Equation with Given Roots

Rarely Tested

Equation with Given Roots

## Definition / Concept

A quadratic equation can be constructed when its roots are known.

## Formula

If the roots are $\alpha$ and $\beta$, then:

$$(x-\alpha)(x-\beta)=0$$

Therefore:

$$x^2-(\alpha+\beta)x+\alpha\beta=0$$

The general equation is:

$$k[x^2-(\alpha+\beta)x+\alpha\beta]=0,\qquad k\ne0$$

## Usage

- Used to construct a quadratic equation when roots or their relations are given.

Question 1

If the function $$f(x) = 2x^3 - 9ax^2 + 12a^2x + 1$$, $$a > 0$$ has a local maximum at $$x = \alpha$$ and a local minimum at $$x = \alpha^2$$, then $$\alpha$$ and $$\alpha^2$$ are the roots of the equation :

Question 2

If $$p$$ and $$q$$ are non-zero real numbers and $$\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = -p$$, $$\alpha\beta = q$$, then a quadratic equation whose roots are $$\frac{\alpha^2}{\beta}$$, $$\frac{\beta^2}{\alpha}$$ is :

Question 3

Let $$\lambda \neq 0$$ be a real number. Let $$\alpha, \beta$$ be the roots of the equation $$14x^2 - 31x + 3\lambda = 0$$ and $$\alpha, \gamma$$ be the roots of the equation $$35x^2 - 53x + 4\lambda = 0$$. Then $$\frac{3\alpha}{\beta}$$ and $$\frac{4\alpha}{\gamma}$$ are the roots of the equation:

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