Compute the discriminant. Then determine the number and type of solutions for the given equation.?

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I don't know why they wanted you to use the discriminant since it is far easier to just factorise it to (x - 3)(x - 1) = 0, so x = 1 or x = 3 i.e. 2 real distinct (i.e. unequal) solutions, but since that's what they asked for, Discriminant = "b^2 - 4ac" = (-4)^2 - 4*1*3 = 16 - 12 = 4. This is > 0, so there are two distinct (unreal) roots - whole numbers in fact, although the discriminant won't tell you that....Show more

The answer here is d. Discriminant=4 and two unequal solutions

x=(4(+/-)sqrt(16-12))/2=3 and x=1 Just for you to remember, the discriminant is whatever is UNDER the square root!...Show more

Using b2-4ac,
b=-4. A=1, c=3.
Then b2-4ac becomes
(-4)^2-4(1)(3)
=16-12
=4
since b2-4ac is >0, the roots are not equal.
So the answer is D....Show more