Solve the Quadratic: Discover X in y=2x^2-4x+5 Where f(x) < 0

Quadratic Inequalities with No Solution

Look at the following function:

y=2x24x+5 y=2x^2-4x+5

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=2x24x+5 y=2x^2-4x+5

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)<0 f(x) < 0

2

Step-by-step solution

To find the values of x x where the function y=2x24x+5 y = 2x^2 - 4x + 5 is negative:

  • Step 1: Identify the direction of the parabola:
    Since a=2 a = 2 is positive, the parabola opens upwards, indicating that any potential minimum will be at the vertex.

  • Step 2: Find the vertex:
    The vertex is at x=b2a=42×2=1 x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{-4}{2 \times 2} = 1 .
    Substituting x=1 x = 1 back into the function gives: f(1)=2(1)24(1)+5=3 f(1) = 2(1)^2 - 4(1) + 5 = 3 .

  • Step 3: Determine if the function can be negative:
    Since the vertex provides the minimum value of the parabola and this value is positive f(1)=3>0 f(1) = 3 > 0 , the function does not have any x x values for which f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 .

Thus, the correct answer is that the function has no negative values.

3

Final Answer

The function has no negative values.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Parabola Direction: Positive leading coefficient means upward opening parabola
  • Vertex Formula: Find minimum at x=b2a=1 x = -\frac{b}{2a} = 1
  • Check: Substitute vertex: f(1)=3>0 f(1) = 3 > 0 confirms no negative values ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Setting the quadratic equal to zero
    Don't solve 2x24x+5=0 2x^2 - 4x + 5 = 0 = finding where it equals zero! This only finds roots, not where the function is negative. Always find the vertex first to determine if the parabola dips below the x-axis.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

The graph of the function below does not intersect the \( x \)-axis.

The parabola's vertex is marked A.

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

AAAX

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just solve the equation by setting it equal to zero?

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Setting the quadratic equal to zero finds roots (where it crosses the x-axis). But we need to know where it's negative, which requires checking the vertex and parabola direction first!

How do I know if a parabola opens upward or downward?

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Look at the leading coefficient (the number in front of x2 x^2 ). If it's positive, the parabola opens upward. If negative, it opens downward.

What if the vertex is negative but the parabola opens upward?

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Then the function would have negative values! The parabola would dip below the x-axis around the vertex. But in this problem, the vertex value is positive at f(1)=3 f(1) = 3 .

Can I use the discriminant to solve this?

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Yes! The discriminant b24ac=1640=24<0 b^2 - 4ac = 16 - 40 = -24 < 0 tells us there are no real roots. Combined with the upward opening, this confirms the function stays positive.

What does 'no solution' mean for inequalities?

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'No solution' means there are no x-values that make the inequality true. In this case, f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 is never satisfied because the function is always positive.

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