Question

Part 1: Using complete sentences, explain what the discriminant is and what it tells you about the solutions of a quadratic equation.
Part 2: Provide a unique example to back up your explanation. Please help me :)

Answer 1

This is the kind of question you sort of have to do on your own, but if you have any questions about the discriminant, ask away.

Answer 2

The general form of a quadratic equation is ax^2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b and c are numbers. There is a formula for the roots and that is( -b+- sqrt(b^2-4ac) / 2a
The disvriminant is b^2-4ac.
If discriminant is > 0 there are two real roots, if equal to 0 there are two equal real roots and if it is < 0 then the roots are imaginary.

Answer 3

eg solve x^2 + 5x + 13 = 0

Discriminant = 5^2 - 4*1* 13 = -27
the sqrt of -27 is imaginary
no real roots