To determine the value of b² – 4ac for the quadratic equation x² + 5x + 4 = 0, we first need to identify the coefficients a, b, and c.
In this equation:
- a = 1 (the coefficient of x²)
- b = 5 (the coefficient of x)
- c = 4 (the constant term)
Now, we can apply the values to the formula b² – 4ac:
1. Calculate b²:
- b² = (5)² = 25
2. Calculate 4ac:
- 4ac = 4 * 1 * 4 = 16
3. Now, plug these values back into the equation:
- b² – 4ac = 25 – 16 = 9
Thus, the value of b² – 4ac for the given equation is 9.