Problema Solution

If the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation 1/x+p + 1/x+q = 1/r is zero then show that the product of their roots is -(p^2+q^2)/2

Answer provided by our tutors

1/x+p + 1/x+q = 1/r.

(x+p+x+q)/(x+p)(x+q)=1/r.

(2x+p+q)/(x^2 +(p+q)x+pq)=1/r.

x^2 +(p+q)x+pq=2xr+r(p+q).

x^2+(p+q-2r)+(pq-pr-qr).

Sum of roots =-b/2a =0 b=0.

p+q-2r=0.

p+q=2r.

prodcut of roots =c/a.

=(pq-pr-qr)

=(pq-(p+q)*r).

Now susbtitute p+q=2r in above equation .

=pq-(p+q)*(p+q)/2.

=(2pq-(p+q)^2)/2.

=(2pq-p^2-q^2-2pq)/2.

=-(p^2+q^2)/2.

Thus proved.