SOLUTION: How many solutions exist for a quadratic equation? How do we determine whether the solutions are real or complex?

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Question 149412: How many solutions exist for a quadratic equation? How do we determine whether the solutions are real or complex?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
We use the discriminant:
with the equation in the form ax^2 + bx + c;
Use the values for a, b, c in:
b^2 - 4*a*c =
The rules for the discriminant are are:
b^2 - 4*a*c = 0; one real number solution, a double root
b^2 - 4*a*c > 0; two real number solutions, that are not equal
b^2 - 4*a*c < 0; two complex number solutions