Question: What is the value of k if the roots of the equation x^2 - kx + 9 = 0 are real and distinct?
Options:
Correct Answer: k < 18
Solution:
For the roots to be real and distinct, the discriminant must be greater than zero: k^2 - 4(1)(9) > 0, which simplifies to k^2 > 36, hence k < -6 or k > 6.