What is the expression b squared minus 4ac called?
AThe coefficient
BThe discriminant
CThe determinant
DThe remainder
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The discriminant
1. The quadratic formula holds a square root, and b squared minus 4ac sits under it.
2. That expression is called the discriminant.
3. Its sign alone tells how many solutions there are and whether they are real or complex.
_Source: OpenStax Intermediate Algebra (CC BY 4.0), section 9.3 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula_
Keep practising The Quadratic Formula
Browse all The Quadratic Formula questions for HiSET, or explore more Mathematics topics.
Related questions
Line up three discriminants of one signHow many solutions does 3x squared plus 4x plus 5 = 0 have, and of what type?Use the quadratic formula on 2x squared plus 5x minus 3 = 0. What are the solutions?A quadratic in standard form is a perfect square trinomial set equal to 0. How many solutiThe discriminant of a quadratic equation is positive. How many solutions does it have?What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?