Question 27483: 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 discriminate 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: Chose values of a, b and c to create a particular discriminant. Then, graph the corresponding equation. · What are examples of quadratic equations or applications with imaginary numbers?
Answer by longjonsilver(2297)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! well, the discriminant has a + and a - in front of it, so there could be 2 values, or if the discriminant is zero, just one answer.
Physically, the discriminant tells you how many solutions/roots you will get to the equation.
Translating to a graph, this is how many times the curve crosses the x-axis, since a quadratic could cross twice, once or no times.
--> no times equates to no solution/roots ie the imaginary set of answers.
You choose some equations and have a look at them.
Jon.
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