I keep getting “Discriminant” questions wrong in Quadratic Equations. What's the trap?
thinking D<0 means 'no solution'.
The usual trap: thinking D<0 means 'no solution'. How to avoid it: D<0 still has two roots — they're complex conjugates. Go back to the definition — D = b² − 4ac tells the nature of the roots before you even solve: D>0 gives two real distinct roots, D=0 gives equal roots, D<0 gives complex roots.
Key point
Discriminant
Common mistake
thinking D<0 means 'no solution'.
Memory tip
D<0 still has two roots — they're complex conjugates.
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