discriminant

lindaklee · #1 Apr 5, 2006, 11:13 PM

What is the discriminant of the function 2x(to the 2nd power)-3x+1?

kp2171 · Apr 6, 2006, 01:01 AM

3^2 -(4)(2)(1) = 1

happybisaya · Apr 6, 2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindaklee

What is the discriminant of the function 2x(to the 2nd power)-3x+1?

Equation: 2x^2 - 3x + 1
Just as long as your equation is quadratic in form, the x is not used here. Now we have to assign letters to each term where:
a=2 (from 2x^2)
b=-3 (from -3x)
c=1 (from +1)
to find the discriminant use this formula: b^2 -4ac (this is part of the quadratic formula)
that is (-3)^2-4(2)(1)
9-8
=1 is your discriminant



At Ask Me Help Desk you can ask questions in any topic and have them answered for free by our experts. To ask questions or participate in answering them you must register for a free account. By registering you will be able to: Get free answers from experts in any of our 300+ topics. Accept money for answers that you provide. Communicate privately with other members (PM). See fewer ads. Sign Up!