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WBJEE · Maths · Quadratic Equation

The value of a for which sum of the squares of the roots of the equation \(x^2-(a-2) x-a-1=0\) assumes the least value is

  1. A 0
  2. B 1
  3. C 2
  4. D 3
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(B) 1

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Let \(\alpha, \beta\) be the roots, then \(\begin{aligned} &\alpha^2+\beta^2=(\alpha+\beta)^2-2 \alpha \beta \\ &=(a-2)^2+2(a+1) \\ &=a^2-2 a+6 \\ &=(a-1)^2+5 \geq 5 \\ &\therefore \alpha^2+\beta^2 \text { is minimum if } a=1 . \end{aligned}\)