To determine the value of the discriminant for the quadratic equation in the form:
ax² + bx + c = 0
we need to identify the coefficients a, b, and c from the given equation 5x² + 7x + 6 = 0.
- a: The coefficient of x² is 5.
- b: The coefficient of x is 7.
- c: The constant term is 6.
Now that we have identified the coefficients, we can substitute them into the discriminant formula:
D = b² – 4ac
Substituting in the values:
D = (7)² – 4(5)(6)
Calculating 7² gives us 49:
D = 49 – 4(5)(6)
Now calculating the value of 4(5)(6):
4 * 5 = 20
20 * 6 = 120
So we have:
D = 49 – 120
Finally, when we subtract 120 from 49, we get:
D = -71
The negative discriminant indicates that the quadratic equation has no real roots but has two complex roots. Therefore, the value of b² – 4ac for the equation 5x² + 7x + 6 is -71.