Art of Problem Solving

1962 AHSME Problems/Problem 21: Difference between revisions

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==Solution==
==Solution==
{{solution}}
If a quadratic with real coefficients has two non-real roots, the two roots must be complex conjugates of one another.
This means the other root of the given quadratic is <math>\overline{3+2i}=3-2i</math>.
Now Vieta's formulas say that <math>s/2</math> is equal to the product of the two roots, so
<math>s = 2(3+2i)(3-2i) = \boxed{26 \textbf{ (E)}}</math>.
 
==See Also==
{{AHSME 40p box|year=1962|before=Problem 20|num-a=22}}
 
[[Category:Introductory Algebra Problems]]
{{MAA Notice}}

Latest revision as of 21:19, 3 October 2014

Problem

It is given that one root of $2x^2 + rx + s = 0$, with $r$ and $s$ real numbers, is $3+2i (i = \sqrt{-1})$. The value of $s$ is:

$\textbf{(A)}\ \text{undetermined}\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 5\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 6\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ -13\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 26$

Solution

If a quadratic with real coefficients has two non-real roots, the two roots must be complex conjugates of one another. This means the other root of the given quadratic is $\overline{3+2i}=3-2i$. Now Vieta's formulas say that $s/2$ is equal to the product of the two roots, so $s = 2(3+2i)(3-2i) = \boxed{26 \textbf{ (E)}}$.

See Also

1962 AHSC (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 20
Followed by
Problem 22
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