Find the Domain of y=(x+2)²: Analyzing Positive and Negative Inputs

Quadratic Functions with Domain Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x+2)2 y=\left(x+2\right)^2

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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+2)2 y=\left(x+2\right)^2

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of finding the positive and negative domains of the function y=(x+2)2 y = (x + 2)^2 , we will explore the nature of this function.

Step 1: Given Function and Analysis
The function y=(x+2)2 y = (x + 2)^2 is a quadratic function presented in vertex form. The vertex form of a quadratic function is generally given as y=a(xh)2+k y = a(x - h)^2 + k , but simplifying our function, this translates to y=1(x+2)2+0 y = 1(x + 2)^2 + 0 , indicating a parabola that opens upwards with vertex at x=2 x = -2 .

Step 2: Zero Point of the Function
The only point where (x+2)2=0 (x + 2)^2 = 0 is when x+2=0 x + 2 = 0 . Solving for x x , we get x=2 x = -2 . At this point, y=0 y = 0 .

Step 3: Positive and Negative Analysis
Since the parabola opens upwards (as the coefficient 1 in front of (x+2)2 (x+2)^2 is positive), the function will yield positive y y values for all x x except at the vertex x=2 x = -2 . Thus, for x2 x \neq -2 , the function is always positive, and it is never negative.

Step 4: Conclusion
Therefore, since (x+2)2 (x + 2)^2 can only yield zero at x=2 x = -2 and positive for every other real x x , the domains are:
- For y<0 y < 0 (Negative domain): None
- For y>0 y > 0 (Positive domain): All x2 x \neq -2 , including positive numbers only for x>0 x > 0 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:
x<0: x < 0 : none
x>0:x2 x > 0 : x \ne -2

3

Final Answer

x<0: x < 0 : none
x>0:x2 x > 0 : x\ne-2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Quadratic functions (x+2)2 (x+2)^2 are never negative
  • Technique: Find zero at x+2=0 x+2=0 , so x=2 x=-2
  • Check: Test values: when x=0 x=0 , y=(0+2)2=4>0 y=(0+2)^2=4>0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing domain with range when analyzing positive/negative values
    Don't look for where x is positive or negative = wrong focus! This finds where the OUTPUT y is positive or negative, not the input domain. Always analyze the function's output values for all possible x-values.

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 and negative domains' actually mean?

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This means finding where the function output y y is positive or negative, not where x x is positive or negative. You're analyzing the range behavior across different input regions.

Why is the function never negative?

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Because (x+2)2 (x+2)^2 is a perfect square, and squares of real numbers are always non-negative. The smallest value is 0 when x=2 x=-2 , but it's never less than 0.

What happens at x = -2?

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At x=2 x=-2 , we get y=(2+2)2=02=0 y=(-2+2)^2=0^2=0 . This is the vertex of the parabola - the lowest point where the function equals zero but isn't negative.

Why does the answer say 'x > 0: x ≠ -2' when -2 is negative?

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The condition x2 x \ne -2 applies to all real numbers where the function is positive. For the specific case x>0 x > 0 (positive inputs), x2 x \ne -2 is automatically satisfied since -2 is not positive.

How do I verify this is correct?

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Test several values: x=3 x=-3 gives y=1>0 y=1 > 0 , x=2 x=-2 gives y=0 y=0 , x=1 x=1 gives y=9>0 y=9 > 0 . The function is positive everywhere except at the vertex!

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