Find the Domain: (x-9⅓)² - 4 Function Analysis

Quadratic Functions with Sign Analysis

Find the positive and negative domains of the function below:

y=(x913)24 y=\left(x-9\frac{1}{3}\right)^2-4

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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=(x913)24 y=\left(x-9\frac{1}{3}\right)^2-4

2

Step-by-step solution

To find the positive and negative domains of the function y=(x913)24 y = \left(x - 9\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 - 4 , we will solve for when y=0 y = 0 and analyze the intervals:

First, set the function equal to zero:

  • (x913)24=0\left(x - 9\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 - 4 = 0
  • (x913)2=4\left(x - 9\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 = 4
  • Take the square root of both sides: x913=±2x - 9\frac{1}{3} = \pm 2

Calculate the roots:

  • For x913=2x - 9\frac{1}{3} = 2, x=1113x = 11\frac{1}{3}
  • For x913=2x - 9\frac{1}{3} = -2, x=713x = 7\frac{1}{3}

The roots are x=713x = 7\frac{1}{3} and x=1113x = 11\frac{1}{3}. These are the points where the function crosses the x-axis.

To determine the positive and negative domains, consider the following intervals:

  • When x<713x < 7\frac{1}{3}, the expression (x913)2(x - 9\frac{1}{3})^2 is greater than 4, making y>0y > 0, so the function is positive.
  • Between x=713x = 7\frac{1}{3} and x=1113x = 11\frac{1}{3}, the expression is less than 4, making y<0y < 0, so the function is negative.
  • When x>1113x > 11\frac{1}{3}, the expression goes back to being greater than 4, making y>0y > 0, so the function is positive.

Therefore, the domains are:

  • Positive: x>1113x > 11\frac{1}{3} or x<713x < 7\frac{1}{3}
  • Negative: 713<x<11137\frac{1}{3} < x < 11\frac{1}{3}

The correct choice based on this analysis is:

x<0:713<x<1113 x < 0 : 7\frac{1}{3} < x < 11\frac{1}{3}

x>1113 x > 11\frac{1}{3} or x>0:x<713 x > 0 : x < 7\frac{1}{3}

3

Final Answer

x<0:713<x<1113 x < 0 : 7\frac{1}{3} < x < 11\frac{1}{3}

x>1113 x > 11\frac{1}{3} or x>0:x<713 x > 0 : x < 7\frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Domain Rule: Find where function equals zero to determine sign intervals
  • Technique: Set (x913)24=0 (x-9\frac{1}{3})^2-4=0 gives roots at x=713,1113 x=7\frac{1}{3}, 11\frac{1}{3}
  • Check: Test values in each interval: x=6 x=6 gives positive, x=9 x=9 gives negative ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing positive/negative domains with the vertex location
    Don't assume the function is negative just because x is less than the vertex at 913 9\frac{1}{3} = wrong intervals! The parabola opens upward, so it's positive outside the roots and negative between them. Always find the actual roots where y = 0, then test intervals.

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 and negative domains' actually mean?

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Positive domain: where the function outputs positive y-values (above x-axis)

Negative domain: where the function outputs negative y-values (below x-axis)

You're finding the x-intervals where the function is positive or negative.

Why do I need to convert the mixed number 913 9\frac{1}{3} ?

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Converting 913=283 9\frac{1}{3} = \frac{28}{3} makes calculations easier! When you solve x283=±2 x - \frac{28}{3} = ±2 , you get cleaner arithmetic for finding the roots.

How do I know which intervals are positive vs negative?

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Since this is a parabola opening upward (positive coefficient), it follows the pattern:

  • Positive: outside the roots (x<713 x < 7\frac{1}{3} or x>1113 x > 11\frac{1}{3} )
  • Negative: between the roots (713<x<1113 7\frac{1}{3} < x < 11\frac{1}{3} )

What if I get confused about the interval notation?

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Think of it this way: the parabola dips below the x-axis between the two roots, creating a negative valley. Everywhere else, it's above the x-axis (positive).

Always sketch the parabola if you're unsure - it makes the intervals much clearer!

Can I just plug in test values to check my intervals?

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Yes! That's actually a great verification method:

  • Pick x=6 x = 6 (less than 713 7\frac{1}{3} ): positive result ✓
  • Pick x=9 x = 9 (between roots): negative result ✓
  • Pick x=12 x = 12 (greater than 1113 11\frac{1}{3} ): positive result ✓

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