Question

The discriminant of the quadratic equation $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ will be:

• A. $b^2 - 2ac$
• B. $b^2 + 4ac$
• C. $b^2 - 4ac$
• D. $b^2 + 2ac$

Hint:

Always remember: the discriminant $D = b^2 - 4ac$ helps to identify the type of roots of a quadratic equation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the formula.
For a quadratic equation $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$, the discriminant (D) is given by: \[ D = b^2 - 4ac \]
Step 2: Significance.
The discriminant determines the nature of the roots:
If $D>0$, roots are real and distinct; if $D = 0$, roots are real and equal; and if $D<0$, roots are imaginary.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the discriminant is $b^2 - 4ac$.