Discriminants (OCR A Level Maths A): Revision Note

Discriminants

What is a discriminant?

• The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula that is under the square root sign 

• It is sometimes denoted by the Greek letter (capital delta) 

How does the discriminant affect graphs and roots?

There are three options for the outcome of the discriminant:

• If the quadratic crosses the x-axis twice meaning there are two distinct real roots

• If   the quadratic touches the x-axis once meaning there is one real root (also called repeated roots)

• If   the quadratic does not cross the x-axis meaning there are no real roots

Discriminant and inequalities

• You need to be able to set up and solve equations and inequalities (often quadratic) arising from the discriminant

• Sketch the quadratic and decide whether you're looking above or below zero to write your solutions correctly