Nature of Roots

Rarely Tested

Nature of Roots

## Formula

For:

$$ax^2+bx+c=0$$

### Real and Distinct Roots

$$b^2-4ac>0$$

### Real and Equal Roots

$$b^2-4ac=0$$

### Non-Real Complex Roots

$$b^2-4ac<0$$

## Conditions / Special Cases

For real coefficients, if the roots are non-real, they occur as conjugate pairs.

If:

$$\alpha=a+ib$$

is a root, then:

$$\beta=a-ib$$

is also a root.

## Usage

- Used in questions asking for conditions on parameters for a specified type of roots.

Question 1

The sum of all integral values of $$k$$ ($$k \neq 0$$) for which the equation $$\frac{2}{x-1} - \frac{1}{x-2} = \frac{2}{k}$$ in $$x$$ has no real roots, is _________

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