Question

For the equation x^2 + 5x – 1, which of the following statements is correct?

(a) The roots of the equation are equal

(b) The discriminant of the equation is negative

(c) The roots of the equation are real, distinct and irrational

(d) The discriminant is equal to zero

This question was addressed to me in exam.

The doubt is from Quadratic Equation topic in chapter Quadratic Equation of Mathematics – Class 10

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) The roots of the equation are real, distinct and irrational

Easiest explanation: Roots are real. ∴ b^2 – 4ac ≥ 0

5^2 – 4(1)(1)

25 – 4 = 21 which is greater than 0. Hence, the discriminant of the equation is greater than zero, so roots are real.