Question

The value of ‘a’ for which ax² + x + a = 0 has equal and positive roots is ______.

Options

• 2

• −2

• `1/2`

• `-1/2`

Answer 1

The value of ‘a’ for which ax² + x + a = 0 has equal and positive roots is `bbunderline(-1/2)`.

Explanation:

ax² + x + a = 0

For equal and positive roots

D = 0

b² − 4ac = 0

(1)² − 4a × a = 0

1 = 4a²

a² = `1/4`

a = `± 1/2`

The value of a that makes the roots equal and positive is `-1/2`.