SOLUTION: Without solving, determine the character of the solutions of the equation in the complex number system. x2 + 5x + 8 = 0 a. a repeated real solution b. two unequal real

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: Without solving, determine the character of the solutions of the equation in the complex number system. x2 + 5x + 8 = 0 a. a repeated real solution b. two unequal real      Log On


   

Question 980037: Without solving, determine the character of the solutions of the equation in the complex number system.
x2 + 5x + 8 = 0
a. a repeated real solution
b. two unequal real solutions
c. two complex solutions that are conjugates of each other
I picked b. Please advise if I am correct or no.
Thank you
Answer by ikleyn(52786) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Calculate the discriminant of the quadratic polynomial.

The discriminant is  b%5E2+-+4ac = 5%5E2+-+4%2A1%2A8 = 25 - 32 = -7.

Since the discriminant is negative, the equation  x%5E2+%2B+5x+%2B+8 = 0  has two complex roots.  There are no real roots.