1955 AMC 12 Problem 18

Attempt Problem 18 of the 1955 AMC 12 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 1955 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

18.

The discriminant of the equation x2+2x3+3=0x^2+2x\sqrt3+3=0 is zero. Hence, its roots are:
real and equal
rational and equal
rational and unequal
irrational and unequal
imaginary
Answer: A
Concepts:quadratic discriminantrepeated rootreal numbers
Small hint:
Use the quadratic formula with the discriminant term equal to zero
Big hint:
Then inspect the resulting value −b2a-\frac{b}{2a} for the requested classifications
Solution:
The quadratic formula gives x=−232=−3 x=\frac{-2\sqrt3}{2}=-\sqrt3 twice because the discriminant is zero. The root is irrational, but the requested description that applies is “real and equal.”
Thus, the correct answer is A.
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