Discover the Domains: Solving y=-3x²+5x-2 for Positive and Negative Values

Quadratic Functions with Domain Classification

Find the positive and negative domains of the following function:

y=3x2+5x2 y=-3x^2+5x-2

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the positive and negative domains of the following function:

y=3x2+5x2 y=-3x^2+5x-2

2

Step-by-step solution

To find the positive and negative domains of the function y=3x2+5x2 y = -3x^2 + 5x - 2 , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the roots of the equation by solving 3x2+5x2=0 -3x^2 + 5x - 2 = 0 .
  • Step 2: The quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2 + bx + c = 0 has roots x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} .
  • Step 3: Calculate the discriminant, b24ac=524(3)(2)=2524=1 b^2 - 4ac = 5^2 - 4(-3)(-2) = 25 - 24 = 1 .
  • Step 4: Find the roots: x=5±12(3)=5±16 x = \frac{-5 \pm \sqrt{1}}{2(-3)} = \frac{-5 \pm 1}{-6} .
  • Step 5: This gives roots x=46=23 x = \frac{-4}{-6} = \frac{2}{3} and x=66=1 x = \frac{-6}{-6} = 1 .
  • Step 6: Determine intervals: (,23) (-\infty, \frac{2}{3}) , (23,1) (\frac{2}{3}, 1) , (1,) (1, \infty) .
  • Step 7: Test a point from each interval in the original equation to determine sign:
    • For x(,23) x \in (-\infty, \frac{2}{3}) , choose x=0 x = 0 : y=3(0)2+5(0)2=2 y = -3(0)^2 + 5(0) - 2 = -2 (negative).
    • For x(23,1) x \in (\frac{2}{3}, 1) , choose x=0.8 x = 0.8 : y=3(0.8)2+5(0.8)2=1.28+42=0.72 y = -3(0.8)^2 + 5(0.8) - 2 = -1.28 + 4 - 2 = 0.72 (positive).
    • For x(1,) x \in (1, \infty) , choose x=2 x = 2 : y=3(2)2+5(2)2=12+102=4 y = -3(2)^2 + 5(2) - 2 = -12 + 10 - 2 = -4 (negative).

Therefore, the positive domains of the function are when 23<x<1 \frac{2}{3} < x < 1 , and the negative domains are when x<23 x < \frac{2}{3} or x>1 x > 1 .

Thus, the solution to the problem is:

x>1 x > 1 or x<0:x<23 x < 0 : x < \frac{2}{3}

x>0:23<x<1 x > 0 : \frac{2}{3} < x < 1

3

Final Answer

x>1 x > 1 or x<0:x<23 x < 0 : x < \frac{2}{3}

x>0:23<x<1 x > 0 : \frac{2}{3} < x < 1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Roots: Find zeros by setting y=0 y = 0 and solving
  • Technique: Test values: x = 0.8 gives y = 0.72 (positive)
  • Check: Verify intervals match parabola opening direction (negative coefficient) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Testing points incorrectly or skipping interval testing
    Don't assume sign patterns without testing actual values in each interval = wrong domains! Just knowing the roots isn't enough to determine where the function is positive or negative. Always substitute test points from each interval into the original function to verify signs.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

The graph of the function below intersects the X-axis at points A and B.

The vertex of the parabola is marked at point C.

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

AAABBBCCCX

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to find the roots first?

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The roots are where the function crosses the x-axis, changing from positive to negative (or vice versa). These points divide the domain into intervals where the function keeps the same sign.

How do I choose good test points?

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Pick simple values within each interval! For (23,1) (\frac{2}{3}, 1) , try x = 0.8. For (1,) (1, \infty) , try x = 2. Easy numbers make calculations cleaner.

What does 'domain' mean in this context?

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Domain here means the x-values where the function is positive or negative. It's asking: for which x-values is y > 0, and for which is y < 0?

Why is the middle interval positive when the coefficient is negative?

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Even though the leading coefficient is negative (parabola opens downward), the function is positive between the roots. The negative coefficient affects the overall shape, not the sign pattern between roots.

How can I remember which intervals are positive?

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Since the parabola opens downward (negative leading coefficient), it's positive between the roots and negative outside them. Think of an upside-down U shape!

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