Explain Real Roots with Examples.
Last Updated :
21 Mar, 2024
A real root is a solution to an equation that is also a real number.
Real roots of a polynomial equation are solutions that belong to the set of real numbers. In the context of quadratic equations like ax2+bx+c=0, real roots can be found using the quadratic formula: ​​x = (−b ± b2−4ac)​​/2a.
For example, consider the equation x2−4=0. The coefficients are a = 1, b = 0, and c = −4. Applying the quadratic formula, we get two real roots: x = 2 and x = -2. These roots indicate the points where the quadratic function crosses the x-axis, as the graph intersects the real number line.
On the other hand, the equation x2+2=0 has no real roots, since x2 ≥ 0 for any real number x. It does have roots, but they are non-real complex numbers, specifically √2i and -√2i.
In general, a quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0 has two real roots if the discriminant b2-4ac is positive. If the discriminant is zero, there is only one real solution. If the discriminant is negative, there are no real solutions.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Please Login to comment...