Solve y=-3x²+6x-9: Finding x-Values When Function is Positive

Question

Look at the following function:

y=3x2+6x9 y=-3x^2+6x-9

Determine for which x x values the following is true:

f\left(x\right)>0

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the given quadratic function and its form.
  • Step 2: Determine the nature of the parabola based on the leading coefficient.
  • Step 3: Calculate the discriminant to find possible roots.
  • Step 4: Solve for the roots using the quadratic formula if applicable.
  • Step 5: Analyze the intervals determined by the roots to assess where the function is positive.
  • Step 6: Conclude whether the function is positive over any interval based on the parabola's direction.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The given function is y=3x2+6x9 y = -3x^2 + 6x - 9 , which is a quadratic in the standard form ax2+bx+c ax^2 + bx + c , where a=3 a = -3 , b=6 b = 6 , and c=9 c = -9 .

Step 2: The coefficient of x2 x^2 is negative (a=3 a = -3 ), indicating the parabola opens downward.

Step 3: The discriminant Δ \Delta for the quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2 + bx + c = 0 is given by Δ=b24ac \Delta = b^2 - 4ac . Calculating this:

Δ=(6)24(3)(9)=36108=72 \Delta = (6)^2 - 4(-3)(-9) = 36 - 108 = -72 .

Step 4: A negative discriminant (Δ<0 \Delta < 0 ) shows that the quadratic equation 3x2+6x9=0 -3x^2 + 6x - 9 = 0 has no real roots. This means the parabola does not intersect the x-axis.

Step 5: Knowing the downward opening parabola and lack of real roots, the parabola lies entirely below the x-axis, and it never becomes positive anywhere.

Step 6: Since the function is always non-positive, we conclude that the function has no positive domain.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is The function has no positive domain.

Answer

The function has no positive domain.