Discriminant
Main Concept
The expression b2−4 a c is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation a⋅x2+b⋅x+c=0. From the discriminant, you can determine how many real solutions (roots) the equation has:
Discriminant Value
Number of corresponding distinct real solutions
positive
2
equal to zero
1
negative
0
Generate a random quadratic function by clicking on the button. Observe that the discriminant of the right hand side corresponds with the number of roots.
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