Multiple choice

If $\left(a+b+c\right)>0$ and $<0

  1. Real and distinct roots

  2. Roots are imaginary

  3. Product of roots is negative

  4. Products of roots is positive

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
AI explanation

Expanding the given equation $a(x-b)(x-c) + b(x-c) + c(x-a)(x-b) = 0$ results in a quadratic equation where the leading coefficient is $(a+c)$ and the constant term evaluates to $abc$. The product of the roots of this quadratic equation is given by dividing the constant term by the leading coefficient, which results in $abc / (a+c)$. Because the problem specifies that $0 < b < c$ and $(a+b+c) > 0$ (though logically $a$ must be positive to maintain the inequalities with $b$ and $c$), all components in the fraction $abc / (a+c)$ are positive. Therefore, the product of the roots must be positive.