Solve the Quadratic Inequality: When is 0.4x² < 0?

Quadratic Inequalities with Positive Leading Coefficients

Given the function:

y=0.4x2 y=0.4x^2

Determine for which values of x f(x)<0 f\left(x\right) < 0 holds

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Given the function:

y=0.4x2 y=0.4x^2

Determine for which values of x f(x)<0 f\left(x\right) < 0 holds

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we're given a quadratic function y=0.4x2 y = 0.4x^2 . We need to determine for which values of x x , f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 . Let's start by examining the function.

The given function is quadratic, and it takes the form y=ax2 y = ax^2 , where a=0.4 a = 0.4 . It's important to note that the coefficient a a is positive.

For quadratic functions in the form ax2 ax^2 , where a>0 a > 0 , the graph of the function is a parabola that opens upwards. This means that the values of the quadratic function are non-negative for all real x x . Specifically, the value f(x) f(x) is always greater than or equal to zero, reaching zero exactly when x=0 x = 0 .

For the inequality f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 to hold, y y would have to be negative. Since the parabola opens upwards and the vertex (the minimum point) is at y=0 y = 0 , there are no real x x that satisfy f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 .

Therefore, for the given function y=0.4x2 y = 0.4x^2 , there are no values of x x for which f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 .

Thus, based on the analysis, the correct choice is that there are no values of x x for which f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 holds, which is No x.

3

Final Answer

x0 x\ne0

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: For ax2 ax^2 where a > 0, values are always non-negative
  • Technique: Check vertex: 0.4(0)2=0 0.4(0)^2 = 0 , minimum value is 0
  • Check: Test any value: 0.4(2)2=1.6>0 0.4(2)^2 = 1.6 > 0 confirms no negative outputs ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing the inequality direction with parabola opening
    Don't think that negative x values make f(x) negative when a > 0! Since we're squaring x, both positive and negative inputs give positive outputs. Always remember that x20 x^2 \geq 0 for all real x, so ax20 ax^2 \geq 0 when a > 0.

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 can't f(x) ever be negative if the coefficient is positive?

+

Because we're squaring x! When you square any real number (positive, negative, or zero), you always get a non-negative result. Since x20 x^2 \geq 0 and we multiply by positive 0.4, the result is always 0 \geq 0 .

What if the coefficient was negative, like -0.4x²?

+

Great question! If we had y=0.4x2 y = -0.4x^2 , then the parabola would open downward and f(x) < 0 for all x except x = 0. The sign of the coefficient determines the parabola's direction.

Does x = 0 satisfy f(x) < 0?

+

No! When x = 0, we get f(0)=0.4(0)2=0 f(0) = 0.4(0)^2 = 0 . Since 0 is not less than 0, x = 0 doesn't satisfy the strict inequality f(x) < 0.

How do I know there are 'no solutions' vs 'all solutions'?

+

Look at the vertex and opening direction! For upward parabolas (a > 0), the minimum value is at the vertex. If that minimum is ≥ 0, then f(x) < 0 has no solutions. If the minimum were negative, then some x values would work.

What's the difference between f(x) < 0 and f(x) ≤ 0?

+

The symbol matters! f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 means strictly less than zero, so f(x) = 0 doesn't count. But f(x)0 f(x) \leq 0 includes zero, so x = 0 would be a solution for the ≤ version.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 The Quadratic Function questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations