Bunuel
If the difference between the roots of the equation \(x^2 + ax + 1 = 0\) is less than √5, then the set of possible values of \(a\) is
A. \(a < -3\)
B. \(-3 < a < 3\)
C. \(3 < a < 5\)
D. \(5 < a < 7\)
E. \(a > 7\)
Formula: For the quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c=0\), Sum of the roots = \(\frac{−b}{a}\) & Product of the roots = \(\frac{c}{a}\)Let the roots of \(x^2 + ax + 1 = 0\) be \(m\) & \(n\) respectively
--> \(m + n = \frac{-a}{1} = -a\) & \(mn = 1\)
Given, \(m - n < √5\)
--> \((m - n)^2 < 5\)
--> \((m + n)^2 - 4mn < 5\)
--> \((-a)^2 - 4 < 5\)
--> \(a^2 < 9\)
--> \(a^2 < 3^2\)
Formula: If \(x^2 < a^2\), Solution is \(-a < x < a\)--> Solution is \(-3 < a < 3\)
Option B
i know there is this formula for finding roots of quadratic equation \(\frac{-b+\sqrt{D}}{2a }\) and \(\frac{-b-\sqrt{D}}{2a }\)
I wonder what is the difference between formula i mentioned above and this one ---- > For the quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c=0\), Sum of the roots = \(\frac{−b}{a}\) & Product of the roots = \(\frac{c}{a}\)
are they interchangeable ? And in which case it is best to use either of them ?