Solve f(x)=x²-6x+8 > -x+4: Quadratic-Linear Function Comparison

Question

The following function is graphed below:

f(x)=x26x+8 f(x)=x^2-6x+8

g(x)=x+4 g(x)=-x+4

For which values of x is
f(x) > g(x) true?

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Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine for which values of x x the condition f(x)>g(x) f(x) > g(x) holds, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Set up the inequality x26x+8>x+4 x^2 - 6x + 8 > -x + 4 .
  • Step 2: Rearrange all terms to one side: x26x+8+x4>0 x^2 - 6x + 8 + x - 4 > 0 simplifies to x25x+4>0 x^2 - 5x + 4 > 0 .
  • Step 3: Solve the related quadratic equation x25x+4=0 x^2 - 5x + 4 = 0 . This factors as (x1)(x4)=0 (x - 1)(x - 4) = 0 , giving roots x=1 x = 1 and x=4 x = 4 .
  • Step 4: Determine intervals defined by the roots: (,1) (-\infty, 1) , (1,4) (1, 4) , and (4,) (4, \infty) .
  • Step 5: Test points from each interval in the inequality x25x+4>0 x^2 - 5x + 4 > 0 :
    • For x=0 x = 0 (from interval (,1) (-\infty, 1) ), x25x+4=4 x^2 - 5x + 4 = 4 which is greater than 0.
    • For x=2 x = 2 (from interval (1,4) (1, 4) ), x25x+4=2 x^2 - 5x + 4 = -2 which is less than 0.
    • For x=5 x = 5 (from interval (4,) (4, \infty) ), x25x+4=9 x^2 - 5x + 4 = 9 which is greater than 0.
  • Step 6: From the test points, determine f(x)>g(x) f(x) > g(x) in intervals (,1) (-\infty, 1) and (4,) (4, \infty) .

Thus, f(x)>g(x) f(x) > g(x) for x<1 x < 1 or x>4 x > 4 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x<1,4<x x < 1, 4 < x , corresponding to choice 2.

Answer

x < 1,4 < x