Question: What is the value of k for which the equation x^2 + 2kx + 16 = 0 has real roots? (2021)
Options:
Correct Answer: 8
Exam Year: 2021
Solution:
The discriminant must be non-negative: (2k)^2 - 4(1)(16) ≥ 0. This gives 4k^2 - 64 ≥ 0, leading to k^2 ≥ 16, so k ≥ 4.