Roots from Graphs

The graphs of three quadratic functions are shown below.

The roots of the corresponding quadratic equations are given by where the graph crosses the x-axis. i.e. the x- intercepts.

The roots of a quadratic equation are called real roots if the graph crosses or touches the x-axis. These roots are real numbers.

If the graph does NOT cross the x-axis the equation has no real roots. This type of equation can be solved using complex or imaginary numbers, which are usually studied in Year 12 (NZ Year 13).

Graphs
Y11_Nature_of_the_Roots_01.gif
Function
y = (x + 3)2
y = x2 − 5x + 6
= (x − 3)(x − 2)
y = -x2 + x − 2
= -(x − 0.5)2 − 1.75
Number and nature of the roots
One real root
Two real roots
No real roots

There is a quicker way than sketching graphs or solving to determine the number of roots of a quadratic equation, this method uses the discriminant.

The Discriminant

The discriminant of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 is given by b2- 4ac
The symbol, Δ is sometimes used for the discriminant.

Note that the discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula that is under the square root sign.

By examining the value of the discriminant we can determine the number and nature of the roots.

If the discriminant is zero b2 − 4ac = 0 there is one (repeated) rational root
If the discriminant is positive b2 − 4ac > 0 there are two real roots
If the discriminant is negative b2 − 4ac < 0 there are no real roots

If the discriminant is a perfect square, such as 49 or 100, then the roots will be rational (fractional) numbers.

Examples:

 
example 1
example 2
example 3
Equation

y = (x + 3)2
= x2 + 6x + 9

y = x2 − 5x + 6 y = -x2 + x − 2
a, b and c a = 1, b = 6, c = 9 a = 1, b = -5, c = 6 a = -1, b = 1, c = -2
Discriminant

b2- 4ac = 62 − 4x1x9 
= 0

Discriminant = 0 
(i.e. Zero)

b2- 4ac = (-5)2 − 4x1x6 
= 1

Discriminant = 1 
(i.e. Positive)

b − 4ac = (1)2 − 4x-1x-2 
= -7

Discriminant = -7 
(i.e. Negative)

Number and nature of the roots There is one repeated real root There are two real roots There are no real roots