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MathRevolution
If 2 roots of an equation x^2-3x-3 = 0 are m and n, what is the value of m^2+n^2?

A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 24
E. 25

* A solution will be posted in two days.

With acegmat123

That's the perfect and easiest way of solving this question

With (C) hence...

PS : Good question MathRevolution ...
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Can someone post a step by step solution pls...Kudos for this
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AK125
Can someone post a step by step solution pls...Kudos for this

Hi AK125,

x^2-3x-3=(x-m)(x-n)=x^2-(m+n)x+mn so, m-n=3 and mn=-3

Thank you.
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It is not clear enough. I miss some step above. please any help ?
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MathRevolution
==>From x^2-3x-3=(x-m)(x-n)=x^2-(m+n)x+mn, you get m+n=3 and mn=-3. Then you get m^2+n^2=(m+n)^2-2mn=3^2-2*(-3)=15. The answer is C.

Answer: C

I don't understand when you solve for (m^2 + n^2) and use (m+n)^2 - 2mn in its place

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MathRevolution
==>From x^2-3x-3=(x-m)(x-n)=x^2-(m+n)x+mn, you get m+n=3 and mn=-3. Then you get m^2+n^2=(m+n)^2-2mn=3^2-2*(-3)=15. The answer is C.

Answer: C

I don't understand when you solve for (m^2 + n^2) and use (m+n)^2 - 2mn in its place

Posted from my mobile device


We do know m+n which equals 3. And we know mn which is -3.

If we square (m+n) -->

(m+n)^2 = m^2 + 2mn + n^2

Plug in what we do know (green):

(3)^2 = m^2 + 2(-3) + n^2
--> 9 = m^2 - 6 + n^2
--> 15 = m^2 + n^2

Hope its clear!
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Sum of the roots = 3 (m+n)
Product of the roots = -3 (mn)
m^2 + n^2 = (m+n)^2 -2mn = 9+6 = 15

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­Its easier to use the formula for roots.

x has two solutions, x = [-b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)] / 2a

hence, m = [ -(-3) + sqrt ((9 - 4(1)(-3))]/2(1)
= [3 + sqrt (21)] / 2
Similarly, n = [3 - sqrt (21)] /2
so, m^2 + n^2 = [9 + 21 + 6sqrt(21) + 9 + 21 - 6sqrt(21)]/4 = 60/4 = 15
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