6
advanced-math

If the graph of a parabola does not touch the x-axis, its discriminant is:

A

Negative

B

Zero

C

Positive

D

Undefined

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the correct answer.

  1. Geometry: Not touching the x-axis means there are no x-intercepts.
  2. Algebra: No x-intercepts means no real solutions to ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0.
  3. Discriminant: No real solutions implies Δ<0\Delta < 0 (Negative).

Choice B is incorrect because zero means it touches once. Choice C is incorrect because positive means it crosses twice. Choice D is incorrect.

Next
Question 7 →
Back to Set
Set 11: Quadratic Equations and Functions 11