Question 119954
 From the quadratic formula

{{{x = (-b +- sqrt( b^2-4*a*c ))/(2*a) }}}


the discriminant consists of all of the terms in the square root. So the discriminant is


{{{D=b^2-4ac}}}





So let's find the discriminant for {{{y=x^2+3x-2}}}:


{{{D=b^2-4ac}}} Start with the given equation


{{{D=(3)^2-4*1*-2}}} Plug in a=1, b=3, c=-2


{{{D=9-4*1*-2}}} Square 3 to get 9


{{{D=9+8}}} Multiply -4*1*-2 to get 8


{{{D=17}}} Combine 9 and 8 to get 17



So the discriminant is 17