A quadratic equation is shown below: 10x2 − 3x − 1 = 0 Part A: Describe the solution(s) to the equation by just determining the radicand. Show your work. (5 points) Part B: Solve 16x2 − 2x − 5 = 0 by using an appropriate method. Show the steps of your work, and explain why you chose the method used. (5 points)

Part A:
 For this case we have the following equation:
 10x2 - 3x - 1 = 0
 The radicand of the equation is:
 root (b ^ 2 - 4 * a * c)
 Substituting values:
 root ((- 3) ^ 2 - 4 * (10) * (- 1))
 root (9 + 40)
 root (49)
 49> 0
 Therefore, the function has two real roots.

 Part B:
 For this case we have the following equation:
 16x2 - 2x - 5 = 0
 Factoring we have:
 (2x + 1) * (8x-5) = 0
 The solutions are:
 x = -1/2
 x = 5/8
 The method of factoring is usually faster when solving quadratic equations.