Look at the following function:
y=(3x+3)(2−x)
Determine for which values of x the following is true:
f(x) > 0
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)(2−x) is zero when either 3x+3=0 or 2−x=0.
Solving these equations:
3x+3=0⇒x=−1
2−x=0⇒x=2
Step 2: Analyze the intervals determined by the roots. The roots divide the number line into three intervals: (−∞,−1), (−1,2), and (2,∞).
Step 3: Determine the sign of f(x) in each interval:
- For x∈(−∞,−1):
Choose x=−2: (3(−2)+3)(2−(−2))=(−3)(4)=−12. The product is negative.
- For x∈(−1,2):
Choose x=0: (3(0)+3)(2−0)=(3)(2)=6. The product is positive.
- For x∈(2,∞):
Choose x=3: (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).
Thus, the intervals for which f(x)>0 is −2<x<1.