Find the Domain of y=-(x-4/9)²+1: Quadratic Function Analysis

Quadratic Domain Analysis with Positive-Negative Classification

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x49)2+1 y=-\left(x-\frac{4}{9}\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=(x49)2+1 y=-\left(x-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2+1

2

Step-by-step solution

The function given is y=(x49)2+1 y = -\left(x-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2 + 1 , which is a downward-opening parabola because the coefficient of the squared term (a=1 a = -1 ) is negative.

The vertex form tells us the vertex of the parabola is at (49,1) \left(\frac{4}{9}, 1\right) .

The function will be zero where (x49)2+1=0 -\left(x-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2 + 1 = 0 . Solving this equation, we set:

(x49)2+1=0-\left(x-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2 + 1 = 0 (x49)2=1 \left(x-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2 = 1

Taking the square root of both sides gives:

x49=±1 x - \frac{4}{9} = \pm 1

Thus, x=49+1=139 x = \frac{4}{9} + 1 = \frac{13}{9} and x=491=59 x = \frac{4}{9} - 1 = -\frac{5}{9} .

These are the roots of the quadratic, splitting the domain into three intervals: (,59) (-\infty, -\frac{5}{9}) , (59,139) (-\frac{5}{9}, \frac{13}{9}) , and (139,) (\frac{13}{9}, \infty) .

We need to test the sign of y y in each interval:

  • For x<59 x < -\frac{5}{9} , choose a test point like x=1 x = -1 . Substituting into the function yields a negative value, hence the function is negative in this interval.
  • For 59<x<139 -\frac{5}{9} < x < \frac{13}{9} , choose a test point like x=0 x = 0 . Substituting into the function yields a positive value, hence the function is positive in this interval.
  • For x>139 x > \frac{13}{9} , choose a test point like x=2 x = 2 . Substituting into the function yields a negative value, hence the function is negative in this interval.

After analyzing these intervals, the function is positive for 59<x<139 -\frac{5}{9} < x < \frac{13}{9} and negative otherwise.

Therefore, the positive and negative domains of the function are as follows:

x>139 x > \frac{13}{9} or x<0:x<59 x < 0 : x < -\frac{5}{9}

x>0:59<x<139 x > 0 : -\frac{5}{9} < x < \frac{13}{9}

3

Final Answer

x>139 x > \frac{13}{9} or x<0:x<59 x < 0 : x < -\frac{5}{9}

x>0:59<x<139 x > 0 : -\frac{5}{9} < x < \frac{13}{9}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Vertex Form: Identify vertex and parabola direction from coefficient sign
  • Technique: Find x-intercepts by setting (x49)2+1=0 -\left(x-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2 + 1 = 0 to get x=59,139 x = -\frac{5}{9}, \frac{13}{9}
  • Check: Test sign in each interval using points like x = -1, x = 0, x = 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing positive and negative domain labels
    Don't write 'x < 0' when you mean 'y < 0' = mixing up input and output signs! Students often label domains by x-value signs instead of function value signs. Always classify domains based on whether y is positive or negative, not whether x is positive or negative.

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 does 'positive domain' and 'negative domain' actually mean?

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The positive domain includes all x-values where y > 0 (function output is positive). The negative domain includes all x-values where y < 0 (function output is negative). It's about the function's sign, not the x-coordinate's sign!

Why do we find the x-intercepts first?

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X-intercepts are where the function equals zero, acting as boundary points between positive and negative regions. Since this is a continuous parabola, the function can only change sign by crossing the x-axis.

How do I know which intervals are positive vs negative?

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Pick any test point in each interval and substitute into the function. For example: x = -1 gives y < 0, x = 0 gives y > 0, and x = 2 gives y < 0. This tells you the sign in each region!

Why does the parabola open downward?

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The coefficient of the squared term is -1 (negative). When a < 0 in y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x-h)^2 + k , the parabola opens downward, creating a maximum point at the vertex.

Can I just look at the graph instead of calculating?

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While graphing helps visualize, you need exact calculations to find precise boundary points like 59 -\frac{5}{9} and 139 \frac{13}{9} . Graphs can be imprecise for fractional values!

What if I get the intervals mixed up?

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Always verify by testing a point! If your answer says an interval is positive but your test point gives a negative result, double-check your interval classification and calculations.

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