Question

For how many values of the constant $k$ will the polynomial $x^{2}+kx+36$ have two distinct integer roots?

$\ 6$

$\ 8$

$\ 9$

$\ 14$

$\ 16$

Answer: B

Concepts:Vieta’s Formulas factor systematic listing

Difficulty rating: 1070

Solution:

Let the roots be $r,s.$ Expanding $(x-r)(x-s)$ gives $x^2-(r+s)x+rs.$ Comparing coefficients with the given polynomial yields $rs=36$ and $r+s=-k.$

Therefore, we need $r$ and $s$ distinct such that $rs = 36.$ All the possible factor pairs are $\pm\{1,36\},\pm\{2,18\},\pm\{3,12\}$ and $\pm\{4,9\}.$

Each of these unordered pairs produces a unique value for $k,$ so there are $8$ possible values for $k.$

Thus, B is the correct answer.

2022 AMC 10B Problem 7

Answer: B

Difficulty rating: 1070

Solution:

Problem 7 in Other Years