SOLUTION: I have a question for you and I hope that you can help me out with it. The question is; When using the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the discr

Algebra ->  Real-numbers -> SOLUTION: I have a question for you and I hope that you can help me out with it. The question is; When using the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the discr      Log On


   

Question 85235: I have a question for you and I hope that you can help me out with it. The question is;
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. I am So lost on this, please help me out. Thank you! Chonda VanZant.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If b^2-4ac >0 the graph will intersect the x-axis in two points.
For example y=x^2-4x+1
graph%28400%2C300%2C-10%2C10%2C-10%2C10%2Cx%5E2-4x%2B1%29
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If b^2-4ac =0 the graph will touch but not pass through the x-axis.
For example y=x^2-4x+4
graph%28400%2C300%2C-10%2C10%2C-10%2C10%2Cx%5E2-4x%2B4%29
----------------------
If b^2-4ac <0 the graph will be entirely above or entirely below the x axis
For example y=x^2-4x+6
graph%28400%2C300%2C-10%2C10%2C-10%2C10%2Cx%5E2-4x%2B6%29
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Cheers,
Stan H.