The equations $x^2-a x+b=0$ and $x^2+b x-a=0$ have a common root, then

The equations $x^2-a x+b=0$ and $x^2+b x-a=0$ have a common root, then
  1. $a=b$
  2. $a+b=1$
  3. $a+b=0$ or $a-b=1$
  4. $a-b=2$

Solution

Equation $x^2-a x+b$ and $x^2+b x-a$ have a common root. Let $\alpha$ be the common root of both quadratic equations $ \Rightarrow \quad \begin{aligned} & \alpha^2-a \alpha+b=0 \\ & \alpha^2+b \alpha-a=0 \end{aligned} $ Using cross-multiplication $ \begin{gathered} \frac{\alpha^2}{-a \quad b}=\frac{\alpha}{b \quad 1}=\frac{1}{1-a} \\ b-a \quad-a \quad 1 \quad 1 \quad b \\ \frac{\alpha^2}{a^2-b^2}=\frac{\alpha}{b+a}=\frac{1}{b+a} \end{gathered} $ We get $ \frac{\alpha}{b+a}=\frac{1}{b+a} \Rightarrow \alpha=1 $ Now, using first two fraction $ \begin{array}{rlrl} & & \frac{1}{a^2-b^2} & =\frac{1}{a+b} \\ \Rightarrow & & a+b & =a^2-b^2 \\ \Rightarrow & & (a+b) & =(a+b)(a-b) \\ \Rightarrow & & (a+b)(a-b-1) & =0 \\ & a+b=0 \text { or } a-b-1 & =0 \Rightarrow a-b=1 \end{array} $

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2021 (24 Aug Shift 1)

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