Background for discriminant

discriminant

/dɪˈskrɪmənənt/ /dɪˈskrɪmɪnənt/

Illustration discriminant - Image 1

noun

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).

Examples :

"The discriminant of the quadratic equation representing Sarah's profit, where x is the number of products sold, helps determine if she will make a profit or lose money. "

Illustration discriminant - Image 1

noun

The invariant (on the vector space of forms of degree d in n variables) that vanishes exactly when the corresponding hypersurface in Pn-1 is singular.

Examples :

"Because the discriminant of the quadratic equation describing the shape of the doorway is zero, the doorway has a singularity, meaning it's not a smooth, regular shape but has a cusp or point. "

Illustration discriminant - Image 1

adjective

Serving to discriminate.

Examples :

"The interviewer's discriminant questions helped to quickly identify the most qualified candidate from a large pool of applicants. "