Question

If we used the quadratic expression below to complete a diamond, which pair of values would go on the SIDES of the diamond?

x^2 - 4x + 5
a. 5 and -1
b. -5 and 1
c. -4 and 1
d. 4 and -1
e. no solution

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

e. no solution

Explanation:

You would be looking for factors of +5 that have a sum of -4. There are none (no solution). None of the values offered in the answer choices have a product of +5.

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The discriminant of the quadratic is (-4)² -4(1)(5) = -4, so the roots are complex.