If the roots of the equation [tex]$px^2 + q = 0$[/tex] differ by 1, what is the relationship between [tex]p[/tex] and [tex]q[/tex]?

A. [tex]p - 4q = 0[/tex]
B. [tex]p + 4q = 0[/tex]
C. [tex]p + 2q = 0[/tex]
D. [tex]p - 2q = 0[/tex]
E. [tex]3p = 4q[/tex]



Answer :

Sure, let’s solve the problem step by step. We are given a quadratic equation [tex]\( p x^2 + q = 0 \)[/tex], and we know that the roots differ by 1. We need to find the relationship between [tex]\( p \)[/tex] and [tex]\( q \)[/tex].

#### Step 1: Understanding the quadratic equation

The general form of a quadratic equation is [tex]\( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)[/tex]. In this case:
- Coefficient of [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( p \)[/tex]
- Coefficient of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is 0 (since there is no [tex]\( x \)[/tex]-term in the equation)
- Constant term is [tex]\( q \)[/tex]

#### Step 2: Using Vieta’s formulas

By Vieta’s formulas:
- The sum of the roots [tex]\( \alpha + \beta \)[/tex] is given by [tex]\( -\frac{b}{a} \)[/tex]. Since [tex]\( b = 0 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( a = p \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \alpha + \beta = -\frac{0}{p} = 0 \][/tex]

- The product of the roots [tex]\( \alpha \beta \)[/tex] is given by [tex]\( \frac{c}{a} \)[/tex]. Here [tex]\( c = q \)[/tex] and [tex]\( a = p \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \alpha \beta = \frac{q}{p} \][/tex]

#### Step 3: Roots difference condition

Given that the roots differ by 1, we can write:
[tex]\[ \alpha - \beta = 1 \quad \text{or} \quad \beta - \alpha = 1 \][/tex]

#### Step 4: Solving the system of equations

Using the conditions:
[tex]\[ \alpha + \beta = 0 \quad \text{and} \quad \alpha - \beta = 1 \][/tex]

We can solve these equations to find [tex]\( \alpha \)[/tex] and [tex]\( \beta \)[/tex]:
1. Adding the two equations:
[tex]\[ (\alpha + \beta) + (\alpha - \beta) = 0 + 1 \implies 2\alpha = 1 \implies \alpha = \frac{1}{2} \][/tex]

2. Substituting [tex]\( \alpha = \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] into [tex]\( \alpha + \beta = 0 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{1}{2} + \beta = 0 \implies \beta = -\frac{1}{2} \][/tex]

So, the roots are [tex]\( \alpha = \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] and [tex]\( \beta = -\frac{1}{2} \)[/tex].

#### Step 5: Product of the roots

Using the product of the roots:
[tex]\[ \alpha \beta = \frac{q}{p} \][/tex]
Substitute [tex]\( \alpha = \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex] and [tex]\( \beta = -\frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \left( \frac{1}{2} \right) \left( -\frac{1}{2} \right) = \frac{q}{p} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{q}{p} \][/tex]

#### Step 6: Relationship between [tex]\( p \)[/tex] and [tex]\( q \)[/tex]

We can rearrange the equation:
[tex]\[ p \cdot -\frac{1}{4} = q \][/tex]
[tex]\[ p = -4q \][/tex]

Thus, the relationship between [tex]\( p \)[/tex] and [tex]\( q \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ p + 4q = 0 \][/tex]

The correct answer is:

[tex]\[ \boxed{p + 4q = 0} \][/tex]

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