For which values of b will the equation x^2+bx+1=0 have real solutions?

The discriminant (b^2 - 4ac) will need to be zero or positive:

b^2 - 4(1)(1) ≥ 0
b^2 ≥ 4
|b| ≥ 2

b ≥ 2

-b ≥ 2
b ≤ -2

b ≥ 2 OR b ≤ -2

The discriminant from the quadratic formula in this case is b^2-4. What happens when it is negative?
What are the appropriate values of b?

Use the quadratic formula to answer the question.