Question

Find the discriminant and determine the number of real roots for each equation. Show steps.

-3p^2 - 2p = 0

Answer 1

discriminant: 4; number of real roots: 2

Explanation:

The coefficients a, b and c of this quadratic are {-3, -2, 0}.

Thus, the discriminant b^2 - 4ac is (-2)^2 - 4(-3)(0), or 4.

Because the discriminant is positive, this quadratic has two real, unequal roots.

-3p^2 - 2p can be factored as follows: -p(3p + 2). If we set this expression equal to zero, we can find the roots: {-2/3, 0}