Solve x²/5 + 1⅓x > 0: Finding Positive Function Values

Quadratic Inequalities with Mixed Number Coefficients

Look at the following function:

y=15x2+113x y=\frac{1}{5}x^2+1\frac{1}{3}x

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

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the following function:

y=15x2+113x y=\frac{1}{5}x^2+1\frac{1}{3}x

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

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

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem step by step:

The function given is y=15x2+113x y = \frac{1}{5}x^2 + 1\frac{1}{3}x . The first step is to convert the mixed number into an improper fraction:

113=43 1\frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{3} , so the function becomes:

y=15x2+43x y = \frac{1}{5}x^2 + \frac{4}{3}x .

This can be written in standard form ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2 + bx + c = 0 where a=15 a = \frac{1}{5} , b=43 b = \frac{4}{3} , and c=0 c = 0 (not visible, but necessary for proper representation).

Next, we use the quadratic formula to find the roots:

x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} .

Plug in the values:

x=43±(43)24×15×02×15 x = \frac{-\frac{4}{3} \pm \sqrt{\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)^2 - 4 \times \frac{1}{5} \times 0}}{2 \times \frac{1}{5}} .

Simplify where possible:

x=43±16925 x = \frac{-\frac{4}{3} \pm \sqrt{\frac{16}{9}}}{\frac{2}{5}} , leading to:

x=43±4325 x = \frac{-\frac{4}{3} \pm \frac{4}{3}}{\frac{2}{5}} .

This gives roots:

x=0 x = 0 and x=623 x = -6\frac{2}{3} .

The parabola opens upward (since a=15>0 a = \frac{1}{5} > 0 ). The quadratic function is positive between the roots and for values outside them:

This results in two intervals where f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 :

  • x<623 x < -6\frac{2}{3}
  • x>0 x > 0

Thus, the solution to the problem is:

x>0 x > 0 or x<623 x < -6\frac{2}{3} .

3

Final Answer

x>0 x > 0 or x<623 x < -6\frac{2}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first
  • Technique: Factor out x: 15x2+43x=x(15x+43) \frac{1}{5}x^2 + \frac{4}{3}x = x(\frac{1}{5}x + \frac{4}{3})
  • Check: Test x = 1: 15+43=2315>0 \frac{1}{5} + \frac{4}{3} = \frac{23}{15} > 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting parabola direction affects solution intervals
    Don't assume the function is positive between the roots = wrong solution set! Since a = 1/5 > 0, the parabola opens upward, so it's positive OUTSIDE the roots, not between them. Always check the sign of the leading coefficient to determine where the quadratic is positive.

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 do I need to convert the mixed number first?

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Converting 113 1\frac{1}{3} to 43 \frac{4}{3} makes calculations easier and avoids errors. Mixed numbers are harder to work with in algebraic operations.

How do I know if the parabola opens up or down?

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Look at the coefficient of x2 x^2 ! Since a=15>0 a = \frac{1}{5} > 0 , the parabola opens upward. If a were negative, it would open downward.

Why can I factor out x from both terms?

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Both terms contain x as a factor: 15x2=x15x \frac{1}{5}x^2 = x \cdot \frac{1}{5}x and 43x=x43 \frac{4}{3}x = x \cdot \frac{4}{3} . Factoring gives us two simpler factors to work with.

What does 'x > 0 or x < -6⅔' mean exactly?

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This means x can be in two separate regions: any positive number OR any number less than 623 -6\frac{2}{3} . The function is positive in both these intervals.

How can I check my answer is right?

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Pick test values from each region! Try x = 1 (positive) and x = -7 (less than 623 -6\frac{2}{3} ). If both give positive results, your solution is correct.

Why isn't the solution between the roots?

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Since the parabola opens upward, it's shaped like a U. The bottom of the U (between the roots) dips below zero, while the sides extend upward above zero.

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