Question 107005
{{{f(x)=x(x+1)(x-4)}}}
Let's look at the key x values and determine the sign of f(x).
At x=0, f(x)=0
That knocks out a and c because they include x=0 (they're the same answer?). 
Since both b and d include x>4, we won't look at that.
Anyways when x>4, f(x)>0 because x>0, x+1>0, and x-4>0.
The two other regions to choose are (-1,0) and (0,1). 
b.)If you choose a point between (-1,0), say x=-1/2, then
x<0, because -1/2<0.
x+1>0, because -1/2+1=1/2>0
x-4<0.
The product would then be negative times positive times negative. 
The product (f(x)) would be positive. 
d.)If you choose a point between (0,1), say x=1/2, then
x>0, because 1/2>0.
x+1>0, because 1/2+1=1/2>0
x-4<0.
The product would then be positive times positive times negative. 
The product (f(x)) would be negative.
The answer is b. 
b. (–1, 0) &#8746; (4, &#8734;)
{{{ graph( 300, 300, -2, 5, -20, 20, x*(x+1)*(x-4))}}}