When using the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the discriminant is b2 - 4ac. This discriminant can be positive, zero, or negative. (When the discriminant is negative, then we have the square root of a negative number. This is called an imaginary number, sqrt(-1) = i. )
2007-02-09 19:28:08 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Good question.
Like you said, there are three possible values for the discriminant: a positive, a zero or a negative.
If the discriminant is positive, then you will have two values where the graph will cut the x axis.
If the discriminant is zero, then your graph will only cut the x axis in exactly one point.
If the discriminant is negative, the graph will not cut the x axis at all.
By cutting I mean crossing the x axis, or touching it and going through.
2007-02-09 19:32:12 · answer #1 · answered by F B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the discriminant is greater than 0 you will have two locatable zero crossings. If it equals 0 there will be only one0 point, and it will be a maximum or a minimum. If the discriminant is less than 0 there will be no zero crossings for the graph. Zero crossings meaning points where the graph crosses the x-axis.
2007-02-09 19:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it determines how many times(if any) the graph will touch the x axis. discriminant = b^2-4ac if b^2-4ac > 0, u have 2 solutions (2 places where the graph touches x axis) if b^2-4ac = 0, u have 1 solution (one place where the graph touches the x axis -- vertex) if b^2-4ac < 0, u have no REAL solutions (it won't touch the x axis at all) enjoy =)
2016-05-24 21:32:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
discriminant means distance between the x intercepts of the graph
2007-02-09 21:43:11 · answer #4 · answered by Rhul s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