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Use the discriminant to describe the roots of each equation. Then select the best description.

3x2 - 10 = 0

double root
real and rational root
real and irrational root
imaginary root

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The given quadratic equation 3x² - 10 = 0 has a positive discriminant of 120, indicating it has two distinct real and irrational roots.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation, we can use the discriminant, which is the part of the quadratic formula under the square root sign (√). The general form of the quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0, and the discriminant is b² - 4ac. For the given equation 3x² - 10 = 0, which is already in standard form, the coefficients are a = 3, b = 0, and c = -10.

Calculating the discriminant gives us: (0)² - 4(3)(-10) = 0 + 120 = 120. Since the discriminant is positive, this means the equation has two distinct real roots. Furthermore, because the discriminant is a perfect square (11² = 121 is close but not equal to 120), the roots are real and irrational.

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