Solve for Positive Values of x in: y = -x² + 49 > 0

Quadratic Inequalities with Interval Solutions

Given the function:

y=x2+49 y=-x^{2}+49

Determine for which values of x the following is true: f(x)>0 f\left(x\right) > 0

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Given the function:

y=x2+49 y=-x^{2}+49

Determine for which values of x the following is true: f(x)>0 f\left(x\right) > 0

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine for which values of x x the function f(x)=x2+49 f(x) = -x^2 + 49 is positive, we solve the inequality:

x2+49>0 -x^2 + 49 > 0

We start by finding the roots of the associated quadratic equation:

x2+49=0 -x^2 + 49 = 0

This can be rewritten as:

x2=49 x^2 = 49

Solving for x x , we have:

x=±7 x = \pm 7

The roots are x=7 x = 7 and x=7 x = -7 . These points are where the parabola intersects the x-axis. Since the parabola opens downwards (as the coefficient of x2 x^2 is negative), the function is positive between the roots.

Therefore, the function f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 over the interval:

7<x<7 -7 < x < 7

Thus, the correct choice is:

7<x<7 -7 < x < 7

3

Final Answer

7<x<7 -7 < x < 7

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find roots first, then test intervals for positive/negative values
  • Technique: Solve x2+49=0 -x^2 + 49 = 0 gives roots x = ±7
  • Check: Test x = 0: (0)2+49=49>0 -(0)^2 + 49 = 49 > 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting the parabola opens downward
    Don't assume the parabola opens upward just because you see x² = wrong interval! The coefficient -1 makes it open downward, so the function is positive BETWEEN the roots, not outside them. Always check the sign of the x² coefficient first.

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 is the answer between -7 and 7 instead of outside?

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Because the coefficient of x2 x^2 is negative (-1), this parabola opens downward. The function is positive where the parabola is above the x-axis, which is between the roots.

How do I remember which direction the parabola opens?

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Look at the coefficient of x2 x^2 : if it's positive, the parabola opens upward (smile). If it's negative, it opens downward (frown).

What if I get confused about the inequality direction?

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Always test a point! Pick any number in your suspected interval (like x = 0) and substitute it into the original function. If the result matches your inequality, you're correct.

Do the boundary points x = 7 and x = -7 count?

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No! The inequality is f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 (strictly greater than), so we use open intervals. At x = ±7, the function equals zero, not greater than zero.

Can I solve this by graphing instead?

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Absolutely! Graph y=x2+49 y = -x^2 + 49 and look for where the parabola is above the x-axis. The x-values of that region give you your answer.

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