c Make sure you write all the terms on the left-hand side of the equation and simplify as much as possible before using the Quadratic Formula.
A
a 0
B
b One Real Rational Root
C
c x=5
Practice makes perfect
a
In the Quadratic Formula, b^2-4ac is the discriminant.
ax^2+bx+c=0 ⇔ x=- b±sqrt(b^2-4ac)/2a
If we just want to know the number of real solutions, and not the solutions themselves, we only need to work with the discriminant. Having the equation written in standard form, we can now identify the values of a, b, and c.
x^2-10x+25=0 ⇔ 1x^2+( -10)x+ 25=0
Let's evaluate the discriminant.
b If we want to know the number of real solutions we only need to work with the discriminant. Remember that if the discriminant is greater than zero, the equation will have two real solutions. If it is equal to zero, the equation will have one real solution. Finally, if the discriminant is less than zero, the equation will have no real solutions. b^2-4ac=0
Since the discriminant is 0, the quadratic equation has one real root.
ax^2+ bx+ c=0 ⇔ x=- b± sqrt(b^2-4 a c)/2 a
We know that a= 1, b= - 10, c= 25, and that the discriminant b^2-4ac= . Let's substitute these values into the Quadratic Formula.
