Find Domains of y=-x²+4x-4: Positive and Negative Regions

Quadratic Functions with Sign Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=x2+4x4 y=-x^2+4x-4

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

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=x2+4x4 y=-x^2+4x-4

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the roots of the quadratic function y=x2+4x4 y = -x^2 + 4x - 4 using the quadratic formula.
  • Step 2: Use the calculated roots to form intervals on the x-axis.
  • Step 3: Evaluate the sign of the function in each interval.

Let's begin:

Step 1: Find the roots of the quadratic function.
To find the roots, use the quadratic formula: x=b±b24ac2a x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} . Here, a=1 a = -1 , b=4 b = 4 , and c=4 c = -4 .
Calculate the discriminant b24ac=424(1)(4)=1616=0 b^2 - 4ac = 4^2 - 4(-1)(-4) = 16 - 16 = 0 .

Since the discriminant is zero, there is one (repeated) root:
x=4±02=42=2. x = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{0}}{-2} = \frac{-4}{-2} = 2. Thus, the root is x=2 x = 2 .

Step 2: Define the intervals.
The root at x=2 x = 2 divides the x-axis into two intervals: x<2 x < 2 and x>2 x > 2 .

Step 3: Evaluate the sign of the function within each interval.

For x<2 x < 2 , choose a test point, such as x=0 x = 0 .
Substitute into the function: y=(0)2+4(0)4=4 y = -(0)^2 + 4(0) - 4 = -4 .
Since 4 -4 is negative, the function is negative for x<2 x < 2 .

For x>2 x > 2 , choose a test point, such as x=3 x = 3 .
Substitute into the function: y=(3)2+4(3)4=9+124=1 y = -(3)^2 + 4(3) - 4 = -9 + 12 - 4 = -1 .
Since 1 -1 is also negative, the function is negative for x>2 x > 2 .

The quadratic function does not have positive values in any interval on the real number line.

Thus, the positive and negative domains are:
x<0:x2 x < 0 : x\ne2 (negative domain)
x>0: x > 0 : none (as all values are negative)

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x<0:x2 x < 0 : x\ne2 and x>0: x > 0 : none.

3

Final Answer

x<0:x2 x < 0 : x\ne2

x>0: x > 0 : none

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find roots first, then test signs in each interval
  • Technique: Use discriminant: b24ac=1616=0 b^2 - 4ac = 16 - 16 = 0 gives one root
  • Check: Test points: at x=0 x = 0 , y=4<0 y = -4 < 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing positive/negative domains with x-values vs y-values
    Don't look for where x > 0 or x < 0 when asked for positive/negative domains = completely wrong interpretation! The question asks where the function OUTPUT (y-values) is positive or negative. Always determine where y > 0 and y < 0 by analyzing the function's sign.

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?

+

It means finding where the function output (y-values) is positive or negative, not where x is positive or negative. Look for intervals where y>0 y > 0 (above x-axis) and where y<0 y < 0 (below x-axis).

Why is there only one root when the discriminant equals zero?

+

When the discriminant b24ac=0 b^2 - 4ac = 0 , the parabola just touches the x-axis at one point instead of crossing it twice. This creates a repeated root at x=2 x = 2 .

How do I know this parabola opens downward?

+

Look at the coefficient of x2 x^2 ! Since a=1<0 a = -1 < 0 , the parabola opens downward. This means it has a maximum point and the function values are negative everywhere except at the vertex.

Why does the answer say 'x ≠ 2' in the negative domain?

+

At x=2 x = 2 , y=0 y = 0 (neither positive nor negative). The notation x ≠ 2 excludes this point because we only want where the function is strictly negative, not zero.

Can a quadratic function be negative everywhere?

+

Yes! When a downward-opening parabola touches or stays below the x-axis, it can be negative everywhere (except possibly at one point where it equals zero). This happens when the discriminant ≤ 0.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 The Quadratic Function questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations