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Question

If both the roots of the equation x 2– 2kx + k 2- 4 = 0 lie between – 3 and 5, then which one of the following is correct?

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2016 GAT Previous Year Paper (17-Apr-2016)
The correct answer is

– 1 < k < 3

Understanding the Problem: Roots of a Quadratic Equation

The question asks us to find the range of values for the parameter $k$ such that both roots of the given quadratic equation $x^2 - 2kx + k^2 - 4 = 0$ lie strictly between $-3$ and $5$.

Let the quadratic function be $f(x) = x^2 - 2kx + k^2 - 4$. For the roots of a quadratic equation $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ to lie between two specific numbers $p$ and $q$ ($p < q$), several conditions must be satisfied. Here, $a=1$, $b=-2k$, $c=k^2-4$, $p=-3$, and $q=5$.

Conditions for Roots Between Two Values

For the roots of $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ to lie between $p$ and $q$ ($p < q$), the following conditions must hold:

  • The discriminant $D$ must be non-negative, i.e., $D \ge 0$, for real roots.
  • $a \cdot f(p) > 0$
  • $a \cdot f(q) > 0$
  • The axis of symmetry, $\frac{-b}{2a}$, must lie between $p$ and $q$, i.e., $p < \frac{-b}{2a} < q$.

Applying the Conditions to the Given Equation

Condition 1: Discriminant $D \ge 0$

The discriminant is $D = b^2 - 4ac$.

\[D = (-2k)^2 - 4(1)(k^2 - 4)\] \[D = 4k^2 - 4k^2 + 16\] \[D = 16\]

Since $D = 16$, which is strictly greater than 0, the equation always has two distinct real roots. This condition is always satisfied for any real value of $k$.

Condition 2: $a \cdot f(-3) > 0$

Here $a=1$, so we need $f(-3) > 0$.

\[f(x) = x^2 - 2kx + k^2 - 4\] \[f(-3) = (-3)^2 - 2k(-3) + k^2 - 4\] \[f(-3) = 9 + 6k + k^2 - 4\] \[f(-3) = k^2 + 6k + 5\]

We need $k^2 + 6k + 5 > 0$.

Factor the quadratic expression:

\[(k+1)(k+5) > 0\]

This inequality holds when both factors are positive or both are negative. This occurs when $k < -5$ or $k > -1$.

So, the condition $f(-3) > 0$ gives $k \in (-\infty, -5) \cup (-1, \infty)$.

Condition 3: $a \cdot f(5) > 0$

Here $a=1$, so we need $f(5) > 0$.

\[f(5) = (5)^2 - 2k(5) + k^2 - 4\] \[f(5) = 25 - 10k + k^2 - 4\] \[f(5) = k^2 - 10k + 21\]

We need $k^2 - 10k + 21 > 0$.

Factor the quadratic expression:

\[(k-3)(k-7) > 0\]

This inequality holds when both factors are positive or both are negative. This occurs when $k < 3$ or $k > 7$.

So, the condition $f(5) > 0$ gives $k \in (-\infty, 3) \cup (7, \infty)$.

Condition 4: Axis of Symmetry Between -3 and 5

The axis of symmetry is given by $\frac{-b}{2a}$.

\[\text{Axis of symmetry} = \frac{-(-2k)}{2(1)} = \frac{2k}{2} = k\]

We need the axis of symmetry to be between $-3$ and $5$:

\[-3 < k < 5\]

So, this condition gives $k \in (-3, 5)$.

Finding the Intersection of all Conditions

To satisfy all conditions simultaneously, $k$ must be in the intersection of the intervals obtained from each condition:

  1. From $D \ge 0$: $k \in \mathbb{R}$
  2. From $f(-3) > 0$: $k \in (-\infty, -5) \cup (-1, \infty)$
  3. From $f(5) > 0$: $k \in (-\infty, 3) \cup (7, \infty)$
  4. From $-3 < k < 5$: $k \in (-3, 5)$

Let's find the intersection step by step.

Intersection of conditions 2 and 4:

\[((-\infty, -5) \cup (-1, \infty)) \cap (-3, 5)\] \[= ((-\infty, -5) \cap (-3, 5)) \cup ((-1, \infty) \cap (-3, 5))\] \[= \emptyset \cup (-1, 5)\] \[= (-1, 5)\]

So, from conditions 2 and 4, we get $k \in (-1, 5)$.

