Find the Domain of y = -(x+7)² + 12: Complete Analysis

Quadratic Domains with Positive-Negative Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x+7)2+12 y=-\left(x+7\right)^2+12

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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=(x+7)2+12 y=-\left(x+7\right)^2+12

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we follow these essential steps:

  • Step 1: Set y=0 y = 0 to find the roots of the equation.
  • Step 2: Analyze the expression (x+7)2+12=0-\left(x+7\right)^2 + 12 = 0.
  • Step 3: Isolate (x+7)2\left(x+7\right)^2 by adding 12-12 to both sides, so: (x+7)2=12\left(x+7\right)^2 = 12.
  • Step 4: Solve (x+7)2=12\left(x+7\right)^2 = 12 taking the square root of both sides, resulting in x+7=±12 x + 7 = \pm\sqrt{12}.
  • Step 5: Simplify and solve for x x to find: x=7±23 x = -7 \pm 2\sqrt{3}.

Step 6: Now, determine the positive and negative domains:

  • The roots are x=7+23 x = -7 + 2\sqrt{3} and x=723 x = -7 - 2\sqrt{3} .
  • Since the parabola opens downward, the function is positive between the roots 723 -7 - 2\sqrt{3} and 7+23 -7 + 2\sqrt{3} , where x>0 x \gt 0 .
  • The function is negative for x>7+23 x \gt -7 + 2\sqrt{3} and x<723 x \lt -7 - 2\sqrt{3} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:
Positive domain: 723<x<7+23 -7 - 2\sqrt{3} < x < -7 + 2\sqrt{3}
Negative domain: x>7+23 x > -7 + 2\sqrt{3} or x<723 x < -7 - 2\sqrt{3} .

As outlined between the choice options, the correct answer is represented under choice 4:

x>7+23 x > -7+2\sqrt{3} or x<0:x<723 x < 0 : x < -7-2\sqrt{3}

x>0:723<x<7+23 x > 0 : -7-2\sqrt{3} < x < -7+2\sqrt{3}

3

Final Answer

x>7+23 x > -7+2\sqrt{3} or x<0:x<723 x < 0 : x < -7-2\sqrt{3}

x>0:723<x<7+23 x > 0 : -7-2\sqrt{3} < x < -7+2\sqrt{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Function Analysis: Find where parabola crosses x-axis by setting y=0
  • Root Finding: Solve (x+7)2=12 (x+7)^2 = 12 to get x=7±23 x = -7 ± 2\sqrt{3}
  • Domain Check: Substitute test values between and outside roots to verify signs ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing positive/negative function domains with x-coordinate signs
    Don't think x > 0 means the function is positive = wrong intervals! The question asks where y-values are positive or negative, not x-values. Always focus on whether the parabola is above (positive) or below (negative) 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's the difference between positive domain and where x > 0?

+

The positive domain means where the function output (y-values) is positive, not where x > 0. Since this parabola opens downward, y is positive between the roots, regardless of whether x is positive or negative.

How do I know if the parabola opens up or down?

+

Look at the coefficient of the squared term! Since we have (x+7)2 -(x+7)^2 , the negative sign means it opens downward. This means the function is positive between the roots and negative outside them.

Why do we need to find the roots first?

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The roots are where the function changes sign! They're the boundaries between positive and negative regions. Without finding where y=0 y = 0 , we can't determine the domains.

How do I simplify √12 to 2√3?

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Factor out perfect squares: 12=4×3=4×3=23 \sqrt{12} = \sqrt{4 \times 3} = \sqrt{4} \times \sqrt{3} = 2\sqrt{3} . Always look for the largest perfect square factor!

Can I use a calculator to check my answer?

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Absolutely! Calculate the approximate values: 7+233.54 -7 + 2\sqrt{3} ≈ -3.54 and 72310.46 -7 - 2\sqrt{3} ≈ -10.46 . Then test points to verify which intervals are positive or negative.

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