MHB How to Find Values of k for Equations with One Real Root?

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To find values of k for equations with exactly one real root, the discriminant must be set to zero using the formula b² - 4ac = 0. For the equation 3x² + (√(2k))x + 6 = 0, the discriminant involves the coefficient of x, which is √(2k). Similarly, for kx² + kx + 1 = 0, the discriminant must also equal zero to ensure a single real root. Both equations require solving for k to meet this condition. The application of the discriminant is essential for determining the values of k that yield one real root.
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Find values of k such that the equation has exactly one real root.

1. 3x^2 + (sqrt{2k})x + 6 = 0

2. kx^2 + kx + 1 = 0

Question:

Do the questions above involve the discriminant?

If so, I must apply b^2 - 4ac = 0, right?
 
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RTCNTC said:
Find values of k such that the equation has exactly one real root.

1. 3x^2 + (sqrt{2k})x + 6 = 0

2. kx^2 + kx + 1 = 0

Question:

Do the questions above involve the discriminant?

If so, I must apply b^2 - 4ac = 0, right?

Yes . you can solve with discriminant and you must apply $b^2-4ac=0$
 
Not too bad.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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