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

Quadratic Inequalities with Sign Analysis

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 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 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 f(x) > 0

2

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.

3

Final Answer

2<x<1 -2 < x < 1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Factorization: Find zeros by setting each factor equal to zero
  • Test Points: Check sign in each interval, like x=0 x = 0 gives (3)(2)=6>0 (3)(2) = 6 > 0
  • Verification: Test boundary values and one point from solution interval ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Solving the inequality like an equation
    Don't just find where (3x+3)(2x)=0 (3x+3)(2-x) = 0 and stop there = gives zeros, not the solution! Finding x=1,2 x = -1, 2 only gives boundary points. Always test intervals between zeros to find where the expression is actually positive.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

The graph of the function below intersects the X-axis at points A and B.

The vertex of the parabola is marked at point C.

Find all values of \( x \) where \( f\left(x\right) > 0 \).

AAABBBCCCX

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to test points in each interval?

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The sign of a product can only change when it crosses a zero! Between zeros, the expression stays either all positive or all negative, so testing one point tells you about the entire interval.

How do I choose good test points?

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Pick simple numbers from each interval! For intervals like (1,2) (-1, 2) , try x=0 x = 0 or x=1 x = 1 - they make calculations easy and clear.

What if I get the wrong interval?

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Double-check your test point calculations! A common error is sign mistakes when substituting negative numbers. Work step-by-step: substitute, multiply, then determine if positive or negative.

Do I include the boundary points x = -1 and x = 2?

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For f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 (strict inequality), exclude the zeros where f(x)=0 f(x) = 0 . Only include boundary points for or inequalities.

Why does the explanation show a different answer than expected?

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There appears to be an error in the given explanation. The correct roots are x=1 x = -1 and x=2 x = 2 , making the solution 1<x<2 -1 < x < 2 , not 2<x<1 -2 < x < 1 .

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