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QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

  • Proof based on concept of equal roots

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If the roots of the equation (b – c)x2 + (c – a)x + (a – b) = 0 are equal,

then prove that 2b = a + c.

Sol.

(b – c)x2 + (c – a)x + (a – b) = 0

On comparing with Ax2 + Bx + C = 0, we get

A = (b – c),

B = (c – a),

C = (a – b)

Since, given equation has equal roots

∴ B2 – 4AC = 0

∴ (c – a)2

4

(b – c)

(a – b)

= 0

∴ c2

– 2ac

+ a2

– 4

(ab

– b2

– ac

+ bc)

= 0

∴ c2

– 2ac

+ a2

– 4ab

+ 4b2

+ 4ac

– 4bc

= 0

(a + c)2

– 4b

(a + c)

+ (2b)2

= 0

∴ [(a + c)

(2b)

]2

= 0

Taking square roots on both sides

∴ (a + c) – (2b)

= 0

∴ a + c = 2b

Hence proved

What we need to prove?

What is given?

Means

B2 – 4AC = 0

Lets substitute the values

Since the coefficients in the equation are small alphabet a, b, c

We will write the standard form using Capital Alphabets A, B, C

Use

(x – y)2 = x2 – 2xy + y2

∴ c2

+ 2ac

+ a2

– 4ab

+ 4b2

– 4bc

= 0

We know

a2 + 2ac + c2 = (a + c)2

Rearranging the terms

∴ a2

+ 2ac

+ c2

– 4ab

– 4bc

+ 4b2

= 0

4b2 = (2b)2

x2

y2

x2 – 2xy + y2

= (x – y)2

Take – 4b common

– 2xy

– 2(a + c)2b

x = (a + c)

y = 2b