Question 290767
WHY can you use the discriminant, b^2-4ac  graphs as a hyperbola 
(if the discriminant is greater than 0), parabola (if the discriminant is equal to 0), and an ellipse (if the discriminant is less than zero)?
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b^2-4ac is used to determine whether a quadratic
has 2 Real and unequal, 2 Real but equal, or 
2 Complex soltuions.  It does not tell you whether 
you have a hyperbola, parabola, or ellipse.
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Cheers,
Stan H.