Question

Find the nature of the roots of x^2 - x - 20 = 0.

Answer 1

The roots are unequal and real.

Step-by-step explanation

To find the nature of the roots of the equation, we have to find the discriminant using the formula:

`D=b^2-4ac`

where a = coefficient of x² = 1

b = coefficient of x = -1

c = constant term = -20

Therefore, the discriminant is:

`\begin{gathered} D=1^2-4(1)(-20)=1+80 \\ D=81 \end{gathered}`

Since the discriminant is greater than 0, the roots are unequal and real.