Question

Use the discriminant to determine the nature of the roots of the following equation. y^2 - 5y - 3 = 0

Answer 1

Here a=1, b= -5 and c= -3

so the discrim. is b^2 - 4(a)(c),   or   (-5)^2 - 4(1)(-3)  = 25 + 12 = 37.

Because the discrim. is +, you'll have 2 real, unequal roots.