Find Positive and Negative Domains in y = 1/2x² + 3/4x + 5/6

Quadratic Functions with Discriminant Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the following function:

y=12x2+34x+56 y=\frac{1}{2}x^2+\frac{3}{4}x+\frac{5}{6}

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Find the positive and negative domains of the following function:

y=12x2+34x+56 y=\frac{1}{2}x^2+\frac{3}{4}x+\frac{5}{6}

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine the positive and negative domains of the quadratic function y=12x2+34x+56 y = \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{3}{4}x + \frac{5}{6} , we start by considering the possibility of real roots using the discriminant.

The discriminant Δ\Delta is given by:

Δ=b24ac=(34)24(12)(56)\Delta = b^2 - 4ac = \left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^2 - 4\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(\frac{5}{6}\right)

Calculating gives:

Δ=9162012=91653=9168048\Delta = \frac{9}{16} - \frac{20}{12} = \frac{9}{16} - \frac{5}{3} = \frac{9}{16} - \frac{80}{48}

Convert 916\frac{9}{16} to a common denominator:

Δ=27488048=5348\Delta = \frac{27}{48} - \frac{80}{48} = -\frac{53}{48}

The discriminant Δ\Delta is negative, indicating that this quadratic equation has no real roots.

Since the coefficient a=12 a = \frac{1}{2} is positive and there are no real roots, the parabola opens upwards and never crosses the x-axis.

This means that the function is always positive for all x x .

Thus, the positive domain is all x x , and there is no negative domain.

Therefore, the correct choice is:

x>0: x > 0 : for all x x

x<0: x < 0 : none

3

Final Answer

x>0: x > 0 : for all x x

x<0: x < 0 : none

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Discriminant Rule: If Δ < 0, quadratic has no real roots
  • Technique: Calculate Δ=b24ac=916103=5348 \Delta = b^2 - 4ac = \frac{9}{16} - \frac{10}{3} = -\frac{53}{48}
  • Check: Positive leading coefficient + negative discriminant = always positive function ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing positive/negative domains with positive/negative coefficients
    Don't think the function is negative because it has negative terms = wrong conclusion! The sign of individual coefficients doesn't determine where the function is positive or negative. Always check the discriminant and leading coefficient together to determine the function's behavior.

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 exactly are positive and negative domains?

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The positive domain is where y>0 y > 0 (function values are above the x-axis). The negative domain is where y<0 y < 0 (function values are below the x-axis).

Why does a negative discriminant mean no real roots?

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The discriminant Δ=b24ac \Delta = b^2 - 4ac tells us what's under the square root in the quadratic formula. If it's negative, we can't take the real square root, so there are no x-intercepts.

How do I know the parabola opens upward?

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Look at the leading coefficient (the coefficient of x2 x^2 ). Since a=12>0 a = \frac{1}{2} > 0 , the parabola opens upward like a smile.

What if the discriminant were positive instead?

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If Δ>0 \Delta > 0 , the quadratic would have two real roots where it crosses the x-axis. Then you'd need to test intervals between the roots to find positive and negative domains.

Can a quadratic function be always negative?

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Yes! If the leading coefficient is negative (parabola opens downward) and the discriminant is negative (no real roots), then the function is always negative.

Do I need to find the vertex to solve this problem?

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Not necessarily! The discriminant and leading coefficient tell you everything you need. However, finding the vertex at x=34 x = -\frac{3}{4} can help visualize that the function's minimum value is still positive.

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