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jmc

algebra intermediate

Problem

For two real values of , the equation has exactly one solution in . What is the positive value of ?
Solution
If the quadratic expression on the LHS has exactly one root in , then it must be a perfect square. Dividing 9 from both sides, we have . In order for the LHS to be a perfect square, it must factor to either or (since the leading coefficient and the constant term are already defined). Only the first case gives a positive value of , which is .
Final answer
36