The equation 2x² + px - 6 = 0 has equal roots.

Find the value (s) of p as a surd in its simplest form.

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer:

There is no p value that answers the question.

Discussion:

Consider the quadratic ax^2 + b^x + c = 0. The solution is

x = (-b + / - sqrt (b^2-4ac)) / 2a

If b^2-4ac is NOT zero then there are two values of x that solve the equation. In b^2-4ac = 0, then both roots are equal, so there is only one solution.

Taking a = 2, b = p, and c = - 6, in the quadratic formula:

b^2 - 4ac = 0 = > (again, = 0 for a single root)

p^2 - 4 (2) (-6) = 0 = >

p^2 + 48 = 0 = >

which has no real solution as p^2 > = 0, so p^2 + 48 > = 48 which means that p^2 + 48 = 0 is not possible

Regards,

MrB