Look at the following function:
y=3x2+6x
Determine for which values ofx the following is true:
f(x) > 0
To solve the inequality 3x2+6x>0, we first factor the quadratic equation.
- Step 1: Factor the quadratic expression:
3x2+6x=3x(x+2).
- Step 2: Find the roots by setting the factored expression equal to zero:
- 3x(x+2)=0 gives x=0 and x=−2 as roots.
- Step 3: Determine the intervals dictated by the roots on a number line:
- The critical points divide the number line into three intervals: (−∞,−2), (−2,0), and (0,∞).
- Step 4: Analyze the sign of 3x(x+2) in each interval:
- Interval (−∞,−2): Pick a test point like x=−3.
3(−3)((−3)+2)=3(−3)(−1)=9>0. Hence, f(x)>0.
- Interval (−2,0): Pick a test point like x=−1.
3(−1)((−1)+2)=3(−1)(1)=−3<0. Hence, f(x)<0.
- Interval (0,∞): Pick a test point like x=1.
3(1)((1)+2)=3(1)(3)=9>0. Hence, f(x)>0.
Therefore, the solution to the inequality 3x2+6x>0 is:
x>0 or x<−2.
The correct choice from the given options is .
Thus, when x>0 or x<−2, the function f(x)=3x2+6x is greater than zero.