Find the value(s) of p for which the quadratic equation given as: has real and equal roots. Also, find the roots of the equation(s) so obtained
Answer: The values of are and . When , the roots are . When , the roots are .
Step-by-step solution
Step 1: Identify coefficients of the quadratic equation
Comparing the given equation with the standard form , we identify , , and . Since it is a quadratic equation, the coefficient of cannot be 0, so .
Step 2: Set the discriminant to zero for equal roots
A quadratic equation has real and equal roots if and only if its discriminant . Substituting the values of , , and , we set up the equation for .
Step 3: Solve the equation for p
Expanding the discriminant expression gives , which simplifies to . Factoring this quadratic equation gives , so or . Both values satisfy .
Step 4: Find the roots when
For , the quadratic equation becomes . When the discriminant is 0, the equal roots are given by . Here, , so the roots are .
Step 5: Find the roots when
For , the quadratic equation becomes . Using the formula for equal roots , we get , so the roots are .