JAMB - Mathematics (1985 - No. 11)

Find the values of p for which the equation x\(^2\) - (p - 2)x + 2p + 1 = 0
(21, 0)
(0, 12)
(1, 2)
(3, 4)
(4, 5)

Explanation

Equal roots implies b\(^2\) - 4ac = 0

a = 1, b = - (p - 2), c = 2p + 1

[-(p - 2)]\(^2\) - 4 x 1 x (2p + 1) = 0

p\(^2\) - 4p + 4 - 4(2p + 1) = 0

p\(^2\) - 4p = 4 - 8p - 4 = 0

p\(^2\) - 12p = 0

p(p - 12) = 0

p = 0 or 12

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