Advanced MathVery hardConstant from the gap between two roots
Advanced Math practice question
The equation x² − 8x + c = 0, where c is a constant, has two solutions that differ by 2. What is the value of c?
Answer: 15
The roots sum to 8 and differ by 2, so they are 3 and 5, and c is their product: 15.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 7
- 7 is a root of a different equation, x² − 8x + 7.
- If you answered 12
- 12 gives roots 2 and 6, which differ by 4.
- If you answered 16
- 16 would make the roots equal (both 4).
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