Find the Decreasing Domain: Analyzing y = -x² + 2x + 35

Quadratic Functions with Decreasing Intervals

Find the domain of decrease of the function:

y=x2+2x+35 y=-x^2+2x+35

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

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

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the domain of decrease of the function:

y=x2+2x+35 y=-x^2+2x+35

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine the domain over which the quadratic function y=x2+2x+35 y = -x^2 + 2x + 35 is decreasing, we proceed by identifying the vertex of the parabola.

Given the form y=ax2+bx+c y = ax^2 + bx + c , we have a=1 a = -1 , b=2 b = 2 , and c=35 c = 35 . The x-coordinate of the vertex can be found using the formula:

x=b2a x = -\frac{b}{2a}

Substituting b=2 b = 2 and a=1 a = -1 into the formula, we calculate:

x=22×(1)=22=1 x = -\frac{2}{2 \times (-1)} = -\frac{2}{-2} = 1

The vertex of the parabola occurs at x=1 x = 1 . Since the function is a downward-opening parabola (as indicated by the negative coefficient of x2 -x^2 ), the function decreases for all x x values greater than the x-coordinate of the vertex.

Therefore, the domain of decrease for the function is x>1 x > 1 .

This matches the answer choice:

x>1 x > 1

3

Final Answer

x>1 x > 1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Rule: For parabola y = ax² + bx + c, vertex x-coordinate is -b/2a
  • Direction: When a < 0, parabola opens downward and decreases after vertex x = 1
  • Check: Test points: f(0) = 35, f(2) = 31, so 35 > 31 confirms decreasing ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing increasing and decreasing intervals
    Don't say the function decreases where x < 1 because the parabola opens downward = wrong direction! This ignores that downward parabolas increase before the vertex and decrease after. Always remember: negative coefficient means decrease to the RIGHT of vertex.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Note that the graph of the function shown below does not intersect the x-axis

The parabola's vertex is A

Identify the interval where the function is decreasing:

XXXAAA

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which direction the parabola opens?

+

Look at the coefficient of x2 x^2 ! If it's negative (like -1 in our function), the parabola opens downward. If it's positive, it opens upward.

Why does the function decrease after x = 1?

+

Since our parabola opens downward, it reaches its highest point at the vertex (x = 1). After that peak, the function values get smaller as x increases, meaning it's decreasing.

What's the difference between domain of decrease and just domain?

+

The domain is all possible x-values (here: all real numbers). The domain of decrease is only the x-values where the function is getting smaller as x increases.

How can I verify my answer without graphing?

+

Pick test points! Choose values like x = 0, x = 1, and x = 2. Calculate y y for each. If y-values get smaller as x increases past the vertex, you've found the decreasing interval!

Does every quadratic have a decreasing interval?

+

Yes! Every parabola has both increasing and decreasing intervals, separated by the vertex. The direction depends on whether the parabola opens upward or downward.

🌟 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