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The discriminant of a quadratic equation is b^2-4ac.
What does the discriminant tell you about the number and type of roots?
- 36
2 complex roots
In the Quadratic Formula, b^2-4ac is the discriminant.
ax^2+bx+c=0 ⇔ x=- b±sqrt(b^2-4ac)/2a
Substitute values
(- a)^2 = a^2
Multiply
Multiply
Subtract term
The discriminant is - 36.
We want to use the discriminant of the given quadratic equation to determine the number and type of the roots. If we do not want to know the exact values of the roots, we only need to work with the discriminant. From Part A, we know that the discriminant of the given equation is - 36.