Integer Roots of Quadratic Equation

CAT 2025 Slot 1 · Quantitative Ability · Easy · Algebra

The number of non-negative integer values of kk for which the quadratic equation x2−5x+k=0x^2 - 5x + k = 0 has only integer roots, is

Answer

3

Explanation

For x2−5x+k=0x^2 - 5x + k = 0 to have integer roots, the discriminant D=(−5)2−4(1)(k)=25−4kD = (-5)^2 - 4(1)(k) = 25 - 4k must be a perfect square, say m2m^2. Since k≥0k \ge 0, 25−4k≤2525 - 4k \le 25. 25−4k25 - 4k can be equal to 52,32,125^2, 3^2, 1^2 (since the parity of m2m^2 must match 2525, so mm must be odd).

  • If 25−4k=25  ⟹  4k=0  ⟹  k=025 - 4k = 25 \implies 4k = 0 \implies k = 0. Roots are 0,50, 5.
  • If 25−4k=9  ⟹  4k=16  ⟹  k=425 - 4k = 9 \implies 4k = 16 \implies k = 4. Roots are 1,41, 4.
  • If 25−4k=1  ⟹  4k=24  ⟹  k=625 - 4k = 1 \implies 4k = 24 \implies k = 6. Roots are 2,32, 3. Thus, there are 33 non-negative integer values of kk.

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