Find Domains of y=-(x-9)²-3: Analyzing Positive and Negative Regions

Quadratic Function Analysis with Sign Determination

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x9)23 y=-\left(x-9\right)^2-3

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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=(x9)23 y=-\left(x-9\right)^2-3

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's first examine the given quadratic function:

y=(x9)23 y = -\left(x - 9\right)^2 - 3

This function is in vertex form y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x - h)^2 + k , where:

  • a=1 a = -1
  • h=9 h = 9
  • k=3 k = -3

From the values of a a , h h , and k k :

  • The vertex of the parabola is (9,3)(9, -3).
  • Since a<0 a < 0 , the parabola opens downwards.

Next, we investigate the function's behavior to determine its positive and negative values:

  • The vertex (9,3)(9, -3) is the maximum point of the parabola because it opens downwards. It implies that the highest value y y attains is 3-3.
  • Given the vertex form, the entire curve will lie below this maximum or be equal to it, hence the function never attains positive values. Therefore, there are no positive values for y y .
  • For the negative domain, the function's value will always be less than or equal to 3-3 (i.e., negative).

Thus, we can conclude:

  • There is x x such that y y is positive.
  • All values of x x will make the function assume negative values, specifically for all real numbers x x .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:

x<0: x < 0 : none

x>0: x > 0 : all x x

3

Final Answer

x<0: x < 0 : none

x>0: x > 0 : all x x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Form: y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x-h)^2 + k where vertex is (h,k)
  • Key Analysis: Since a = -1 < 0, parabola opens downward with maximum at (9, -3)
  • Verification: Check y-values: maximum is -3, so all outputs are negative ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing x-values with y-values when finding positive/negative domains
    Don't look for where x is positive or negative = wrong interpretation! The question asks for where the function OUTPUT (y-values) is positive or negative. Always analyze the y-values by examining the parabola's position relative to the x-axis.

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

What does 'positive and negative domains' actually mean?

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It means finding the x-values where the function gives positive y-outputs versus negative y-outputs. Look at where the graph is above (positive) or below (negative) the x-axis.

Why does this parabola never have positive y-values?

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Because it opens downward (a = -1 < 0) and its highest point is the vertex at (9,3) (9, -3) . Since the maximum y-value is -3, all outputs are negative!

How do I know the vertex is the maximum point?

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When a < 0 in vertex form, the parabola opens downward, making the vertex the highest point. If a > 0, the vertex would be the minimum point.

What if the vertex had a positive y-coordinate?

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Then the parabola would cross the x-axis, creating regions where y is positive (above x-axis) and negative (below x-axis). You'd solve y=0 y = 0 to find the x-intercepts.

How can I visualize this function?

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Imagine a upside-down U-shape with its peak at point (9, -3). Since this peak is below the x-axis, the entire parabola stays in the negative region.

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