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

Question

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

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

Answer

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