Find the Domain of y=-(x-3)²-1: Complete Function Analysis

Parabolic Function Analysis with Sign Domains

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x3)21 y=-\left(x-3\right)^2-1

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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=(x3)21 y=-\left(x-3\right)^2-1

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Identify the vertex of the parabola.
    The function y=(x3)21 y = -\left(x-3\right)^2-1 is in vertex form, with vertex (h,k)=(3,1)(h, k) = (3, -1).
  • Step 2: Determine the shape and orientation of the parabola.
    Since a=1 a = -1 is negative, the parabola opens downwards.
  • Step 3: Evaluate the function at the vertex.
    At x=3 x = 3 , y=(33)21=1 y = -\left(3-3\right)^2 - 1 = -1 .
  • Step 4: Analyze the function values as x x moves away from the vertex.
    Since the parabola opens downwards, y y decreases from the vertex value of 1-1, meaning y<0 y < 0 for all other x3 x \neq 3 .

Thus, the function is negative (less than zero) for all x x . There are no x x values for which y y is positive (greater than zero).
In conclusion:

  • Negative domain: all x x
  • Positive domain: none

Therefore, the solution matches choice 4:

Result:
x<0: x < 0 : none
x>0: x > 0 : all x x

3

Final Answer

x<0: x < 0 : none

x>0: x > 0 : all x x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Form: Identify h and k values from y=a(xh)2+k y=a(x-h)^2+k format
  • Technique: Since a=-1 and vertex is (3,-1), maximum y-value is -1
  • Check: Test any x≠3: at x=0, y=-(0-3)²-1=-10<0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing domain with sign analysis
    Don't find where the function exists (domain) instead of where it's positive/negative! Domain is all real numbers, but this asks where y>0 or y<0. Always analyze the function's output values, not input restrictions.

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's the difference between domain and positive/negative domains?

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The domain is all possible x-values (here: all real numbers). Positive/negative domains are x-values where the function output is positive or negative. Very different concepts!

Why is the maximum y-value -1 if the vertex is at (3,-1)?

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Since a = -1 is negative, the parabola opens downward, making the vertex the highest point. The maximum y-value equals the k-value from vertex form.

How do I know there's no positive domain?

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The maximum y-value is -1 (at the vertex). Since the parabola opens downward, all other points have y < -1, which means y is always negative everywhere!

What does 'x < 0: none' and 'x > 0: all x' mean?

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This notation is asking: For negative x-values, where is y positive? Answer: nowhere. For positive x-values, where is y negative? Answer: everywhere (all positive x-values).

Can I just plug in test points to check?

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Yes! Try x=0: y=-(0-3)²-1=-10 (negative). Try x=5: y=-(5-3)²-1=-5 (negative). This confirms y is always negative.

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