Q54 / 160 · AP EAMCET 2022 (04 Jul Shift 2) · Mathematics

For what values of a∈Z, the quadratic expression x+ax+1991+1 can be factorised as x+bx+c, where b,c∈Z?

  • A
    1990
  • Correct answer
    B
    1989
  • C
    1991
  • D
    1992

Solution

Since, he quadratic expression x+ax+1991+1 can be factorised as x+bx+c, therefore

x+ax+1991+1=x+bx+c

This implies that x+ax+1991+1 has roots -b & -c i.e., integer roots. So, discriminant of  x2+1991+ax+1991a+1=0must be perfect square.

1991+a2-41991a+1=m2

⇒1991-a2=m2+4

⇒1991-a2-m2=4

⇒1991-a-m1991-a+m=4

Since, both 1991-a-m and 1991-a+m are integers, therefore possible choices are

1991-a-m1991-a+m=1×4

1991-a-m1991-a+m=-1×-4

1991-a-m1991-a+m=2×2

1991-a-m1991-a+m=-2×-2

Only possible result is m=0, so

a=1989, 1993

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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