SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem: Use the discriminant to predict how many and what type of solutions there are to the equation. x^2+5x+2=0

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem: Use the discriminant to predict how many and what type of solutions there are to the equation. x^2+5x+2=0      Log On


   

Question 136408: Please help me solve this problem:
Use the discriminant to predict how many and what type of solutions there are to the equation. x^2+5x+2=0
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The quadratic formula is x+=+%28-b+%2B-+sqrt%28+b%5E2-4%2Aa%2Ac+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+

The discriminant is the part under the radical, or b%5E2-4ac.

Substitute your coordinate values for a, b, and c in the discriminant and then do the arithmetic.

If b%5E2-4ac%3E0, then you have two real and unequal roots.

If b%5E2-4ac=0, then you have two real and equal roots, or you can say that it has a single root with a multiplicity of two.

If b%5E2-4ac%3C0, then you have a conjugate pair of complex roots of the form a%2B-bi where a and b are real and i is the imaginary number defined as i%5E2=-1.