Now, intersect this result with condition 3:

\[(-1, 5) \cap ((-\infty, 3) \cup (7, \infty))\] \[= ((-1, 5) \cap (-\infty, 3)) \cup ((-1, 5) \cap (7, \infty))\] \[= (-1, 3) \cup \emptyset\] \[= (-1, 3)\]

The intersection of all conditions (since condition 1 is always true) is $k \in (-1, 3)$. This means $-1 < k < 3$.

Conclusion

For both roots of the equation $x^2 - 2kx + k^2 - 4 = 0$ to lie strictly between $-3$ and $5$, the parameter $k$ must satisfy the inequality $-1 < k < 3$.

Comparing this result with the given options:

  • $-2 < k < 2$
  • $-5 < k < 3$
  • $-3 < k < 5$
  • $-1 < k < 3$

The range $-1 < k < 3$ matches the fourth option.

Condition Inequality Range for $k$
Discriminant $D \ge 0$ $16 \ge 0$ $\mathbb{R}$ (All real numbers)
$f(-3) > 0$ $k^2 + 6k + 5 > 0$ $(-\infty, -5) \cup (-1, \infty)$
$f(5) > 0$ $k^2 - 10k + 21 > 0$ $(-\infty, 3) \cup (7, \infty)$
Axis of symmetry $-3 < k < 5$ $-3 < k < 5$ $(-3, 5)$

The final range is the intersection of all these ranges: $(-1, 3)$.

Revision Table: Key Concepts for Quadratic Root Location

Concept Explanation Relevance to Problem
Quadratic Equation $ax^2+bx+c=0$ An equation of degree 2. Roots are values of $x$ where the equation is satisfied. The given equation is a quadratic equation in $x$ with parameter $k$.
Roots of a Quadratic Equation Given by the quadratic formula $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{D}}{2a}$. Real roots exist if $D \ge 0$. We need real roots that lie in a specific interval.
Discriminant $D$ $D = b^2 - 4ac$. Determines the nature of the roots (real, complex, distinct, repeated). Must be non-negative for real roots. Here, $D=16 > 0$ always.
Location of Roots Conditions relating the roots to specific values or intervals on the number line. Depends on $a, f(p), f(q)$ and the axis of symmetry. Crucial for solving this problem, specifically the conditions for roots lying between $-3$ and $5$.
Axis of Symmetry The vertical line $x = \frac{-b}{2a}$ that passes through the vertex of the parabola $y=ax^2+bx+c$. The roots are symmetric about this line. Its position relative to $-3$ and $5$ is a key condition.
Inequalities Mathematical statements comparing two values or expressions using $<, >, \le, \ge$. Solving them helps determine valid ranges for variables. Used extensively to find the possible values of $k$ from each condition.

Additional Information: Solving Quadratic Root Location Problems

Problems involving the location of roots of a quadratic equation are common in algebra. The approach generally involves analyzing the sign of $a$, the sign of the function $f(x)$ at specific points (like the endpoints of the interval), the discriminant, and the position of the axis of symmetry.

  • Case 1: Both roots greater than a number $p$. Conditions: $D \ge 0$, $a \cdot f(p) > 0$, $\frac{-b}{2a} > p$.
  • Case 2: Both roots less than a number $p$. Conditions: $D \ge 0$, $a \cdot f(p) > 0$, $\frac{-b}{2a} < p$.
  • Case 3: One root greater than $p$ and the other less than $p$. Condition: $a \cdot f(p) < 0$. (Note: $D>0$ is implied by this condition if $a \ne 0$).
  • Case 4: Both roots between $p$ and $q$ ($p < q$). Conditions: $D \ge 0$, $a \cdot f(p) > 0$, $a \cdot f(q) > 0$, $p < \frac{-b}{2a} < q$. This is the case in our problem.
  • Case 5: Exactly one root between $p$ and $q$ ($p < q$). Condition: $f(p) \cdot f(q) < 0$.

It is important to carefully write down and solve the inequalities resulting from each condition and then find the intersection of all the valid ranges for the parameter.

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