Homework Help: Values in Quadratic Equation with 2 different roots

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find the intervals of all possible value of p which the equation equation: (p-1)x^2+4x+(p-4)=0 has two different roots.



2. Relevant equations

ax^2+bx+c>0 ??

3. The attempt at a solution

(p-1)x^2+4x+(p-4)>0 ??

How would I go about solving this?
Is two roots >0 or =0??

Could I have an example so that I could then solve the problem on my own or steps I need to take in order to solve for the values of p.

 

yes but I dont know with (p-1) and (p+4)

-b+/- Squareroot b^2 - 4ac over 2a ?

Do i plug it in that?

 

ohh okay. I used a pgraphing calculator and think I got the answer.
p< or equal to 4

and
p>1

 

Ohh. I see. I believe my answer now is p<5 and p>0.

 

When it intersects the x axis. It intersects at two different points. So I just plugged in values for p until I began to see two different roots and then narrowed down my answer.

 

Thank you so much for your help!!!! i could not have solved it without your help. I get it. Now lets just see how do on my test this Wednesday.