Solve (x-6)(x+6) > 0: Finding Positive Values of a Quadratic Function

Quadratic Inequalities with Factored Form

Look at the following function:

y=(x6)(x+6) y=\left(x-6\right)\left(x+6\right)

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

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1

Understand the problem

Look at the following function:

y=(x6)(x+6) y=\left(x-6\right)\left(x+6\right)

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

f(x)>0 f(x) > 0

2

Step-by-step solution

The function y=(x6)(x+6) y = (x-6)(x+6) can be rewritten as y=x236 y = x^2 - 36 . This is a quadratic function, and we need to find where it is positive: x236>0 x^2 - 36 > 0 .

First, identify the roots of the quadratic equation x236=0 x^2 - 36 = 0 . Solving for x x , we get:

  • x2=36 x^2 = 36
  • x=±6 x = \pm 6

Thus, the roots are x=6 x = 6 and x=6 x = -6 .

Next, examine the intervals determined by these roots: (,6) (-\infty, -6) , (6,6) (-6, 6) , (6,) (6, \infty) .

For each interval, we check the sign of x236 x^2 - 36 to determine where the expression is positive.

1. **Interval (,6) (-\infty, -6) :** Choose x=7 x = -7 :
(x6)(x+6)=(76)(7+6)=(13)(1)=13(x-6)(x+6) = (-7-6)(-7+6) = (-13)(-1) = 13, which is positive.

2. **Interval (6,6) (-6, 6) :** Choose x=0 x = 0 :
(x6)(x+6)=(06)(0+6)=(6)(6)=36(x-6)(x+6) = (0-6)(0+6) = (-6)(6) = -36, which is negative.

3. **Interval (6,) (6, \infty) :** Choose x=7 x = 7 :
(x6)(x+6)=(76)(7+6)=(1)(13)=13(x-6)(x+6) = (7-6)(7+6) = (1)(13) = 13, which is positive.

Therefore, the quadratic x236>0 x^2 - 36 > 0 in the intervals (,6) (-\infty, -6) and (6,) (6, \infty) . The function is positive on these intervals.

Since the solution matches choice id="4", the values of x x for which f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 are:
x>6 x > 6 or x<6 x < -6 .

Thus, the solution to the problem is x>6 x > 6 or x<6 x < -6 .

3

Final Answer

6<x<6 -6 < x < 6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find zeros by setting each factor equal to zero
  • Technique: Test intervals: (-7-6)(-7+6) = (-13)(-1) = 13 > 0
  • Check: Function changes sign at zeros x = -6 and x = 6 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Thinking the function is positive between the zeros
    Don't assume (x6)(x+6)>0 (x-6)(x+6) > 0 when -6 < x < 6 = negative values! Between zeros, the factors have opposite signs making the product negative. Always test points in each interval to determine the actual sign.

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 is the function negative between -6 and 6?

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Between the zeros, one factor is positive and one is negative. For example, when x = 0: (0-6) = -6 (negative) and (0+6) = 6 (positive), so (-6)(6) = -36 < 0.

How do I remember which intervals are positive?

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Think about the parabola shape! Since y=x236 y = x^2 - 36 opens upward, it's positive outside the zeros (far left and far right) and negative between them.

What if I expand first instead of keeping it factored?

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You can expand to get x236>0 x^2 - 36 > 0 , but factored form is easier! The zeros are immediately visible as x = 6 and x = -6 without solving x2=36 x^2 = 36 .

Why test points in each interval?

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Testing points tells you the actual sign of the function in each interval. Don't guess - pick any number in the interval and calculate to see if the result is positive or negative!

Do I include the zeros x = -6 and x = 6 in my answer?

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No! The inequality is f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 (strictly greater than), so at x = ±6 where f(x)=0 f(x) = 0 , the function equals zero, not greater than zero.

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