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WBJEE · Maths · Probability

Each of \(a\) and \(b\) can take values 1 or 2 with equal probability. The probability that the equation \(a x^{2}+b x+1=0\) has real roots, is equal to

  1. A \(\frac{1}{2}\)
  2. B \(\frac{1}{4}\)
  3. C \(\frac{1}{8}\)
  4. D \(\frac{1}{16}\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(B) \(\frac{1}{4}\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

The given equation \[ a x^{2}+b x+1=0 \] has real roots. \(\therefore\) Discriminant \((D) \geq 0\) \[ \Rightarrow \quad b^{2}-4 a \geq 0 \] From Eq. (ii), we observe that a has to be 1 and \(b\) has to be 2 . So, the required probability…