Question

Given a quadratic equation px^2 + 8x + 2 does not have real roots. Determine the range of the values of p.

[4 marks]

Answer 1

Explanation:

For a quadratic equation to have no real roots, the discriminant b² - 4ac must be negative.

For px² + 8x + 2 = 0,

We have a = p, b = 8 and c = 2.

=> (8)² - 4(p)(2) < 0

=> 64 - 8p < 0

=> 8p > 64

=> p > 8

Hence the range for p is p > 8.