Use the discriminant to classify the graph.
A)The graph is a parabola.
B)The graph is a hyperbola.
C)The graph is a line.
D)The graph is a circle.
E)The graph is a ellipse.

Question

Use the discriminant to classify the graph. ​  ​
A)The graph is a parabola. 
B)The graph is a hyperbola. 
C)The graph is a line. 
D)The graph is a circle. 
E)The graph is a ellipse.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The graph represents a quadratic equation and the discriminant of a quadratic equation is given by b^2-4ac. If the discriminant is greater than zero, the graph is a parabola, if it is less than zero, the graph is an ellipse or a circle, and if it is equal to zero, the graph is a line. In this case, the discriminant is likely positive (since there are two x-intercepts) and therefore the graph is a parabola.

Use the Discriminant to Classify the Graph