Algebra 1 · Quadratic Functions
Discriminant
Algebra 1 · Quadratic Functions
Definition
The discriminant is the value b^2 - 4ac that tells the number and type of solutions to a quadratic.
Examples
- If b^2 - 4ac > 0, there are two real solutions.
- If b^2 - 4ac < 0, there are no real solutions.
Key rule
The sign of the discriminant reveals the solution count.
Memory hook
Discriminant = b^2 - 4ac decides how many roots.