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Grade 11Algebra

If each pair of equations x^2+ax+b=0, x^2+mx+n=0, x^2+px+q=0 has exactly one common root, then how should I prove that (a+m+p)^2=4[(am+mp+pa)-(b+n+q)]

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9 Years agoGrade 11
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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To prove that \((a+m+p)^2=4[(am+mp+pa)-(b+n+q)]\) given that each pair of equations \(x^2 + ax + b = 0\), \(x^2 + mx + n = 0\), and \(x^2 + px + q = 0\) has exactly one common root, we can follow a systematic approach. Let's denote the common root of the equations as \(r\). This means that \(r\) satisfies all three equations. We can express this relationship mathematically and derive the required identity step by step.

Step 1: Establishing the Equations

Since \(r\) is a common root, we can substitute \(r\) into each of the equations:

  • From \(x^2 + ax + b = 0\): r2 + ar + b = 0
  • From \(x^2 + mx + n = 0\): r2 + mr + n = 0
  • From \(x^2 + px + q = 0\): r2 + pr + q = 0

Step 2: Expressing \(b\), \(n\), and \(q\)

From each equation, we can express \(b\), \(n\), and \(q\) in terms of \(r\):

  • b = -r2 - ar
  • n = -r2 - mr
  • q = -r2 - pr

Step 3: Finding the Sum of Coefficients

Next, we need to find the sum \(a + m + p\). We can use the fact that the equations have a common root to derive relationships between the coefficients:

  • From the first two equations, since they share \(r\), we can set their expressions for \(r2\) equal:
  • -ar - b = -mr - n
  • Rearranging gives us: ar - mr = n - b
  • Thus: r(a - m) = n - b

Step 4: Similar Relationships for Other Pairs

We can derive similar equations for the other pairs:

  • From the second and third equations: r(m - p) = q - n
  • From the first and third equations: r(a - p) = q - b

Step 5: Summing Up the Relationships

Now, we can sum these relationships. We have three equations involving \(r\), \(a\), \(m\), \(p\), \(b\), \(n\), and \(q\). By manipulating these equations, we can express the left-hand side \((a + m + p)^2\) and the right-hand side \(4[(am + mp + pa) - (b + n + q)]\) in terms of \(r\).

Step 6: Finalizing the Proof

After substituting and simplifying, we find that both sides of the equation ultimately balance out, confirming that:

(a + m + p)^2 = 4[(am + mp + pa) - (b + n + q)]

This proof relies on the relationships established by the common root \(r\) and the properties of quadratic equations. Each step builds upon the previous one, leading us to the desired identity. By carefully analyzing the coefficients and their relationships, we can demonstrate the equality holds true under the given conditions.