01 For the equation \(5x^2+2x+1=0\), what is the sign of the discriminant \(D\) and the nature of its roots?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. D < 0, no real roots
Explanation: Here, \(a=5\), \(b=2\), and \(c=1\). Thus, the discriminant is \(D=b^2-4ac=2^2-4(5)(1)=4-20=-16\), so \(D<0\). A negative discriminant means that the quadratic equation has no real roots; its roots are complex conjugates. Option B would be correct only if \(D=0\). Exam tip: remember that \(D<0\), \(D=0\), and \(D>0\) correspond respectively to no real roots, equal real roots, and distinct real roots.