If the discriminant of the quadratic equation $3x^2 - 2x + c = 0$ is 16, then the value of $c$ is :

Question

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **Option C: $-1$** Here, $a = 3$, $b = -2$, $c = c$. Discriminant $= b^2 - 4ac = (-2)^2 - 4(3)(c) = 4 - 12c = 16$ $\Rightarrow -12c = 12 \Rightarrow c = -1$ Source: Chapter 4, Section 4.4 Nature of Roots ## Explanation The discriminant is $b^2 - 4ac$. Substitute the given values and set equal to 16, then solve for $c$. Students often make a sign error with $-4ac$ — be careful that $4 	imes 3 	imes c = 12c$, giving $4 - 12c = 16$, so $c = -1$.

Mathematics — CBSE Class 10 board question