Roots of Cubic Polynomial

CAT 2022 Slot 2 · Quantitative Ability · Medium · Algebra

Let rr and cc be real numbers. If rr and −r-r are roots of 5x3+cx2−10x+9=05x^3 + cx^2 - 10x + 9 = 0, then cc equals

  1. A.

    −92-\frac{9}{2}

  2. B.

    92\frac{9}{2}

  3. C.

    -4

  4. D.

    4

Answer

A

Explanation

Let the roots of 5x3+cx2−10x+9=05x^3 + cx^2 - 10x + 9 = 0 be r,−r,kr, -r, k. Sum of roots: r+(−r)+k=−c5  ⟹  k=−c5r + (-r) + k = -\frac{c}{5} \implies k = -\frac{c}{5}. Sum of product of roots taken two at a time: r(−r)+rk+(−r)k=−105=−2  ⟹  −r2=−2  ⟹  r2=2r(-r) + r k + (-r)k = -\frac{10}{5} = -2 \implies -r^2 = -2 \implies r^2 = 2. Product of roots: r(−r)k=−95  ⟹  −r2k=−95  ⟹  −2k=−95  ⟹  k=910r(-r)k = -\frac{9}{5} \implies -r^2 k = -\frac{9}{5} \implies -2k = -\frac{9}{5} \implies k = \frac{9}{10}. Since k=−c5k = -\frac{c}{5}, we have −c5=910  ⟹  c=−4510=−92-\frac{c}{5} = \frac{9}{10} \implies c = -\frac{45}{10} = -\frac{9}{2}.

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