Question

Describe the nature of the roots of this equation.

Answer 1

To determine the "nature of the roots" of 2x^2 - x + 1 = 0, use the disciminant, b^2 - 4ac:

a = 2, b = -1, c = 1

so b^2 - 4ac = 1 - 4(2)(1)
= 1 - 8
= - 7

Since b^2 - 4ac < 0, the roots are imaginary (complex) numbers.