Find Domains of y=-(x-1⁴/₅)² + 1: Quadratic Function Analysis

Quadratic Functions with Sign Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x145)2+1 y=-\left(x-1\frac{4}{5}\right)^2+1

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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 function below:

y=(x145)2+1 y=-\left(x-1\frac{4}{5}\right)^2+1

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's consider the function y=(x95)2+1 y = -\left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2 + 1 expressed in vertex form as (xh)2+k (x - h)^2 + k , where h=95 h = \frac{9}{5} and k=1 k = 1 . The vertex is at (95,1) \left(\frac{9}{5}, 1\right) .

Since the coefficient of the squared term is negative (a=1a = -1), the parabola opens downwards. This means the maximum value of the function is at the vertex k=1 k = 1 and decreases on either side.

Now, solve for when the function is positive (y>0 y > 0 ):

  • The parabola is positive when its value is greater than the x-axis (y=0 y = 0 ). Set the inequality:
(x95)2+1>0 -\left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2 + 1 > 0

Simplifying, we get:

1>(x95)2 1 > \left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2

This suggests:

1<(x95)<1 -1 < \left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right) < 1

Solving these inequalities:

  • For 1<(x95)-1 < \left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right):
    • x95>1x - \frac{9}{5} > -1 implies x>45x > \frac{4}{5}.
  • For (x95)<1\left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right) < 1:
    • x95<1x - \frac{9}{5} < 1 implies x<145x < \frac{14}{5}.

Combining these results, the function is positive between:

45<x<145 \frac{4}{5} < x < \frac{14}{5}

Next, find where y<0 y < 0 :

The parabola is negative outside the interval where it hits the x-axis (the interval where function is 0 or below).

The intervals for which the function is negative are:

x<45 x < \frac{4}{5} and x>145 x > \frac{14}{5} .

Thus, the solution is:

x>145 x > \frac{14}{5} or x<0:x<45 x < 0 : x < \frac{4}{5}

x>0:45<x<145 x > 0 : \frac{4}{5} < x < \frac{14}{5}

Therefore, the correct answer is Choice 2.

3

Final Answer

x>145 x > \frac{14}{5} or x<0:x<45 x < 0 : x < \frac{4}{5}

x>0:45<x<145 x > 0 : \frac{4}{5} < x < \frac{14}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Form: Identify h and k values to locate parabola maximum
  • Technique: Set inequality (x95)2+1>0 -\left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2 + 1 > 0 for positive domain
  • Check: Test x = 2: (295)2+1=2425>0 -\left(2 - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2 + 1 = \frac{24}{25} > 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Solving for y = 0 instead of y > 0 and y < 0
    Don't find where the parabola crosses the x-axis and stop there = only gives boundary points! This misses the actual intervals where the function is positive or negative. Always solve the inequalities y > 0 and y < 0 to find the complete domains.

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 'positive domain' and 'negative domain' mean?

+

The positive domain is where y > 0 (function values above x-axis), and the negative domain is where y < 0 (function values below x-axis). Think of it as asking 'where is the graph above or below the horizontal line y = 0?'

Why does the parabola open downward?

+

Because the coefficient of the squared term is negative (-1). When a < 0 in y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x-h)^2 + k , the parabola opens downward like an upside-down U.

How do I solve the inequality 1>(x95)2 1 > \left(x - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2 ?

+

Take the square root of both sides: 1>x95 \sqrt{1} > \left|x - \frac{9}{5}\right| , which gives 1>x95 1 > \left|x - \frac{9}{5}\right| . This means 1<x95<1 -1 < x - \frac{9}{5} < 1 .

What's the vertex of this parabola?

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The vertex is at (95,1) \left(\frac{9}{5}, 1\right) or (1.8,1) (1.8, 1) . This is the highest point since the parabola opens downward, and it's where the function reaches its maximum value of 1.

How can I check my interval answers?

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Pick a test point from each interval and substitute into the original function. For example, test x = 2 (which should be in the positive domain): y=(295)2+1=2425>0 y = -\left(2 - \frac{9}{5}\right)^2 + 1 = \frac{24}{25} > 0

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