Solve y=-x²-8x-20: Finding Where Function is Positive

Question

Look at the following function:

y=x28x20 y=-x^2-8x-20

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

f\left(x\right)>0

Step-by-Step Solution

To find where the function y=x28x20 y = -x^2 - 8x - 20 is positive, follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the discriminant of the quadratic function.

  • The quadratic discriminant is Δ=b24ac \Delta = b^2 - 4ac .
  • In our case, a=1 a = -1 , b=8 b = -8 , c=20 c = -20 , so:
  • Δ=(8)24(1)(20)=6480=16 \Delta = (-8)^2 - 4(-1)(-20) = 64 - 80 = -16 .

Step 2: Analyze the discriminant.

  • Since Δ<0 \Delta < 0 , the quadratic equation has no real roots.
  • The parabola does not cross the x-axis, and opens downward because a=1<0 a = -1 < 0 .

Step 3: Determine the sign of the function across the real domain.

  • Without real roots and a parabola opening downwards, the function is negative across its entire domain.

Given this analysis, there are no values of x x for which the function f(x)>0 f(x) > 0 . Therefore, the function has no positive domain.

Conclusion: The function has no positive domain.

Answer

The function has no positive domain.