SOLUTION: When using the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the discriminant is b2 - 4ac. This discriminant can be positive, zero, or negative. (When the discr

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: When using the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the discriminant is b2 - 4ac. This discriminant can be positive, zero, or negative. (When the discr      Log On


   

Question 85393: When using the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the discriminant is b2 - 4ac. This discriminant can be positive, zero, or negative. (When the discriminant is negative, then we have the square root of a negative number. This is called an imaginary number, sqrt(-1) = i. )
• Explain what the value of the discriminant means to the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c. Hint: Choose values of a, b and c to create a particular discriminant. Then, graph the corresponding equation.

Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Negative Discriminant:
sqrt%28b%5E2+-+4ac%29
sqrt%28-1%29 = +- i
sqrt%28-4%29 = +- 2i
Two Imaginary Roots
~
Positive Discriminant:
sqrt%28b%5E2+-+4ac%29
sqrt%281%29 = +- 1
sqrt%284%29 = +- 2
Two Real Roots
~
Discriminant of Zero:
sqrt%28b%5E2+-+4ac%29
sqrt%280%29 = 0
One Real Root
~
I hope this helps....