Multiple choice

Which of the following options is correct if the roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are imaginary?

  1. b2 - 4ac = 0

  2. b2 - 4ac > 0

  3. b2 - 4ac < 0

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

For a quadratic equation, roots are imaginary if the discriminant D = b^2 - 4ac < 0.

AI explanation

The nature of the roots of a quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0 depends entirely on the value of the discriminant, denoted as b^2 - 4ac. If the discriminant is less than zero, the square root of a negative number is required, producing imaginary roots. Therefore, for the roots to be imaginary, the condition is b^2 - 4ac < 0.

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