discriminant

  1. Noun.  (algebra) An expression that gives information about the roots of a polynomial; for example, the expression ''D = b2 - 4ac'' determines whether the roots of the quadratic equation ''ax2 + bx + c = 0'' are real and distinct (''D'' > 0), real and equal (''D'' = 0) or complex (''D'' < 0).
  2. Adjective.  Serving to discriminate.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.