Multiple choice

If the quadratic equation ax2 + 10x + 5 = 0 has exactly one solution, then what is the value of a?

  1. 2

  2. 3

  3. 4

  4. 5
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

For a quadratic to have exactly one solution, the discriminant b^2 - 4ac must be 0. Here, 10^2 - 4 * a * 5 = 0, so 100 - 20a = 0, which means a = 5.

AI explanation

A quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has exactly one real solution when its discriminant is zero, meaning b2 - 4ac = 0. Substituting b = 10 and c = 5 into the discriminant formula gives 102 - 4(a)(5) = 0. This simplifies to 100 - 20a = 0. Solving this linear equation gives 20a = 100, so a = 5.

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