EduGoog

If α and β are the roots of the equation
$x^2 - 9x + 8 = 0$ (α > β) then find the value of
$α^2 - β^2$.

Option:
A. 63
B. 62
C. 65
D. None
Answer: C . 65

Justification:

α and β are the roots of the  equation
$x^2 - 9x + 8 =0$
Here, a =1, b = -9 and c = 8
.`. α + β = ${-b}/a = {-(-9)}/1 = 9$
and
.`. αβ = ${c/a} = {8/1} = 8$
-> $α^2 + β^2 $
= $(α + β)^2 - 2αβ $
= $(9)^2 - 2(8)$
= 81 - 16
= 65


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