Solve the Quadratic Function -2x² - 8x - 10: Find x When f(x) > 0

Quadratic Functions with Negative Discriminant

Look at the following function:

y=2x28x10 y=-2x^2-8x-10

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)>0 f\left(x\right)>0

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the following function:

y=2x28x10 y=-2x^2-8x-10

Determine for which values of x x the following is true:

f(x)>0 f\left(x\right)>0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve for where y=2x28x10>0 y = -2x^2 - 8x - 10 > 0 , we must analyze the quadratic equation.

First, identify the coefficients: a=2 a = -2 , b=8 b = -8 , and c=10 c = -10 .
The parabola opens downwards since a<0 a < 0 .

Calculate the discriminant Δ=b24ac=(8)24(2)(10)=6480=16 \Delta = b^2 - 4ac = (-8)^2 - 4(-2)(-10) = 64 - 80 = -16 .
Since the discriminant is negative, there are no real roots.

As a result, the quadratic does not intersect the x-axis, meaning it has no intervals where it is positive.
Because the parabola opens downward and lies entirely below the x-axis, the function y=2x28x10 y = -2x^2 - 8x - 10 has no positive domain.

Thus, the function f(x)=2x28x10 f(x) = -2x^2 - 8x - 10 is never greater than zero.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is The function has no positive domain.

3

Final Answer

The function has no positive domain.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Opening: Negative coefficient means parabola opens downward always
  • Discriminant: Δ=(8)24(2)(10)=16<0 \Delta = (-8)^2 - 4(-2)(-10) = -16 < 0
  • Check: No real roots plus downward opening = always negative ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming quadratics always have positive regions
    Don't assume every quadratic has values where f(x) > 0 = wrong conclusion! When the discriminant is negative and the parabola opens downward, the function stays below the x-axis forever. Always check both the discriminant sign and coefficient of x² together.

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 it mean when the discriminant is negative?

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A negative discriminant means the parabola never touches or crosses the x-axis! It has no real roots, so the function stays entirely on one side of the x-axis.

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

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Look at the coefficient of x2 x^2 ! If it's positive, the parabola opens upward (∪). If it's negative, it opens downward (∩).

Can a downward parabola ever be positive?

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Only if it crosses the x-axis! When the discriminant is negative, a downward parabola never crosses the x-axis, so it's always negative.

What if I calculated the discriminant wrong?

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Double-check your arithmetic: b24ac=(8)24(2)(10)=6480=16 b^2 - 4ac = (-8)^2 - 4(-2)(-10) = 64 - 80 = -16 . Remember that negative times negative equals positive!

Is there ever a case where no solution exists?

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Yes! When asking for f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 and the function is always negative, there's no solution. This is a valid mathematical answer - not every problem has values that work!

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