In this lesson, we learn about the discriminant in the quadratic formula and how it can be used to determine what types of solutions a quadratic equation has. The discriminant is the part underneath the square root symbol in the quadratic formula, and it can be greater than zero, equal to zero, or less than zero. If it's greater than zero, there are two real solutions; if it's equal to zero, there is one real solution; and if it's less than zero, there are two complex solutions. The discriminant can be useful in graphing and determining the number and types of solutions of a quadratic equation without actually solving for them.
Defines the discriminant and how to use it to find what types of solutions a quadratic equation has.
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