Solving (x-1/2)(x+6.5): Finding Negative Function Values

Let us solve the problem step by step to find: $x$ values for which $f(x) < 0$.

Firstly, identify the roots of the function $y = \left(x - \frac{1}{2}\right)\left(x + 6\frac{1}{2}\right)$:

• The root from $\left(x - \frac{1}{2}\right) = 0$ is $x = \frac{1}{2}$.
• The root from $\left(x + 6\frac{1}{2}\right) = 0$ is $x = -6\frac{1}{2}$.

These roots divide the real number line into three intervals:

• $x < -6\frac{1}{2}$
• $-6\frac{1}{2} < x < \frac{1}{2}$
• $x > \frac{1}{2}$

To determine where the function is negative, evaluate the sign in each interval:

• For $x < -6\frac{1}{2}$: Both factors $(x - \frac{1}{2})$ and $(x + 6\frac{1}{2})$ are negative, so their product is positive.
• For $-6\frac{1}{2} < x < \frac{1}{2}$: $(x - \frac{1}{2})$ is negative and $(x + 6\frac{1}{2})$ is positive, thus the product is negative.
• For $x > \frac{1}{2}$: Both factors are positive, so their product is positive.

Hence, the function is negative on the interval: $-6\frac{1}{2} < x < \frac{1}{2}$.