Math Problem Statement

Find a so that the sum and product of the roots of the equation 2x^2 + (a - 3)x + 3a - 5 = 0 are equal.

Solution

The equation in the image is:

2x2+(a3)x+3a5=02x^2 + (a - 3)x + 3a - 5 = 0

You are asked to find aa such that the sum and product of the roots of this quadratic equation are equal.

Step 1: General quadratic formula

For any quadratic equation of the form:

Ax2+Bx+C=0Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0

  • The sum of the roots is given by BA-\frac{B}{A}.
  • The product of the roots is given by CA\frac{C}{A}.

Step 2: Sum and product of the roots

For the given quadratic equation:

2x2+(a3)x+(3a5)=02x^2 + (a - 3)x + (3a - 5) = 0

Here, A=2A = 2, B=a3B = a - 3, and C=3a5C = 3a - 5.

  • The sum of the roots is BA=a32-\frac{B}{A} = -\frac{a - 3}{2}.
  • The product of the roots is CA=3a52\frac{C}{A} = \frac{3a - 5}{2}.

Step 3: Set the sum equal to the product

We are told that the sum and product of the roots are equal, so:

a32=3a52-\frac{a - 3}{2} = \frac{3a - 5}{2}

Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the denominators:

(a3)=3a5-(a - 3) = 3a - 5

Simplify the equation:

a+3=3a5-a + 3 = 3a - 5

Now solve for aa:

3+5=3a+a3 + 5 = 3a + a 8=4a8 = 4a a=2a = 2

Final Answer:

The value of aa is 22.


Would you like further details or clarification?

Here are some additional related questions:

  1. How do you find the discriminant of this quadratic equation?
  2. What are the specific roots of the equation when a=2a = 2?
  3. Can the sum and product of roots be negative for certain values of aa?
  4. What happens to the equation when a=0a = 0?
  5. How does changing the coefficient AA affect the sum and product of the roots?

Tip: The relationship between the sum and product of the roots is crucial in solving problems involving quadratic equations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations

Formulas

Sum of the roots: -B/A
Product of the roots: C/A
Quadratic equation: Ax^2 + Bx + C = 0

Theorems

Sum and product of the roots of a quadratic equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11