Question

Find the nature of the roots of x^2 - x - 20 = 0.

Answer 1

ANSWER

The roots are unequal and real.

EXPLANATION

To find the nature of the roots of the equation, we have to find the discriminant using the formula:

$D=b^2-4ac$

where a = coefficient of x² = 1

b = coefficient of x = -1

c = constant term = -20

Therefore, the discriminant is:

$\begin{gathered} D=1^2-4(1)(-20)=1+80 \\ D=81 \end{gathered}$

Since the discriminant is greater than 0, the roots are unequal and real.