 = 0^2 = 0 \geq 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to solve the squared expression as a regular equation
    Don't set (2x+30)2=0 (2x+30)^2 = 0 and solve for x = -15! This only finds where the function equals zero, not where it's negative. Since squares are never negative, no solution exists for the inequality (2x+30)2<0 (2x+30)^2 < 0 . Always remember that squared expressions are always ≥ 0.

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 a square ever be negative?

+

When you multiply any real number by itself, the result is always positive or zero. For example: 32=9 3^2 = 9 , (3)2=9 (-3)^2 = 9 , and 02=0 0^2 = 0 . This is a fundamental property of real numbers!

What does it mean when there are 'no values' for x?

+

It means the inequality has no solution. No matter what real number you substitute for x, the expression (2x+30)2 (2x+30)^2 will never be less than zero. The solution set is empty.

What if the question asked for when the function equals zero?

+

Then you'd solve (2x+30)2=0 (2x+30)^2 = 0 ! This gives 2x+30=0 2x+30 = 0 , so x=15 x = -15 . But our question asks for when it's less than zero, which never happens.

How can I visualize this function?

+

The graph of y=(2x+30)2 y = (2x+30)^2 is a parabola opening upward with vertex at (-15, 0). Since it never goes below the x-axis, there are no points where y < 0.

Are there any exceptions to the square rule?

+

No exceptions with real numbers! However, in advanced mathematics with complex numbers, squares can be negative. But for this problem, we're working with real numbers only.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 The Quadratic Function questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations