CBSE · Class 10 · Mathematics · Quadratic EquationsDefine the discriminant of a quadratic equation and write its formula.

The discriminant of a quadratic equation is a very important mathematical value that determines the nature of the roots of that equation without actually solving it fully. For a standard quadratic equation given by ax² + bx + c = 0, the discriminant is denoted by the capital letter 'D' or by the delta symbol (Δ). The mathematical formula used to calculate this discriminant is D = b² - 4ac, which is derived directly from the quadratic formula and helps us understand whether the roots are real and distinct, real and equal, or imaginary.