Question

Let r and s be the roots of x^2 - 6x + 2 = 0. Find (r - s)^2.

Answer 1

Answer:
`(r-s)^(2) = 28`

Explanation:

• 
  `x^(2) -6x+9=-2+9`
• 
  `(x-3)^(2)=7`
• 
  `(x-3)= -√(7)` or
  `√(7)` <-- there's no plus/minus sign.

• 
  `(x-3) = -√(7)`
• 
  `x = 3 -√(7)` <-- root.

• 
  `(x-3) = √(7)`
• 
  `x = 3+√(7)` <-- root.

• 
  `[(3-√(7))-(3+√(7))]^(2)`
• 
  `(3-√(7) -3 - √(7))^(2)` <-- don't forget to distribute the negative.
• 
  `(-2√(7))^(2)`
• 
  `(4)(7)`
• 
  `28`