The discriminate formula is b squared minus four ac for quadratic equation in standard form ax squared plus bx plus c. Is it possible to solve this quadratic equation without calculating discriminant?The discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula underneath the square root symbol: b²-4ac. Quartic discriminant. I use these notes to introduce the Quadratic Formula and the discriminant . It includes equations with 0, 1, or 2 real solutions. I literally went to the bathroom in the middle of a test and looked this up you are a lifesaver. This also tells the number of roots and whether or not the roots are real or imaginary. What is the discriminant formula? B2 = 9 and 4ac = 20.