Quadratic Equations and Vieta's Theorem Quiz

Quadratic Equation

• A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree 2, typically written in the standard form ( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 ), where ( a ), ( b ), and ( c ) are constants and ( a \neq 0 ).

Solutions of a Quadratic Equation

• A quadratic equation can have zero, one, or two real solutions, determined by the value of the discriminant (( D = b^2 - 4ac )).
• If ( D > 0 ), there are two distinct real solutions.
• If ( D = 0 ), there is one repeated real solution.
• If ( D < 0 ), there are no real solutions, only complex solutions.

Leading Coefficient

• The leading coefficient of a quadratic equation in standard form is the coefficient ( a ) in ( ax^2 ). It influences the direction of the parabola (upward if ( a > 0 ), downward if ( a < 0 )).

Vieta's Theorem

• Vieta's theorem relates the coefficients of a polynomial to sums and products of its roots.
• For a quadratic equation ( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 ), if ( r_1 ) and ( r_2 ) are the roots, then ( r_1 + r_2 = -\frac{b}{a} ) and ( r_1 \cdot r_2 = \frac{c}{a} ).

Discriminant in Vieta's Theorem

• The discriminant (( D = b^2 - 4ac )) in a quadratic equation indicates the nature of the roots, allowing for analysis of real versus complex solutions.

Relationship Between Coefficients and Roots

• According to Vieta's theorem, the sum of the roots equals the negative ratio of the coefficient of ( x ) to the leading coefficient, while the product of the roots equals the ratio of the constant term to the leading coefficient.

Test your knowledge of quadratic equations and Vieta's theorem with this quiz. Explore the number of solutions, leading coefficient, and the relationship between the coefficients and roots of quadratic equations. Sharpen your understanding of the discriminant's significance in Vieta's theorem.