To solve the inequality x² + 4x - 21 > 0, you can use different methods such as factoring, the quadratic formula, or the method of graphing.
- Factoring Method: Let's first factor the quadratic equation x² + 4x - 21 > 0:
(x + 7)(x - 3) > 0
Now we have two factors, (x + 7) and (x - 3), and we want their product to be greater than zero.
(a) If both factors are positive (+)(+), the product will be positive. x + 7 > 0 and x - 3 > 0 x > -7 and x > 3 Since x > 3 is more restrictive, we take that condition only.
(b) If both factors are negative (-)(-), the product will also be positive. x + 7 < 0 and x - 3 < 0 x < -7 and x < 3 Since x < -7 is more restrictive, we take that condition only.
Therefore, the solution to x² + 4x - 21 > 0 is x < -7.
- Quadratic Formula Method: Another way to solve the inequality is by applying the quadratic formula:
x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a)
For x² + 4x - 21 > 0, a = 1, b = 4, and c = -21.
Applying the quadratic formula, we have: x = (-4 ± √(4² - 4(1)(-21))) / (2(1)) x = (-4 ± √(16 + 84)) / 2 x = (-4 ± √100) / 2 x = (-4 ± 10) / 2
This yields two solutions: x₁ = (-4 + 10) / 2 = 3 x₂ = (-4 - 10) / 2 = -7
Now, we can test each solution to determine the intervals in which the inequality holds true:
For x < -7: x² + 4x - 21 = (-7)² + 4(-7) - 21 = 49 - 28 - 21 = 0, which is not greater than 0. For x > 3: x² + 4x - 21 = (3)² + 4(3) - 21 = 9 + 12 - 21 = 0, which is not greater than 0.
Therefore, the solution is x < -7.
- Graphical Method: To graph the inequality x² + 4x - 21 > 0, you can start by finding the x-intercepts by setting x² + 4x - 21 = 0. Solving this equation, you will get x = -7 and x = 3. These are the critical points.
Next, you can plot these critical points on a number line and test a value in each interval.
For x < -7 (e.g., x = -8): x² + 4x - 21 = (-8)² + 4(-8) - 21 = 64 - 32 - 21 = 11, which is greater than 0.
For -7 < x < 3 (e.g., x = 0): x² + 4x - 21 = (0)² + 4(0) - 21 = -21, which is not greater than 0.
For x > 3 (e.g., x = 4): x² + 4x - 21 = (4)² + 4(4) - 21 = 16 + 16 - 21 = 11, which is greater than 0.
Therefore, the solution is x < -7.
