What is descriminant in math

If 21.2 kcals of energy is released by this reaction, how many kj does the reaction release? (1 cal 4.184 j)

Idon’t quite understand this problem

Total solidification times of three casting geometries are to be compared: a sphere, a cylinder, in which the length-to-diameter ration - 1.0, and a cube. volume = 1000 cm^3 for all three shhapes, and the same casting alloy is used. a) determine the solidification times of each geometry b) based on the results of part (a), which geometric element would make the best riser? c) if the mold constant = 3.5 min/cm^2 in chvorinov's rule, compute the total solidification time for each casting.