Nature of roots

Investigate the Discriminant

b  b  4ac2
x
2a
In the formula, the sign of b2 – 4ac
determines the nature of the roots of the
quadratic equation

We call b2 – 4ac the Discriminant

 Investigate the Discriminant

Using the excel applet, investigate what

values of a, b and c will lead to different
types of roots

Observe the number of x-intercepts, nature of roots

and their relationship with the value of the
discriminant
 Summary – Worksheet Pg 4
 b  b 2  4ac
The solutions given by x 
2a
are directly determined by value of b2 – 4ac
When b2 – 4ac > 0, the roots are real and distinct
When b2 – 4ac = 0, the roots are real and equal
When b2 – 4ac < 0, the roots are not real/complex
Since b2 – 4ac determines the nature of roots of
the equation, we call it the discriminant
 Sketch
Case (1): b2 – 4ac > 0
y y
a>0 a<0

x x
 Sketch

Case (2): b2 – 4ac = 0

y
a>0 y
a<0

x
 Sketch

Case (3): b2 – 4ac < 0

y
a>0 y
a<0

x
 Question

What can you conclude if the roots of the

equation are real?

b2 – 4ac ≥ 0
 Observation

Case (3): b2 – 4ac < 0

y y
a>0 a<0
ax +bx + c > 0
2

ax2 +bx + c < 0

 Observation

ax2 +bx + c > 0  Case 3, no real roots

Entire curve lies above the x-axis

ax2 +bx + c < 0  Case 3, no real roots

Entire curve lies below the x-axis

 Common Mistake

ax2 +bx + c > 0  b2 – 4ac > 0

 Example – TB Pg 60
x2 + 2kx + (k – 1)(k – 3) = 0 has no real roots.
Find the range of values of k.
Form an inequality with the correct condition
No real roots  Condition: b2 – 4ac < 0
(2k )  4(1)(k  1)(k  3)  0
2

4 k 2  4(k 2  4k  3)  0
16k  12
3
k
4
 Example – TB Pg 61
Show that the roots of x2 + (1 – p)x – p = 0 are
real and distinct.
Apply the correct condition

IF b2 – 4ac > 0, then the roots are real and distinct

(1  p)  4(1)( p)
2
Complete the square to show!
 p  2 p 1 4 p
2
Since (p + 1)2 is > 0,
 p  2 p 1
2
therefore the roots are real
 ( p  1) 2 and distinct