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jmc

algebra intermediate

Problem

If two (positive) prime numbers are roots of the equation , what is the value of ?
Solution
If has two integer solutions, then must be integers. For this to be true, must be a perfect square. We try , which means the solutions are . These are prime numbers, so works.

Alternatively, we know that all prime numbers greater than 3 are of the form or . So if , we have the primes . That means and .
Final answer
35