Unit 8 - Objective 4 – The Discriminant
Unit 8 - Objective 4 – The Discriminant
The quantity 
is the discriminant which is part of the quadratic formula.
If can tell us about the roots of the quadratic equation.
If
and a perfect square such as 4, 49, 64, etc then the roots are real, rational and unequal.
If
and not a perfect square such as 24, 43, 50, etc then the roots are real, irrational and unequal.
If
, the roots are real, rational and equal.
If
, the roots are imaginary numbers and unequal.
Examples:
1.
2.
3.
Unit 8 Outline // Course Outline // Home Page
Copyright © 1996 by B. Chambers and P. Lowry. All Rights Reserved.