Q. If one root of the equation $x^{2} + px + 12 = 0$ is 4, while the equation $x^{2} + px + q = 0$ has equal roots, then the value of $q$ is

A) 4
B) 12
C) 3
D) $\frac{49}{4}$
Explanation

(d)
Let 4 and $\alpha$ be roots of given equation
$\therefore 4\alpha = 12\ \ \ \ \ \Rightarrow \alpha = 3$
And $4 + 3 = - p\ \ \ \ \Rightarrow \ \ \ \ p = - 7$
$\therefore$ Equation $x^{2} + px + q = 0$ will reduce to $x^{2} - 7x + q = 0$
Let this equation have $\beta,\ \beta$ as its roots
$\therefore\ \ 2\beta = 7\ \ \ \Rightarrow \ \ \ \beta = \frac{7}{2}$ and $\beta^{2} = q$
$\Rightarrow \ \ \ \ q = \left( \frac{7}{2} \right)^{2} = \frac{49}{4}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.