Simplify Radical Terms

quinton42

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Jul 3, 2011
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The discriminant in the qudratic forumula is the expression __________ .

If the discriminant in the qudratic forumula is a perfect square then the qudratic equation will have ___________ solution(s).

x^2-3x-1 = 0
 
How does your book define descriminant?
Do you need a site that gives the definition?
Have you correctly copied your second question?
 
quinton42 said:
The discriminant in the qudratic forumula is the expression __________ .

If the discriminant in the qudratic forumula is a perfect square then the qudratic equation will have ___________ solution(s).

x^2-3x-1 = 0

Hint for the second problem:

Think rationally!
 


I'm with Jeff, on the second question. I think that it's poorly-worded.

I would need to see "the" quadratic equation to which the question refers, as there is no general answer to fill in that blank.

EGs:

We have the general quadratic equation Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0

A = 3, B = -2, C = -5/12

The discriminant is a perfect square, and there are two solutions (i.e., two roots, each of multiplicity one).

A = 3, B = -2, C = 1/3

The discriminant is a perfect square, and there is one solution (i.e., a single root of multiplicity two).


 
If THAT is the question, Subhotosh does get an A + for his hint, and the teacher who posed it is a trickster.
 
If the discriminant in the quadratic formula is a perfect square,
then the quadratic equation will have \(\displaystyle \text{two rational **}\) solution(s).



\(\displaystyle **\)They will be either a repeated rational solution, or they will be two distinct
rational solutions, depending on whether the discriminant is equal to zero
or is equal to a nonzero perfect square, respectively.
 
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