If the quadratic equation x^2 + mx + n = 0 has roots 2 and -3, what is the value

Practice Questions

Q1
If the quadratic equation x^2 + mx + n = 0 has roots 2 and -3, what is the value of m + n?
  1. -1
  2. 5
  3. 1
  4. 3

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

If the quadratic equation x^2 + mx + n = 0 has roots 2 and -3, what is the value of m + n?
  • Step 1: Identify the roots of the quadratic equation, which are given as 2 and -3.
  • Step 2: Use Vieta's formulas, which tell us that for a quadratic equation of the form x^2 + mx + n = 0, the sum of the roots (2 + (-3)) is equal to -m.
  • Step 3: Calculate the sum of the roots: 2 + (-3) = -1.
  • Step 4: Set the sum of the roots equal to -m: -1 = -m.
  • Step 5: Solve for m: m = 1.
  • Step 6: Use Vieta's formulas again, which state that the product of the roots (2 * -3) is equal to n.
  • Step 7: Calculate the product of the roots: 2 * -3 = -6.
  • Step 8: Set the product of the roots equal to n: n = -6.
  • Step 9: Now, find m + n: m + n = 1 + (-6).
  • Step 10: Calculate m + n: 1 - 6 = -5.
  • Vieta's Formulas – These formulas relate the coefficients of a polynomial to sums and products of its roots.
  • Quadratic Equations – Understanding the standard form of a quadratic equation and how to derive coefficients from given roots.
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