Find the values of p for which the equation x\(^2\) - (p - 2)x + 2p + 1 = 0
A
(21, 0)
B
(0, 12)
C
(1, 2)
D
(3, 4)
E
(4, 5)
Verified Correct Answer: B.
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
Equal roots implies b\(^2\) - 4ac = 0
a = 1, b = - (p - 2), c = 2p + 1
[-(p - 2)]\(^2\) - 4 x 1 x (2p + 1) = 0
p\(^2\) - 4p + 4 - 4(2p + 1) = 0
p\(^2\) - 4p = 4 - 8p - 4 = 0
p\(^2\) - 12p = 0
p(p - 12) = 0
p = 0 or 12
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #32219)