1. discriminant - Noun
2. discriminant - Adjective
The eliminant of the n partial differentials of any homogenous function of n variables. See Eliminant.
Source: Webster's dictionaryAlgebraically, this involves calculating the discriminant : The curve is non-singular if and only if the discriminant is not equal to zero. Source: Internet
As the discriminant is a symmetric function in the roots, it can also be expressed in terms of the coefficients of the polynomial, since the coefficients are the elementary symmetric polynomials in the roots; such a formula is given below. Source: Internet
Definition In terms of the roots, the discriminant is given by : where is the leading coefficient and are the roots (counting multiplicity ) of the polynomial in some splitting field. Source: Internet
A second form of cancellation can occur between the terms b 2 and 4ac of the discriminant, which can lead to loss of up to half of correct significant figures. Source: Internet
As shown in Figure 3, if the discriminant is positive, the graph touches the x -axis at two points; if zero, the graph touches at one point; and if negative, the graph does not touch the x -axis. Source: Internet
For example, in the graphs shown in figure to the right, the discriminant in the first case is 64, and in the second case is −368. Source: Internet