Let $\alpha \neq 1$ be a real root of the equation $x^3-a x^2+a x-1=0$, where $a \neq-1$ is a rea number.…

Let $\alpha \neq 1$ be a real root of the equation $x^3-a x^2+a x-1=0$, where $a \neq-1$ is a rea number. Then, a root of this equation, among the following, is
  1. $\alpha^2$
  2. $-\frac{1}{\alpha}$
  3. $\frac{1}{\alpha}$
  4. $-\frac{1}{\alpha^2}$

Solution

Equation $x^3-a x^2+a x-1=0$ and $\alpha \neq 1$, $a \neq-1$. we put, $\left(x=\frac{1}{y}\right)$ in given equation Then, $\left(\frac{1}{y}\right)^3-a\left(\frac{1}{y}\right)^2+a\left(\frac{1}{y}\right)-1=0$ $\frac{1}{y^3}-\frac{a^2}{y^2}+\frac{a}{y}-1=0$ $1-a^2 y+a y^2-y^3=0$ $\Rightarrow \quad y^3-a y^2+a^2 y-1=0$ Since, the reduced equation is same as original equation by replacing $\left(x=\frac{1}{y}\right) i e$, reciprocal root of the given equation. Hence, $\left(x=\frac{1}{\alpha}\right)$ is a root of the given equation

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2010

Practice more Quadratic Equation questions on Aicharya