16Hit1600
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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