Algebra I Recipe: The Discriminant
By G Redden
Discriminant – the (b² - 4ac) in the quadratic formula
- The value of (b² - 4ac) tells how many solutions or x-intercepts the quadratic equation will have.
- If (b² - 4ac) > 0, there are two real solutions or x-intercepts.
- If (b² - 4ac) = 0, there is one real solution or x-intercept.
- If (b² - 4ac) < 0, there are no real solutions or x-intercepts.
1.
x² - 6x + 10 = 0
2.
x² - 6x + 9 = 0
3.
x² - 6x + 8 = 0
