SOLUTION: Where would the discriminant be in this problem: x2(exponent)+3x-2=0

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Question 119954: Where would the discriminant be in this problem: x2(exponent)+3x-2=0
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
From the quadratic formula
x+=+%28-b+%2B-+sqrt%28+b%5E2-4%2Aa%2Ac+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+

the discriminant consists of all of the terms in the square root. So the discriminant is

D=b%5E2-4ac




So let's find the discriminant for y=x%5E2%2B3x-2:

D=b%5E2-4ac Start with the given equation

D=%283%29%5E2-4%2A1%2A-2 Plug in a=1, b=3, c=-2

D=9-4%2A1%2A-2 Square 3 to get 9

D=9%2B8 Multiply -4*1*-2 to get 8

D=17 Combine 9 and 8 to get 17


So the discriminant is 17