Which quadratic equation has no real solutions?

Question

Accepted Answer

Choice D is correct. The number of solutions to a quadratic equation in the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants, can be determined by the value of the discriminant, b 2 − 4ac. If the value of the discriminant is greater than zero, then the quadratic equation has two distinct real solutions. If the value of the discriminant is equal to zero, then the quadratic equation has exactly one real solution. If the value of the discriminant is less than zero, then the quadratic equation has no real solutions. For the quadratic equation in choice D, 5x 2 − 14x + 49 = 0, a = 5, b = −14, and c = 49. Substituting 5 for a, −14 for b, and 49 for c in b 2 − 4ac yields (−14) 2 − 4(5)(49), or −784. Since −784 is less than zero, it follows that the quadratic equation 5x 2 − 14x + 49 = 0 has no real solutions. Choice A is incorrect. The value of the discriminant for this quadratic equation is 392. Since 392 is greater than zero, it follows that this quadratic equation has two real solutions. Choice B is incorrect. The value of the discriminant for this quadratic equation is 0. Since zero is equal to zero, it follows that this quadratic equation has exactly one real solution. Choice C is incorrect. The value of the discriminant for this quadratic equation is 1,176. Since 1,176 is greater than zero, it follows that this quadratic equation has two real solutions.

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