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Advanced MathHardWhere a function is positive

Advanced Math practice question

The function m is defined by m(x) = −(x − 2)² + 9. For which values of x is m(x) > 0?

  1. A. −1 < x < 5Correct
  2. B. x < −1 or x > 5
  3. C. x > 2
  4. D. All real x

Answer: A. −1 < x < 5

m(x) = 0 when (x − 2)² = 9, i.e. x = −1 or 5. The parabola opens downward, so m is positive between the zeros.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. x < −1 or x > 5
Outside the zeros a downward parabola is negative.
C. x > 2
x > 2 is only half the interval and extends past x = 5 where m is negative.
D. All real x
m(6) = −7, so not all x.

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