Solve the Quadratic Inequality: When is 3x² + 21 Less Than Zero?

Quadratic Inequalities with No Real Solutions

Given the function:

y=3x2+21 y=3x^2+21

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

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Given the function:

y=3x2+21 y=3x^2+21

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

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given problem, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the direction of the parabola by examining the coefficient of x2 x^2 . Since a=3 a = 3 , the parabola opens upwards.
  • Step 2: Analyze the quadratic to find where y=3x2+21<0 y = 3x^2 + 21 < 0 .
  • Step 3: Find the vertex to determine the minimum point of the parabola. In this case, since there is no x x term (i.e., b=0 b = 0 ), the vertex lies on the y-axis, specifically at x=0 x = 0 .
  • Step 4: Evaluate the function at the vertex, y(0)=3(0)2+21=21 y(0) = 3(0)^2 + 21 = 21 , confirming it is always positive and does not drop below zero.
  • Step 5: As the discriminant Δ=b24ac=024×3×21=252 \Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 0^2 - 4 \times 3 \times 21 = -252 is negative, there are no real roots, meaning the parabola does not cross the x-axis.

Given the function is always positive and never reaches zero or becomes negative, there are no values of x x for which f(x)<0 f(x) < 0 .

Thus, the solution to this problem is No x.

3

Final Answer

No x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Upward parabola with positive vertex never goes negative
  • Technique: Find discriminant: Δ=024(3)(21)=252 \Delta = 0^2 - 4(3)(21) = -252
  • Check: Minimum value at vertex: y(0)=21>0 y(0) = 21 > 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Setting the quadratic equal to zero instead of less than zero
    Don't solve 3x2+21=0 3x^2 + 21 = 0 when asked for 3x2+21<0 3x^2 + 21 < 0 = wrong approach! Finding roots doesn't tell you where the function is negative. Always analyze the parabola's position relative to the x-axis using the vertex and direction.

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 doesn't this quadratic have any negative values?

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Since a = 3 > 0, the parabola opens upward. The vertex at (0,21) (0, 21) is the lowest point, and it's already above the x-axis at y = 21. So the function never dips below zero!

What does a negative discriminant mean?

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A negative discriminant (Δ=252 \Delta = -252 ) means there are no real roots. The parabola doesn't cross or touch the x-axis at all - it stays completely above it.

How do I know when a quadratic inequality has no solution?

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For ax2+bx+c<0 ax^2 + bx + c < 0 : if a > 0 (opens up) and the vertex has a positive y-value, then there's no solution because the parabola never goes below zero.

Could the answer ever be 'All x' for this type of problem?

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Yes! If we had a downward parabola (a < 0) that never crosses the x-axis and stays below it, then all values of x would make the function negative.

How is this different from solving the equation 3x² + 21 = 0?

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  • Equation: Finds where y = 0 (x-intercepts)
  • Inequality: Finds where y < 0 (below x-axis)

Since this parabola has no x-intercepts and stays above the axis, the inequality has no solution!

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