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Suppose a quadratic equation whose roots are 3 and -2, so the equation is (x-3)(x+2) = 0
So, from here we get, x-3 = 0 and, x+2 = 0 Since, both equations equal to zero, we can equate these two, x-3 = x+2 So, -3 = 2 ? Where did I go wrong?

1 Answers1

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You are wrong when you say that

x-3=0 AND x+2=0

You correctly reduced the given quadratic to

(x-3)(x+2)=0

Hence this equation will be satisfied if and only if any ONE of the conditions are satisfied....ie....Either

x-3=0

OR

x+2=0

(Since 0x(any no.)=0)

Hence you get two solutions

x=3

AND

x=-2

Obviously x can take only a single value at a time.

SirXYZ
  • 920
  • Thank you so much. I understood it. And can you explain that why do we write the quadratic equation as (x-a)(x-b)=0 if a and b are the two roots. I have just learned it. I don't know the proof/logic – Sachin Chaudhary Nov 03 '16 at 19:08
  • We just factorise the given second degree expression into two factors.....from which we easily get the solutions of the given quadratic. Obviously all such expressions cannot be factorised into rational/integral factors....but anyways thats another case....which you will learn in coming years I guess. – SirXYZ Nov 03 '16 at 19:12