Determining x for Positive Outputs: When y=-x²+4x-5 is Greater Than Zero

Quadratic Functions with Negative Discriminant

Look at the following function:

y=x2+4x5 y=-x^2+4x-5

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)>0 f\left(x\right)>0

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the following function:

y=x2+4x5 y=-x^2+4x-5

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)>0 f\left(x\right)>0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of finding when the function y=x2+4x5 y = -x^2 + 4x - 5 is greater than zero, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the function as a downward-opening parabola because the coefficient of x2 x^2 is negative.
  • Step 2: Use the quadratic formula to find potential real roots. This helps determine intervals of the parabola.

The quadratic formula is x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} .

Step 3: Plug in the coefficients for our function, a=1 a = -1 , b=4 b = 4 , and c=5 c = -5 .

Calculate discriminant: b24ac=424(1)(5)=1620=4 b^2 - 4ac = 4^2 - 4(-1)(-5) = 16 - 20 = -4 .

Since the discriminant is negative (4-4), there are no real roots. This means the function never crosses the x-axis, and thus it is never positive.

Consequently, the function y=x2+4x5 y = -x^2 + 4x - 5 has no intervals where it is positive.

Therefore, the function has no positive domain.

3

Final Answer

The function has no positive domain.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Discriminant Rule: When b² - 4ac < 0, parabola never crosses x-axis
  • Technique: Calculate 4² - 4(-1)(-5) = 16 - 20 = -4
  • Check: Downward parabola with no real roots stays negative ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring the negative leading coefficient
    Don't assume the parabola opens upward just because you're looking for positive values = wrong conclusions about function behavior! A negative coefficient of x² means the parabola opens downward. Always check the sign of the coefficient to determine parabola direction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

The graph of the function below does not intersect the \( x \)-axis.

The parabola's vertex is marked A.

Find all values of \( x \) where
\( f\left(x\right) > 0 \).

AAAX

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean when the discriminant is negative?

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A negative discriminant means the parabola never touches or crosses the x-axis. Since there are no real roots, the function is either always positive or always negative.

How do I know if the function is always positive or always negative?

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Check the coefficient of x²! If it's negative (like -1 in our problem), the parabola opens downward and stays below the x-axis. If positive, it opens upward and stays above.

Can I just plug in a test value instead of using the discriminant?

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Yes! Pick any x-value and calculate y. For example: when x = 0, y = -5. Since the parabola opens downward and never crosses the x-axis, all y-values are negative.

What's the vertex of this parabola?

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Use x=b2a=42(1)=2 x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{4}{2(-1)} = 2 . At x = 2: y = -4 + 8 - 5 = -1. The vertex (2, -1) is the highest point, and it's still negative!

Could this function ever be positive for any x-value?

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No, never! Since the parabola opens downward and its highest point (vertex) has y = -1, the function is negative for all real numbers. There's no positive domain.

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