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Bunuel
What is the value of (s+t) if the equation (3x^2 + tx + s) has 2 and 3 as its roots?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 7
D. 18
E. 33
There are two ways to do it.
But prior to that, you should know what does 'roots of a quadratic equation' means.
Roots are the values of x that when substituted in equation will make the equation zero. A quadratic equation will have maximum two roots.

For example ..\(ax^2+bx+c=0\) when x is replaced with the roots.

(1) Substitute the value of roots in equation
\(3x^2 + tx + s\)
Root 2: \(3x^2 + tx + s\).... \(3*2^2 + t*2 + s=0......12+2t+s=0\)...(i)
Root 3: \(3x^2 + tx + s\).... \(3*3^2 + t*3 + s=0......27+3t+s=0\)..(ii)
Subtract (i) from (ii)...15+t=0...t=-15
Now 12+2*(-15)+s=0...s=18
Thus s+t=18-15=3

(2) formula of sum and product
As also shown by bb
Sum of roots of a quadratic equation =\( -\frac{b}{a}\)
So 2+3=\( -\frac{t}{3}\) or t=5*(-3)=-15
Product of roots of a quadratic equation =\( \frac{c}{a}\)
So 2*3=\( \frac{s}{3}\) or s=6*3=18

Thus s+t = 18+(-15) = 3
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One more approach to solve such questions:

When roots (r1, r2) are given, rebuild the quadratic:
(x - r1)(x - r2) and then match coefficients.

Roots are 2 and 3 → factorized form of the equation:
(x - 2)(x - 3) = x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0 ...(1)

But our given equation is:
3x^2 + t x + s = 0 ...(2)
This is just equation (1) multiplied by 3.

Hence, multiplying equation (1) by 3:
3x^2 - 15x + 18 = 0

Comparing coefficients of equations (2) and the above:
t = -15, s = 18

Therefore:
s + t = 18 - 15 = 3

Answer: B (3)

Hope it’s clear!


ramelan
I am not following the existing explanation
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