Math Problem Statement

The value of ‘a’ for which the quadratic expression ax² + |2a – 3|x – 6 is positive for exactly three integral values of x is?

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to find the values of aa for which the quadratic expression ax2+2a3x6ax^2 + |2a - 3|x - 6 is positive for exactly three integral values of xx.

Step 1: Analyzing the quadratic expression

The expression given is: ax2+2a3x6ax^2 + |2a - 3|x - 6 This is a quadratic equation in xx, and the general form of a quadratic equation is Ax2+Bx+CAx^2 + Bx + C.

Here, A=aA = a, B=2a3B = |2a - 3|, and C=6C = -6.

Step 2: Determining when the quadratic is positive

For a quadratic expression ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c to be positive for exactly three integral values of xx, it must have its roots such that the quadratic is positive in two intervals and zero at three integer points. This implies that the quadratic must touch the x-axis at one integer and cross the x-axis at two other integers. Thus, the roots must include one double root and two simple roots (which happen at integers).

Step 3: Nature of roots

For the quadratic to have exactly three integral roots:

  1. The quadratic discriminant Δ\Delta must be a perfect square.
  2. The roots must include exactly one double root.

The discriminant Δ\Delta of the quadratic ax2+bx6ax^2 + bx - 6 is given by: Δ=B24AC=(2a3)24(a)(6)\Delta = B^2 - 4AC = (|2a - 3|)^2 - 4(a)(-6) Substituting the values: Δ=2a32+24a\Delta = |2a - 3|^2 + 24a

Step 4: Find the values of aa

The discriminant must be a perfect square and yield three integral roots. By analyzing the discriminant under these conditions, we set up the equation to test possible values of aa using the given options and find which option gives exactly three integral values for xx.

After solving the quadratic equation for different values of aa in the options provided, we determine the range where this condition holds.

Conclusion:

Based on the conditions and the possible ranges of aa, the correct answer can be deduced from the given options.

The correct answer, considering all cases and simplifying, is:

Option D: [35,16)\boxed{\text{Option D: } \left[-\frac{3}{5}, -\frac{1}{6}\right)}

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Absolute Values
Inequalities

Formulas

Quadratic discriminant: Δ = B² - 4AC
Quadratic equation: ax² + bx + c = 0

Theorems

Conditions for roots: A quadratic equation with roots being real and distinct or real and coincident.
Discriminant properties for positive roots: The discriminant must be a perfect square to have integer roots.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12