H 9

AT
M
THE NATURE
OF THE
ROOTS OF A
QUADRATIC AN
V
Sir I
EQUATION
Use the discriminant to describe the
nature of the roots for a quadratic
equation.
 Discriminant
QUADRATIC FORMULA
−𝑏 ± √ 𝑏 − 4 𝑎𝑐
2
𝑥=
2𝑎

DISCRIMINANT- is the value of the

expression It is used to describe the
nature of the roots of a quadratic
equation
 Table for Discriminant
Value of Number of Nature of Roots
Discriminant Solutions

one real, rational, equal

(zero)

(positive, perfect square)

two real, rational, unequal

two real, irrational, unequal

(positive, not perfect square)

zero real solutions

(negative) two imaginary
Steps in determining the nature of the roots of a
quadratic equation using the determinant.

 Write the quadratic equation in standard form if

necessary.

 Identify the values of a, b, and c

 Solve for the value of the discriminant by

substituting the values of a, b, and c in the
expression

 Use the table for discriminant to determine the

nature of the roots.
EXAMPLES
Discriminant
Nature of the Roots Solutions to Equations

one, real, rational, equal

Two, real, rational, unequal

or

Two, real, irrational,

unequal

No real roots
-19 Two imaginary
TRY THIS……..
Determine the nature of the roots of the following
quadratic equations using the discriminant.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.