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

Question

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

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 .

Answer

-6 < x < 6