Q34 / 90 · JEE Main 2014 (06 Apr) · Mathematics

Let α  and  β be the roots of equation px2+qx+r = 0, p≠0. If p, q, r are in A.P. and 1 α + 1 β = 4 , then the value of α - β is 

  • A
    3 4 9
  • Correct answer
    B
    2 1 3 9
  • C
    6 1 9
  • D
    2 1 7 9

Solution

1 α + 1 β = 4

    α + β α β = 4

∴   -qprp=4

∴   -qr=4

p, q, r are in A.P.

Let p=a-d ; q=a, r=a+d.

∴   -aa+d=4  ⇒  -a=4a+4d  ⇒  d=-5a4

p=a+5a4=9a4; q=a, r=a-5a4=-a4

∴   94x2+44x-14=0

∴   9x2+4x-1=0

α - β 2 = α + β 2 - 4 α β

            = - 4 9 2 - 4 - 1 9

            = 1 6 8 1 + 4 9 = 5 2 8 1

∴    α - β = 2 1 3 9 .

Hence, the correct answer is 2 1 3 9 .

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

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