Question

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.

Answer 1

-1

Answer 2

Do you know what the discriminant is?

If oyu write out the quadratic formula which part is the discriminant?

Answer 3

b^2 - 4ac

Answer 4

OK - and that appears in the "squareroot" sign

It tells you tha ththe discriminant is -1

and we have a special name for sqrt(-1)... which is??

Answer 5

I don't know?

Answer 6

The question is about non real roots - also known as complex roots

What is the basis of complex numbers?

Answer 7

I don't know that either..

Answer 8

OK - then I'm afraid you do not have the necessary background to answer this question.
You seem to be on the subject of complex numbers - so maybe you need to refer back to you text or class notes on this subject....

Answer 9

Would it be i?

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

so
\[\sqrt{-x} = \sqrt{-1 \times x} = \sqrt{-1} \times \sqrt{x}\]

Answer 12

so write that with i in it