Exploring the Quadratic Formula and Discriminant

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

• ax + bx + c = 0

• ax^2 + c = 0

• ax^2 + bx = 0

• ax^2 + bx + c = 0

In the quadratic formula, what does 'b' represent?

• The discriminant

• The coefficient of x

• The constant term

• The coefficient of x^2

What is the quadratic formula?

• x = (b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a

• x = (-b ± √(b^2 + 4ac)) / 2a

• x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / a

• x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a

What is the first step in solving a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula?

• Factor the equation

• Graph the equation

• Identify the values of a, b, and c

• Simplify the equation

What is the value of x when solving the equation x^2 - 2x - 8 = 0 using the quadratic formula?

• x = -4 and x = -2

• x = 2 and x = -4

• x = 4 and x = -2

• x = 4 and x = 2

Which method is the fastest for solving a quadratic equation if you have a graphing calculator?

• Factoring

• Using the quadratic formula

• Graphing

• Completing the square

When should you use the quadratic formula over other methods?

• When you have a graphing calculator

• When the numbers are complex or difficult to factor

• When the equation has no x term

• When the equation can be easily factored

What does the discriminant tell you about a quadratic equation?

• The axis of symmetry

• The vertex of the parabola

• The maximum value

• The number of solutions

If the discriminant is zero, how many solutions does the quadratic equation have?

• No solutions

• Two solutions

• One solution

• Infinite solutions

What is the discriminant of the equation x^2 - 6x + 9 = 0?

• 18

• 9

• 0

• 36