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MarkFL

Staff member
Here is the question:

Consider the following quadratic equation -3x^2-x-5=0

Use the discriminant b^2-4ac to determine the number of solutions of the quadratic equation

Solve using the quadratic equation usinf the formula y= (-b +/- √b^2-4ac) / 2a
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MarkFL

Staff member
Hello Lacey,

The first thing I would do is multiply through by -1, just to get rid of all those negative signs, as this will not change the value of the discriminant and roots:

$$\displaystyle 3x^2+x+5=0$$

Now, we identify:

$$\displaystyle a=3,\,b=1,\,c=5$$

and the discriminant is:

$$\displaystyle \Delta=b^2-4ac=(1)^2-4(3)(5)=1-60=-59<0$$

Since the discriminant is negative, we know we will have two, complex conjugate roots.

Using the quadratic formula, we find that these roots are:

$$\displaystyle x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{-59}}{2(3)}=\frac{-1\pm i\sqrt{59}}{6}$$

To Lacey and any other guests viewing this topic, I invite and encourage you to post other such questions in our Pre-Algebra and Algebra forum.

Best Regards,

Mark.