It has the general form: 0 = ax2 + bx + c Each of the constant terms (a, b, and c) may be positive or negative numbers. ... Since nothing can exist as a negative concentration, the other answer must be the RIGHT one. Let's work through a typical quadratic calculation that you might find in equilibrium problems.
Can a quadratic be negative?
A quadratic expression which always takes positive values is called positive definite, while one which always takes negative values is called negative definite. Quadratics of either type never take the value 0, and so their discriminant is negative.
Can first term be negative?
And that means that this sequence is even numbers. The first negative term will be the first negative even number, negative two. However, if you didn't immediately recognize that pattern, there is something else we can do.