2.4 Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation


The Discriminant

The expression b 2 4 a c in the general formula is called the discriminant of the equation, as it determines the type of roots that the equation has.



Example

Determine the nature of the roots of the following equations.
a. 5 x 2 7 x + 3 = 0
b. x 2 4 x + 4 = 0
c. 2 x 2 + 5 x 9 = 0

Answer: