Question

Using the discriminant, how many solutions and what type of solution(s) does 3p-9p^2=6 have?

a. 2; irrational
b. 2; rational
c. 1; rational
d. no real solutions

Answer 1

d. no real solutions

Explanation:

3p − 9p² = 6

0 = 9p² − 3p + 6

0 = 3p² − p + 2

The discriminant of ax² + bx + c is b² − 4ac.

If the discriminant is negative, there are no real roots.

If the discriminant is zero, there is 1 real root.

If the discriminant is positive, there are 2 real roots.

If the discriminant is a perfect square, the root(s) are rational.

If the discriminant isn't a perfect square, the root(s) are irrational.

Finding the discriminant:

a = 3, b = -1, c = 2

(-1)² − 4(3)(2) = -23

The discriminant is negative, so there are no real roots.