SOLUTION: Calculate the value of the discriminant of x^(2 )+2x+1=0 By examining the sign of the discriminant in part a, how many x-intercepts would the graph of have? Why?

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: Calculate the value of the discriminant of x^(2 )+2x+1=0 By examining the sign of the discriminant in part a, how many x-intercepts would the graph of have? Why?       Log On


   

Question 189113: Calculate the value of the discriminant of x^(2 )+2x+1=0

By examining the sign of the discriminant in part a, how many x-intercepts would the graph of have? Why?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

From x%5E2%2B2x%2B1 we can see that a=1, b=2, and c=1


D=b%5E2-4ac Start with the discriminant formula.


D=%282%29%5E2-4%281%29%281%29 Plug in a=1, b=2, and c=1


D=4-4%281%29%281%29 Square 2 to get 4


D=4-4 Multiply 4%281%29%281%29 to get %284%29%281%29=4


D=0 Subtract 4 from 4 to get 0


Since the discriminant is equal to zero, this means that there is one real root.


This also means that there is only one x-intercept (since a root is an x-intercept)