Difference between revisions of "Discriminant"
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| − | The '''discriminant''' of a [[Quadratic Equations | Quadratic Equation]] of the form | + | The '''discriminant''' of a [[Quadratic Equations | Quadratic Equation]] of the form <math>a{x}^2+b{x}+{c}=0</math> is the quantity <math>b^2-4ac</math>. When <math>{a},{b},{c}</math> are real, this is a notable quantity, because if the discriminant is positive, the equation has two [[real]] [[Roots | roots]]; if the discriminant is negative, the equation has two [[nonreal]] roots; and if the discriminant is 0, the equation has a [[real]] [[Double Root | double root]]. |
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| − | <math>a{x}^2+b{x}+{c}=0</math> | ||
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| − | is the quantity <math>b^2-4ac</math>. When <math>{a} | ||
== Other resources == | == Other resources == | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discriminant Wikipedia entry] | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discriminant Wikipedia entry] | ||
Revision as of 10:01, 18 June 2006
The discriminant of a Quadratic Equation of the form 
is the quantity 
. When 
are real, this is a notable quantity, because if the discriminant is positive, the equation has two real roots; if the discriminant is negative, the equation has two nonreal roots; and if the discriminant is 0, the equation has a real double root.
