Discriminant

Test Preparation
1

<p>If you take the discriminant of a quadratic equation, and you find that it is a perfect square. Are the roots, two real rational equal roots?</p>

<p>Also if the discriminant is equal to zero, is it true that there is only one root? </p>

<p>Can anyone elaborate on both of these examples?</p>

2

<p>dont worry about those for the SAT, and dont ask algebra II questions on here</p>

3

<p>if its a perfect square, it’s unequal, rational roots, unless you mean 0, then its equal roots.</p>

4

<p>Assuming integer coefficients:</p>

<p>If the discriminant is positive, there are two real unequal roots. If it ALSO happens to be a perfect square, then these roots are rational.</p>

<p>If the discriminant is zero, there are “two” real, rational, and equal roots. So in a way, just one root.</p>

<p>If the discriminant is negative, there are two unequal imaginary roots which are conjugates of each other. The real parts will be rational. If the discriminant is the opposite of a perfect square, then the imaginary parts will also be rational.</p>

<p>Hope that answers any possible questions.</p>

5

<p>Ditto to Sly Si</p>