How it works
The discriminant (b² − 4ac) tells you how many real solutions there are: positive means two, zero means one, negative means two complex roots.
Formula
x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) ÷ 2a
Example
x² − 3x + 2 = 0: discriminant = 1, so x = 2 or x = 1.
Assumptions & limitations
- Results are rounded for display.
Frequently asked questions
What's the vertex?
The highest or lowest point of the parabola y = ax² + bx + c.