Discriminants of Quadratics and Cubics

Polynomial functions can be characterized by number and type of x-intercepts as well as by end behavior. Use this activity to help students discover the number/type of solutions to cubic polynomials. Students start by reviewing how the discriminant value relates to the number/type of solutions for a quadratic function, and then connect this thinking to cubic functions. For a copy of the handout referenced in the activity, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WrprC95fGUCiy-dq7G6XfsL1g8QkY-_5C-4dhdJ8NuI/edit?usp=sharing

By Desmos _