High School Math : Understanding the Discriminant

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Discriminant

Use the discriminant to determine the nature of the roots:

Possible Answers:

 rational root

 irrational roots

 rational roots

 imaginary roots

 imaginary root

Correct answer:

 irrational roots

Explanation:

The formula for the discriminant is:

Since the discriminant is positive and not a perfect square, there are  irrational roots.

Example Question #2 : Understanding The Discriminant

Use the discriminant to determine the nature of the roots:

Possible Answers:

 imaginary root

 rational roots

 rational root

 imaginary roots

 irrational roots

Correct answer:

 imaginary roots

Explanation:

The formula for the discriminant is:

Since the discriminant is negative, there are  imaginary roots.

Example Question #3 : Understanding The Discriminant

Use the discriminant to determine the nature of the roots:

Possible Answers:

 imaginary root

 imaginary roots

 real roots

Cannot be determined

 real root

Correct answer:

 imaginary roots

Explanation:

The formula for the discriminant is:

 

Since the discriminant is negative, there are  imaginary roots.

Example Question #1 : Discriminants

Given , what is the value of the discriminant?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In general, the discriminant is .

In this particual case .

Plug in these three values and simplify:

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