The quadratic equation x² − 4x + k = 0 has distinct real roots if:
(4)
Given x² − 4x + k = 0. For distinct real roots, D > 0.
⇒ (−4)² − 4×1×k > 0 ⇒ 16 − 4k > 0 ⇒ 16 > 4k ⇒ k < 4.