SOLUTION: Suppose f(x) = (x-7)(x+4). (a) For which values of x is the function f(x) positive? Enter your answer using inequalities. help (inequalities) (a) For which values of x i

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Suppose f(x) = (x-7)(x+4). (a) For which values of x is the function f(x) positive? Enter your answer using inequalities. help (inequalities) (a) For which values of x i      Log On


   



Question 923836: Suppose f(x) = (x-7)(x+4).
(a) For which values of x is the function f(x) positive? Enter your answer using inequalities.
help (inequalities)
(a) For which values of x is the function f(x) negative? Enter your answer using inequalities.
help (inequalities)

Found 3 solutions by ewatrrr, rothauserc, josmiceli:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Enter your answer using inequalities
re TY
Zero is considered neither positive or negative
f(x) = (x-7)(x+4).
a) (x-7)(x+4) > 0 (Both factors >0), x > 7
0r (x-7)(x+4) > 0 (Both factors < 0) x < -4
..............
b) (x-7)(x+4)< 0
-4 < x < 7


Answer by rothauserc(4718) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
f(x) = (x-7)(x+4) is a parabola that crosses the x axis at (-4,0) and (7,0), the equation can be rewritten as
f(x) = x^2 -3x - 28
note that the parabola crosses the y axis at (0,-28) and it opens upward
a) x < -4 or x > 7
b) -4 < x < 7

Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+f%28x%29+=+%28x-7%29%2A%28x%2B4%29+
For +f%28x%29+ to be positive, the
factors have to be:
(+)*(+) = (+) OR
(-)*(-) = (+)
---------------
In order for BOTH factors to be
positive, +x+%3E7+
-------------------
In order for BOTH factors to be negative,
+x+%3C+-4+
-------------------
So, +x%3E7+ OR +x+%3C+-4+
Another way to say this is:
+-4+%3C=+x+%3C=+7+ is NOT allowed
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
For +f%28x%29+ to be negative,
factors must be:
(+)*(-) = (-) OR
(-)*(+) = (-)
+-4+%3C+x+%3C+7+ is REQUIRED
( just the opposite of above )
----------------------------
Here's a plot of the function in order
to see this:
+f%28x%29+=+%28+x-7+%29%2A%28+x+%2B+4+%29+
+f%28x%29+=+x%5E2+-+3x+-+28+
+graph%28+400%2C+400%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+-35%2C+10%2C+x%5E2+-+3x+-28++%29+