The expression b² - 4ac is known as the discriminant in the context of quadratic equations. It determines the nature of the roots of the equation, indicating whether there are two distinct real solutions, one repeated real solution, or two complex solutions based on its value being positive, zero, or negative, respectively. The discriminant is integral to the Quadratic Formula, which is derived through the method of completing the square. Algebra textbooks, particularly those focused on intermediate or college algebra, provide detailed discussions on the discriminant and its applications.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying algebra, educators teaching quadratic equations, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the properties of quadratic functions and their solutions.
Yes, you spelled it correctly.462chevelle said:It's the discriminant, if I spelled that right.
It discriminates between two real solutions, one real and repeated solution, and two complex solutions, depending on whether the discriminant is positive, zero, or negative, respectively.462chevelle said:Its value let's you know if you have complex or real solutions.
You should be able to find this in any algebra book. Look under quadratic equations.askor said:I wasn't able to find about discriminant in my Calculus textbook.
What book I can found about this discriminant?
Yes, that is right. Any intermediate or college algebra textbook will discuss the discriminant of a quadratic equation or of a quadratic expression.Mondayman said:You should be able to find this in any algebra book. Look under quadratic equations.
The discriminant shows up in the Quadratic Formula, which is derived by completing the square. If you solve a quadratic equation by completing the square, you won't see the discriminant.symbolipoint said:The discriminant occurs when you use Completing the Square to generally solve a quadratic equation; as well as if you use Completing the Square to solve a particular quadratic equation.