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a0w
Lv 5
a0w asked in Science & MathematicsMathematics · 10 years ago

Problem on alpha and beta on algebra?

The real roots of the equation x^2+6x+c=0 differ by 2n, where n is a non-zero.

(i) show that n^2=9-c

(ii) if the roots are opposite signs, find the set of possible values of n.

2 Answers

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  • God
    Lv 7
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    D=36-4c

    x1,2 = (-6 +/- sqr(D))/2 = -3 +/- sqr(36-4c)/2

    x2-x1 = (-3+sqr(36-4c)/2) - (-3-sqr(36-4c)/2) = sqr(36-4c) = 2n

    36-4c = 4*n^2

    9-4c = n^2

    -------------

    -3-sqr(36-4c)/2 <0, -3 + sqr(36-4c)/2>0

    -3-sqr(9-c)<0, -3+sqr(9-c)>0

    1st condition: 9-c>0 -> c<9

    -3+sqr(9-c)>0 -> sqr(9-c)>3 -> 9-c>9 -> c<0

    Therefore 9-4c>9 -> n^2 >3 -> n>sqr(3), n<-sqr(3)

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    (i)

    Let us assume the roots of the given quadratic equation to be l and m.

    Now, For a given quadratic equation ax^2+bx+c ,

    Sum of roots = -b/a

    Product of roots = c/a.

    Difference between roots = ( b^2 - 4ac ) / (a^2)

    Here, l+m = -6 ; l*m = c ; l-m = 36-4c = 2n(as given in question)

    This is a system of linear equations in two variables.On solving, we get

    l = n-3 and m = -(n+3).

    So, l*m = c (as seen above)

    =>

    (n-3) * [-(n+3)] = c.

    =>

    9-n^2 = c.

    Or, n^2 = 9-c.

    (ii)

    Now,

    l-m = sqrt[(l+m)^2 - 4lm]

    = 36-4c = 2n.

    =>

    n = 18-2c.

    For real roots,We have

    36-4c >= 0

    => c <= 9.

    => 2c <= 18.

    => -2c >= -18

    => 18-2c >= 0.

    => n >= 0.

    For l > 0 and m < 0,

    n-3 > 0 and -(n+3) < 0.

    =>

    n > 3.

    For l < 0 and m > 0,

    n-3 < 0 and -(n+3) > 0.

    =>

    n < -3.

    =>

    n<-3&n>3.

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