Question

Using complete sentences, explain what the discriminant is and what it tells you about the solutions of a quadratic equation. Provide a unique example to back up your explanation.

Answer 1

Fun stuff! The discriminant is the inside part of the quadratic formula. It is b^2 - 4ac. Does that look familiar?

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

Because you can use the quadratic formula to factor polynomials, the discriminant of the quadratic formula can tell us about the quadratic equation. If, when we fill in the values a, b, and c from our quadratic equation into the discriminant and get 0, there is exactly one real-number solution. That means that the graph crosses the x axis one time only and the other solution is non real. That would look like this

Answer 4

Don't forget that all second degree polynomials are parabolic in shape.

Answer 5

If the discriminant is greater than 0, there are 2 real solutions like this