Multiple choice

For the roots of the equation $a-bx-x^2=0$; $(a > 0; b > 0)$ which statement is true-

  1. positive and same sign

  2. negative and same sign

  3. greater root in magnitude, negative and opposite in signs

  4. greater root in magnitude, positive and opposite in signs

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The equation is x^2 + bx - a = 0. The product of roots is -a. Since a > 0, the product is negative, meaning the roots have opposite signs. The sum of roots is -b. Since b > 0, the sum is negative, meaning the root with the larger absolute value must be negative.

AI explanation

The roots of the quadratic equation -x^2-bx+a=0 are found using the quadratic formula. The roots are [-b + sqrt(b^2+4a)]/(-2) and [-b - sqrt(b^2+4a)]/(-2), which simplify to [b - sqrt(b^2+4a)]/2 and [b + sqrt(b^2+4a)]/2. Since a and b are both positive, the square root term is strictly greater than b, making the first root positive and the second root negative. Comparing their magnitudes, the negative root has a larger absolute value because its numerator is a sum of two positive numbers. The roots have opposite signs and the greater root in magnitude is negative.