What is the Discriminant? | Printable Summary

The discriminant is the expression under the square root in the quadratic formula: b²-4ac
The sign of the discriminant tells you how many real solutions a quadratic equation has
A quadratic equation must be set equal to 0 before you can find the discriminant

1. The expression for the discriminant is the expression underneath the square root sign in the quadratic formula
1. To use the discriminant:
2. Make sure your quadratic equation is set equal to 0
3. Plug the a, b, and c values from the equation into the formula for the discriminant
4. The sign of the answer you get will tell you how many real solutions your equation has
1. Since this quadratic equation is set equal to 0, we can identify a, b and c so we can find the discriminant