Final answer:
The discriminant of the quadratic equation 20x^2 + 7x - 3 = 0 is 289, indicating that the equation has two distinct real roots.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quadratic equation given is 20x^2 + 7x - 3 = 0. To find the discriminant, we can use the formula: Δ = b^2 - 4ac, where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation.
For this equation, a = 20, b = 7, and c = -3. Substituting these values into the formula, we have: Δ = (7)^2 - 4(20)(-3).
Simplifying this expression, we get: Δ = 49 + 240 = 289.
The discriminant, Δ, is equal to 289. Now, let's determine the number and type of roots based on the value of the discriminant:
- If Δ > 0, there are two distinct real roots.
- If Δ = 0, there is one real root (repeated).
- If Δ < 0, there are two complex roots (conjugates of each other).
Since Δ = 289, which is greater than 0, the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.