Home » Further Mathematics » If (Px^{2} + (P+1)x + P = 0) has equal roots, find the values of…

If (Px^{2} + (P+1)x + P = 0) has equal roots, find the values of…

If (Px^{2} + (P+1)x + P = 0) has equal roots, find the values of P.

  • A.
    (text{-1 and }frac{-1}{3})
  • B.
    (text{1 and }frac{-1}{3})
  • C.
    (text{-1 and }frac{1}{3})
  • D.
    (text{1 and }frac{1}{3})
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation

For equal roots, (b^{2} – 4ac = 0)

From the equation, (a = P, b = (P+1), c = P)

((P+1)^{2} – 4(P)(P) = P^{2} + 2P + 1 – 4P^{2} = 0)

(-3P^{2} + 2P + 1 = 0 implies 3P^{2} – 2P – 1 = 0)

(3P^{2} – 3P + P – 1 = 0)

(3P(P – 1) + 1(P – 1) = 0)

(P = text{1 or }frac{-1}{3})