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The difference between the roots of the quadratic equation x^2+x+c=0 is 6. Find c.

User Romanzdk
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1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

c=-35/4

Explanation:

For this, we would use Vieta's theorem, which states the roots of the equation added together would equal -b/a, x₁ + x₂ = -b/a

Lets create a system with this:
x₁ - x₂ = 6 (This is given from the problem)

x₁ + x₂ = -b/a or -1/1, plugging in the values from your equation

next, we would add these systems together

x₁ + x₂ + (x₁ - x₂) = 6 + (-1)
x₁ + x₁ = 5
2x₁ = 5

x₁ = 2.5

If we plug x₁ back in, we get:

2.5 - x₂ = 6

-x₂ = 3.5

x₂ = -3.5


Now that we have the roots, we can use Vieta's theorem again to say

x₁ * x₂ = c/a

Plugging this in, we get:

2.5 * -3.5 = c/a

Lets change things to fractions to make things easier

5/2 * -7/2 = c/a

Plugging in a, we get

-35/4 = c/1

-35 = 4c

c = -35/4

Hope this helps!

User Rymdsmurf
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