# Math Help - Roots of a Quadraitc Equation

1. ## Roots of a Quadraitc Equation

Hi,
I would appreciate any help with the following question.

Given that the roots of the equation x² + ax + (a + 2) = 0 differ by two, find the possible values of constant a.

2. ## Re: Roots of a Quadraitc Equation

Use the quadratic equation to get an expression for the two roots of the equation, and set the difference between them equal to two:

$x_1 = \frac {-a + \sqrt{a^2-4(a+2)}}2$

$x_2 = \frac {-a - \sqrt{a^2-4(a+2)}}2$

subtract, and set equal to 2:

$x_1 - x_2 = \sqrt{a^2-4(a+2)} = 2$

Now solve for a - square both sides, rearrange, and use the quadratic formula.

3. ## Re: Roots of a Quadraitc Equation

Another way: $(x- x_0)(x- x_1)= x^2- (x_0+ x_1)x+ x_0x_1= 0$ so if $x_0$ and $x_1$ are roots of $x^2+ ax+ (a+ 2)= 0$ then we must have $x_0+ x_1= a$ and $x_0x_1= a+ 2$. Knowing also that "the roots of the equation x² + ax + (a + 2) = 0 differ by two", so that $x_1= x_0+ 2$, we have three equations to solve for the three values, $x_0$, $x_1$, a.

4. ## Re: Roots of a Quadraitc Equation

Hi,
Thanks very much for your help.
Much appreciated.

5. ## Re: Roots of a Quadraitc Equation

Thanks a lot for your help.