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algebra senior

Problem

In solving a problem that reduces to a quadratic equation one student makes a mistake only in the constant term of the equation and obtains and for the roots. Another student makes a mistake only in the coefficient of the first degree term and find and for the roots. The correct equation was:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution
Let represent the correct equation. Since the coefficient of the term is , the sum of the roots is , and the product of the roots is . If a student only misreads the constant term, he must have the correct sum of roots. Therefore, the sum of the roots is , so . If a student only misreads the linear term, he must have the correct product of the roots. The product of the roots is , so . The correct equation is .
Final answer
A