Felix exclaims that his quadratic with a discriminant of -1 has no real solutions. Felix then puts down his pencil and refuses to do any more work. Create an equation with a negative discriminant. Then explain to Felix, in calm and complete sentences, how to find the solutions, even though they are not real. (10 points)

Question

anonymous · Answer

$x^2+1=0$

anonymous · Answer

This has a negative discriminant.. $a=1$, $b=0$, $c=1$
$\sqrt{b^2-4(a)(c)}=\sqrt{0^2-4(1)(1)}=\sqrt{-4}$

anonymous · Answer

But you can solve this easily

anonymous · Answer

$x^2 = -1$ 
$x = \pm \sqrt{-1}$ 
$x=\pm i$, since $i = \sqrt{-1}$