Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Quadratics

Quadratics — practice question

For the equation $x^2 + px + q = 0$, where $p$ and $q$ are constants, the roots are $-3$ and $5$.

(i)[2]

Find the numerical values of $p$ and $q$.

(ii)[3]

Using these values of $p$ and $q$, find the value of the constant $r$ so that the equation $x^2 + px + q + r = 0$ has equal roots.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Rewrites $x^2+px+q$ as $(x+3)(x-5)$” …