Find the Domain of (x+3¼)² + ¾: Complete Function Analysis

Quadratic Functions with Vertex Form Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x+314)2+34 y=\left(x+3\frac{1}{4}\right)^2+\frac{3}{4}

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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 function below:

y=(x+314)2+34 y=\left(x+3\frac{1}{4}\right)^2+\frac{3}{4}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine when the function y=(x+314)2+34 y = \left(x + 3\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 + \frac{3}{4} is positive or negative across its domain.

The given function is in the vertex form (xh)2+k (x - h)^2 + k , where h=314 h = -3\frac{1}{4} and k=34 k = \frac{3}{4} . The parabola opens upwards because the coefficient of the squared term is positive.

The vertex of the parabola is at (3.25,0.75)(-3.25, 0.75). This means the minimum value of y y is 0.75 0.75 , which means y y is always greater than zero; the function does not reach zero or negative values.

Therefore, the function is positive for all x x and non-negative globally. There are no values of x x for which the function is negative.

Thus, for this function, the positive domain is all x x .

Based on this analysis:

x<0: x < 0 : none

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

3

Final Answer

x<0: x < 0 : none

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

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Form: (xh)2+k (x-h)^2 + k gives vertex at (h,k) directly
  • Sign Analysis: Since k=34>0 k = \frac{3}{4} > 0 , minimum value is positive
  • Verification: Check vertex (314,34) (-3\frac{1}{4}, \frac{3}{4}) confirms y > 0 always ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing positive/negative domains with positive/negative x-values
    Don't think 'positive domain' means x > 0 = wrong interpretation! The question asks where the function y is positive or negative, not about x-values. Always analyze the y-values (function outputs) to determine where the function is above or below the x-axis.

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' actually mean?

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Positive domain: all x-values where y > 0 (function is above x-axis)
Negative domain: all x-values where y < 0 (function is below x-axis). It's about the output values, not the input values!

How do I know this parabola opens upward?

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The coefficient of the squared term (x+314)2 (x+3\frac{1}{4})^2 is +1 (positive). When this coefficient is positive, the parabola opens upward like a smile ☺️

Why is the minimum value 3/4 instead of 0?

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In vertex form (xh)2+k (x-h)^2 + k , the k value represents the vertical shift. Since k=34 k = \frac{3}{4} , the entire parabola is shifted up by 34 \frac{3}{4} units from the standard position.

Can a parabola ever have no negative values?

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Absolutely! When an upward-opening parabola has its vertex above the x-axis (k > 0), it never crosses or touches the x-axis. This means y>0 y > 0 for all x-values.

How do I find where x < 0 and x > 0 for this function?

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This is a trick question! The problem isn't asking about positive/negative x-values. Since y>0 y > 0 for all x, there are no x-values where the function is negative, regardless of whether x itself is positive or negative.

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