The value of the discriminant, b2 − 4ac, will be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the values of a, b, and c in the equation.

Equation x2 + 2x − 3 = 0 x2 + 4x + 4 = 0 x2 + 4x + 4 = 0
Quadratic formula steps x=-2 +/- sqrt 2 ^2 - 4*1*-3 all over 2*1=1 or -3 x=-4 +/- sqrt 4 ^2 - 4*1*4 all over 2*1= -2 x = -3+/- i square root 7 all over 2
Discriminant a positive number inside the square root zero inside the square root a negative number inside the square root
Solutions two real solutions one (repeated) real solution two complex solutions
Type of numbers rational or irrational numbers rational number imaginary numbers
x-intercepts on graph two distinct x-intercepts one (repeated) x-intercept no x-intercepts