The Discriminant Of A Quadratic Equation In Algebra

Quadratic Equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0

Quadratic Equation Discriminant
b2 - 4ac

Quadratic Equation Discriminant In Use
b2 - 4ac > 0      =>      2 different real roots
b2 - 4ac = 0      =>      1 real root
b2 - 4ac < 0      =>      0 real roots

Example 1
2x2 + 5x + 1 = 0
Using    b2 - 4ac = 0    with     a = (2)    b = (5)    c = (1)
(5)2 - 4(2)(1) = 25 - 8 = 17
17 > 0      =>      2 different real roots

Example 2
x2 - 4x + 4 = 0
Using    b2 - 4ac = 0    with     a = (1)    b = (-4)    c = (4)
(-4)2 - 4(1)(4) = 16 - 16 = 0
0 = 0      =>      1 real root

Example 3
3x2 + x + 1 = 0
Using    b2 - 4ac = 0    with     a = (3)    b = (1)    c = (1)
(1)2 - 4(3)(1) = 1 - 12 = -11
-11 < 0      =>      0 real roots

Diagrams + Questions With Revealable Answers

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