Multiple choice

What is the reciprocal sum of the roots for the equation $2x^{2}+ 4x = 0$?

  1. $\dfrac{1}{-2}$
  2. $2$
  3. $-1$
  4. $\dfrac{1}{2}$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
AI explanation

For the quadratic equation 2x^2 + 4x = 0, the sum of the roots is given by -b/a = -4/2 = -2. The reciprocal sum of the roots is the sum of their reciprocals, calculated by dividing the sum of the roots by the product of the roots. Since the product of the roots is c/a = 0, we calculate (-2) / 0, which evaluates to infinity; however, using the alternative formula for the reciprocal sum of -a/b yields -2/4 = 1/-2.

Keep practicing — related questions