How do you solve 1/2x^2+3x<=-6 by algebraically?

2 Answers
Jul 27, 2017

The solution is S=O/

Explanation:

Let's rewrite the inequality

1/2x^2+3x<=-6

x^2+6x<=-12

x^2+6x+12<=0

Let f(x)=x^2+6x+12

To calculate the roots of f(x), we start by calculating the discriminant

Delta=b^2-4ac=6^2-4*1*12=30-48=-12

As,

Delta<0, there are no roots in RR, there are roots in CC

So,

AA x in RR, f(x)>0

graph{1/2x^2+3x+6 [-18.7, 13.34, -2.56, 13.46]}

Jul 27, 2017

No value for x satisfies:
color(white)("XXX")1/2x^2+3x <= -12

Explanation:

Given
color(white)("XXX")1/2x^2+3x <= -6

Note that you can multiply both sides of an inequality by any positive value and still maintain the validity and orientation of the inequality.
Multiplying both sides by +2
color(white)("XXX")x^2+6x <=-12

Note [2] we can add any amount to both sides of an inequality without effecting the validity or orientation of the inequality.
Adding 12 to both sides:
color(white)("XXX")x^2+6x+12 <= 0

Note [3] since x^2 does not have a negative coefficient, it is a parabola which opens upward (i.e. its vertex gives a minimum value for the expression).

Rewriting x^2+6x+12 in "vertex form"
color(white)("XXX")=x^2+6x+3^2+12-3^2

color(white)("XXX")=(x+3)^2+3

color(white)("XXX")=(x-(-3))^2+3
with vertex at (x,y)=(-3,3)

Evaluating y=1/2x^2+3x at this minimum point (x=-3)
we find
color(white)("XXX")minimum value is 1/2 * 9 +3 *(-3) = 9/2 -9 = +9/2

Since this value is greater than -12
no value exists for x which satisfies the given inequality.