SOLUTION: use the discriminant to determine the number of x-intercepts for each quadratic function f(x) = 3x^2 - 5x +1

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Question 328528: use the discriminant to determine the number of x-intercepts for each quadratic function
f(x) = 3x^2 - 5x +1
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
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For a quadratic function in the form:



the discriminant, is the radicand in the quadratic formula, namely .

Substitute your values of 3, -5, and 1 into the discriminant and do the arithmetic. If , you have two real intercepts. If , you have one intercept, which is to say the -axis is tangent to the parabola at the vertex. And if there are no -intercepts.

John