Domain Analysis: Finding Valid Inputs for (x+4)² - 10¼

To determine the positive and negative domains of the function, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Solve $(x+4)^2 = \frac{41}{4}$.
• Step 2: This implies $x+4 = \pm \frac{\sqrt{41}}{2}$.
• Step 3: Solving these gives the roots: $x = \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$ and $x = \frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2}$.
• Step 4: Divide the real number line using these roots into intervals:
• Interval 1: $x < \frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2}$
• Interval 2: $\frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2} < x < \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$
• Interval 3: $x > \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$
• Step 5: Test each interval to see where the function is greater or less than zero, using the sign of $(x+4)^2 - \frac{41}{4}$.

Testing reveals that:

• For Interval 1, the function is positive.
• For Interval 2, the function is negative.
• For Interval 3, the function is positive.

Thus, the negative domain is $\frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2} < x < \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$ and the positive domains are $x > \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$ or $x < \frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2}$.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

$x < 0 :\frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2} < x < \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$

$x > \frac{-8+\sqrt{41}}{2}$ or $x > 0 : x < \frac{-8-\sqrt{41}}{2}$