218k views
1 vote
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

4 votes

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.

User Schmijos
by
5.6k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.