Answer: None, 0 real roots
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the discriminant, you simply do [tex]b^2 - 4ac[/tex]
b = 2
a = -1
c = -5
[tex]2^2-4(-1)(-5) = 4 - 20 = -16[/tex]
iff x > 0: 2 roots
iff x < 0: none
iff x = 0: 1 root
Actual Explanation and Intuition behind it:
If the answer is negative, you cant take the square root of the number. Because no matter what, you will always strive for a positive number. Unless you implement calculus, but that is way beyond a middle schoolers level
If the answer is postive, there will be 2 roots because you can make x itself equal to a negative number because when you square it, it will be positive. So the positive and negative value will be an acceptable answer
If the answer is 0, then youre basically doing the square root of 0. Thats equal to 0
The discriminant formula itself comes straight from the quadratic formula, which you should memorize because it is extremely useful.[tex]\frac{-b (+/-) \sqrt{b^2-4ac} }{2a}[/tex]
