If the difference between the roots of the equation $x^2+a x+1=0$ is less than $\sqrt{5}$, then the set of…
If the difference between the roots of the equation $x^2+a x+1=0$ is less than $\sqrt{5}$, then the set of possible values of $a$ is
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$(-3,3)$
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$(-3, \infty)$
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$(3, \infty)$
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$(-\infty,-3)$
Solution
$x^2+a x+1=0$
$\alpha+\beta=-a \quad \alpha \beta=1$
$|\alpha-\beta|=\sqrt{(\alpha+\beta)^2-4 \alpha \beta}$
$|\alpha-\beta|=\sqrt{a^2-4}$
$\sqrt{a^2-4} < \sqrt{5}$
$a^2-4 < 5$
$a^2-9 < 0$
$a \in(-3,3)$.
Asked in: JEE Main 2007
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