Understanding the Discriminant

Front

What is the discriminant of the quadratic equation -2x² - x - 1 = 0?

Back

-7

Front

What does the discriminant tell us about a quadratic equation?

Back

The number and type of solutions.

Front

What is the formula for the discriminant?

Back

b² - 4ac

Front

What is the discriminant for the quadratic equation 5x² + x - 2 = 0?

Back

none of these

Front

If the discriminant is zero, how many real solutions will the quadratic equation have?

Back

1 real solution.

Front

What does a positive discriminant indicate?

Back

Two distinct real solutions.

Front

What does a negative discriminant indicate?

Back

No real solutions, two imaginary solutions.

Front

How do you calculate the discriminant for the equation ax² + bx + c = 0?

Back

Use the formula b² - 4ac.

Front

If a quadratic equation has a discriminant of 16, what can you conclude?

Back

There are two distinct real solutions.

Front

What is the significance of the discriminant in graphing a quadratic function?

Back

It helps determine the number of x-intercepts.