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If alpha and beta are zeroes of p(x)=x2+x-2, find the value of 1/alpha - 1/beta. |
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Answer» Answer: 3 / 2 or - 3 / 2 Step-by-step EXPLANATION: Polynomials written in the form of x^2 - Sx + P REPRESENT S as sum of their roots and P as product of their roots. Here, polynomial is x^2 - ( - 1 )x - 2. So S = - 1 and P = - 2. P = αβ = - 2 S = sum of roots = - 1 ⇒ α + β = - 1 Square on both sides: ⇒ ( α + β )^2 = ( - 1 )^2 ⇒ α^2 + β^2 + 2αβ = 1 ⇒ α^2 + β^2 + 2( - 2 ) = 1 ⇒ α^2 + β^2 = 1 + 4 ⇒ α^2 + β^2 = 5 ⇒ α^2 + β^2 - 2αβ = 5 - 2αβ ⇒ ( β - α )^2 = 5 - 2( - 2 ) ⇒ ( β - α )^2 = 9 ⇒ β - α = 3 or - 3 In QUESTION, 1 / α - 1 / β ⇒ ( β - α ) / αβ β - α = 3 or - 3 ; αβ = - 2 ⇒ ( 3 / - 2 ) or ( - 3 / - 2 ) ⇒ - 3 / 2 or 3 / 2 |
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