The number represented by b2 – 4ac = 0 is called the

discriminant of the quadratic equation.

How do we determine the nature of the roots of a

quadratic equation without actually solving the equation?
The nature of the roots can be determined by
finding the value of the discriminant.
Case 1. If b2 – 4ac = 0, then the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are
real and equal.

▪ Example 1. Determine the nature of the roots of x2 – 6x + 9 = 0

a = 1, b = -6, c = 9

b2 – 4ac = ( -6)2 – 4(1)(9)

= 36 – 36
=0

Since b2 – 4ac = 0, then x2 – 6x + 9 = 0 has two real roots which

are equal.
Verifying that then x2 – 6x + 9 = 0 has two equal
real roots,

By factoring, we have then x2 – 6x + 9 = 0

Factor: (x – 3)( x – 3) = 0
roots: x=3 ; x=3
Case 2: If b2 – 4ac > 0, then the roots of ax2 + bx + c =
0 are real and unequal.

Example 1. Determine the nature of the roots of x2 – 8x + 15 = 0.

a = 1, b = -8, c = 15

b2 – 4ac = (-8)2 – 4(1)(15)

= 64 - 60
=4
Since b2 – 4ac > 0, then x2 – 8x + 15 = 0 has two real roots which
are unequal.
Verify that x2 – 8x + 15 = 0 has two unequal real roots:

By factoring we have,
(x – 3)(x - 5) = 0
X = 3 and x = 5
Case 3: If b2 – 4ac < 0, then the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 are
imaginary and unequal.

Example 3. Determine the nature of the roots of x2 – 2x + 2

= 0. a = 1, b = -2, c = 2

b2 – 4ac = (-2)2 – 4(1)(2)

=4– 8
= -4
Since b2 – 4ac < 0, then x2 – 2x + 2 = 0 has two unequal
imaginary roots.
 2±
By quadratic formula we have,
−4 2
x2 – 2x + 2 = 0, x=
2 ±2𝑖
a = 1, b = -2 c = 2 x= 2

2 + 2𝑖 2 −2𝑖
−𝑏± 𝑏 2 −4𝑎𝑐 x= and x =
𝑥= 2 2
2𝑎
− (−2)2−4(1)(2) x = 1 + 1i and x = 1 - 1i
𝑥= (−2)± 2(1)
x = 1 + i and x = 1 - i
2 ± 4 −8
x=
2
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