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Question:

For what values of k, the roots of the quadratic equation (k+4)x²+(k+1)x+1=0 are equal?

Solution:

In equation ax² + bx + c = 0
If roots are equal, then b² - 4ac = 0
In given equation, (k+4)x² + (k+1)x + 1 = 0
Where a = (k+4), b = (k+1) and c = 1
Then, (k+1)² - 4(k+4) × 1 = 0
⇒ k² + 2k + 1 - 4k - 16 = 0
⇒ k² - 2k - 15 = 0
⇒ k² - 5k + 3k - 15 = 0
⇒ k(k - 5) + 3(k - 5) = 0
⇒ (k - 5)(k + 3) = 0
If k - 5 = 0 then k = 5
If k + 3 = 0 then k = -3