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If a quadratic equation is ax2+bx+c

then we can learn something about the roots withoutcompletely solving the quadratic formula.

The discriminant is b2-4ac. You may recognize this as part of the quadratic formula.

If the value is a non-zero perfect square, there are 2 rational roots

If the value is an imperfect square, there are 2 irrational roots

If the value is zero, there is 1 rational root (parabola vertex is on the x-axis)

If the value is negative, there are imaginary roots (no intersection with x-axis)

The discriminant, therefore, tells us the nature of the roots.

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Q: What is the discriminant?
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