Solve (3x+3)(2-x) > 0: Finding Positive Values of x

Question

Look at the following function:

y=(3x+3)(2x) y=\left(3x+3\right)\left(2-x\right)

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 the roots of the function by setting each factor equal to zero.
  • Step 2: Analyze the intervals determined by these roots.
  • Step 3: Determine where the product of the factors is positive.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Find the roots of the function:
The function y=(3x+3)(2x) y = (3x + 3)(2 - x) is zero when either 3x+3=0 3x + 3 = 0 or 2x=0 2 - x = 0 .

Solving these equations:
3x+3=0x=1 3x + 3 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -1
2x=0x=2 2 - x = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2

Step 2: Analyze the intervals determined by the roots. The roots divide the number line into three intervals: (,1) (-\infty, -1) , (1,2) (-1, 2) , and (2,) (2, \infty) .

Step 3: Determine the sign of f(x) f(x) in each interval:

  • For x(,1) x \in (-\infty, -1) :
    Choose x=2 x = -2 : (3(2)+3)(2(2))=(3)(4)=12 (3(-2) + 3)(2 - (-2)) = (-3)(4) = -12 . The product is negative.
  • For x(1,2) x \in (-1, 2) :
    Choose x=0 x = 0 : (3(0)+3)(20)=(3)(2)=6 (3(0) + 3)(2 - 0) = (3)(2) = 6 . The product is positive.
  • For x(2,) x \in (2, \infty) :
    Choose x=3 x = 3 : (3(3)+3)(23)=(12)(1)=12 (3(3) + 3)(2 - 3) = (12)(-1) = -12 . The product is negative.

Therefore, the solution occurs when the product is positive, i.e., for values x(1,2) x \in (-1, 2) .

Thus, the intervals for which f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 is 2<x<1-2 < x < 1.

Answer

-2 < x < 1