Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:
We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium
Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:
To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the vertex and the direction in which the parabola opens.
Step 2: Set the function equal to zero to find critical x-values.
Step 3: Solve for these x-values to find the specific points where the function changes signs.
Step 4: Determine which intervals on the x-axis correspond to the function being positive and which are negative.
Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The given function is . The vertex is at point , and since the leading coefficient is negative, the parabola opens downwards.
Step 2: We set the equation equal to zero: .
Step 3: Solving for when the function is zero, we have: This gives us two solutions for x: and .
Step 4: We will test intervals determined by these points to see where the function is positive or negative.
For , plug an x-value less than into the function; the function will be negative because the entire parabola opens downward from the vertex.
For , the function is positive.
For , again, the function returns to being negative.
Therefore, the intervals are:
- Negative domain: and
- Positive domain: .
The correct answer is:
or
or
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
\( f\left(x\right) > 0 \).
Positive domain: x-values where the function output y is positive (above x-axis)
Negative domain: x-values where the function output y is negative (below x-axis). It's about the function's sign, not the x-values' signs!
The zeros are where the parabola crosses the x-axis, creating boundaries between positive and negative regions. These critical points at divide the domain into intervals with different signs.
Look at the coefficient of the squared term: -1 in . Since it's negative, the parabola opens downward like an upside-down U, with the vertex being the highest point.
Since the parabola opens downward and has vertex at above the x-axis, the middle section between the zeros is above the x-axis (positive), while the outer sections are below (negative).
You can leave as is, or rationalize it: . Both forms are mathematically correct for expressing the boundary points.
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