discriminant

(noun)

An expression that gives information about the roots of a polynomial.

Related Terms

Examples of discriminant in the following topics:

  • The Discriminant

    • The discriminant of a polynomial is a function of its coefficients that reveals information about the polynomial's roots.
    • The discriminant of a quadratic function is a function of its coefficients that reveals information about its roots.
    • The discriminant Δ=b2−4ac\Delta =b^2-4ac is the portion of the quadratic formula under the square root.
    • Using 11 as the value of aa, −1-1 as the value of bb, and −2-2 as the value of cc, the discriminant of this function can be determined as follows:
    • Explain how and why the discriminant can be used to find the number of real roots of a quadratic equation

  • Complex Conjugates

    • This can be seen in the quadratic formula whenever the discriminant b2−4acb^2-4ac is negative.