Problem 43

Question

If the equation \(x^{2}+2(k+1) x+9 k-5=0\) has only negative roots, then (A) \(k \leq 0\) (B) \(k \geq 0\) (C) \(k \geq 6\) (D) \(k \leq 6\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The correct answer is (C) \(k \geq 6\).
1Step 1: Understand the conditions for negative roots
For a quadratic equation to have only negative roots, the sum and product of the roots must satisfy specific conditions. For the equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\), the roots can be calculated using Vieta's formulas, where the sum of the roots \(S = -\frac{b}{a}\) and the product of the roots \(P = \frac{c}{a}\). For both roots to be negative, \(S\) must be negative and \(P\) must be positive.
2Step 2: Identify the coefficients from the given equation
The given equation is \(x^2 + 2(k+1)x + 9k - 5 = 0\). Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = 2(k + 1)\), and \(c = 9k - 5\). We will use these coefficients to apply Vieta's formulas.
3Step 3: Apply Vieta's formulas for the sum of the roots
The sum of the roots \(S = -\frac{b}{a} = -2(k + 1)\). For both roots to be negative, \(S\) must be negative. Thus, \(-2(k + 1) < 0\), leading to \(k + 1 > 0\), which simplifies to \(k > -1\).
4Step 4: Apply Vieta's formulas for the product of the roots
The product of the roots \(P = \frac{c}{a} = 9k - 5\). For both roots to be negative, \(P\) must be positive. Thus, \(9k - 5 > 0\), which simplifies to \(9k > 5\), giving \(k > \frac{5}{9}\).
5Step 5: Determine the range for k
From steps 3 and 4, we have two conditions: \(k > -1\) and \(k > \frac{5}{9}\). The stricter condition is \(k > \frac{5}{9}\). Therefore, the smallest integer value satisfying these conditions gives us \(k \geq 1\).
6Step 6: Analyze the given options
Now we must compare our result \(k \geq 1\) against the given options. The correct option that aligns with or is a stricter condition compared to our result is \(k \geq 6\), which is option (C).

Key Concepts

Vieta's FormulasRoots ConditionsSimplifying Inequalities
Vieta's Formulas
When tackling quadratic equations, Vieta's formulas are powerful tools that connect the coefficients of the equation with the sum and product of its roots. These formulas state:
  • The sum of the roots: \( S = -\frac{b}{a} \)
  • The product of the roots: \( P = \frac{c}{a} \)
Here, \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are the coefficients of the quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). For instance, in the equation \(x^2 + 2(k+1)x + 9k - 5 = 0\), the coefficients are \(a = 1\), \(b = 2(k+1)\), and \(c = 9k - 5\). Using Vieta's formulas helps us understand the conditions under which the roots exhibit specific behaviors, such as being both negative in this exercise. By analyzing the sum \(S\) and the product \(P\), we gain insight into what values of \(k\) ensure all roots meet the given criteria.
Roots Conditions
The roots of a quadratic equation can exhibit various properties depending on the conditions set by the equation's coefficients. If a quadratic equation is stated to have only negative roots, both the sum and product of its roots have specific criteria:
  • For both roots to be negative, their sum must be negative: \( S < 0 \)
  • Their product must be positive: \( P > 0 \)
For the equation \(x^2 + 2(k+1)x + 9k - 5 = 0\), the sum of the roots \(S = -2(k+1)\). To ensure the sum is negative, we require that \(k + 1 > 0\), leading to \(k > -1\). Also, the product \(P = 9k - 5\) must be greater than zero, implying \(k > \frac{5}{9}\). By finding the stricter condition, we deduced \(k \geq 1\). Comparing with options, \(k \geq 6\) emerges as a plausible choice when comparing possible ranges provided.
Simplifying Inequalities
To solve inequalities effectively, simplifying each step is crucial to understanding the parameters involved. For the quadratic equation in question, we approached it using inequalities to understand the conditions on \(k\):
  • First, we simplified \(-2(k+1) < 0\) to find \(k + 1 > 0\) which leads to \(k > -1\).
  • Next, simplifying \(9k - 5 > 0\) led us to \(9k > 5\) and thus \(k > \frac{5}{9}\).
These steps illustrate not just solving the inequalities but also bringing together conditions that determine the nature of the roots. By addressing each inequality separately, we can combine the conditions to result in a comprehensive set of restrictions on \(k\), helping us derive \(k \geq 1\) and ultimately guiding us to the correct choice when evaluating restrictions in context with the given options.