Analyzing the Setup
We are tasked with solving the quadratic equation x2+px+(1−p)=0, given that (1−p) is one of its roots. Our goal is to determine the specific values of these roots.
The Definition of a Root
A root of an equation is a value that, when substituted for x, satisfies the equation. By substituting x=1−p into the given quadratic equation, we establish the following identity:
Substituting x=1−p yields:
Avoiding the Brute Force Trap
While one could expand the terms, it is far more efficient to recognize the common factor of (1−p) present in every term. By factoring out (1−p), we simplify the expression significantly:
The 'Aha!' Moment
Inside the square brackets, the terms −p and +p cancel each other out perfectly. This leaves us with the constant sum 1+1=2.
The equation simplifies to:
Since $2
eq 0$, we conclude that 1−p=0, which implies that the parameter p=1.
Final Calculation
With the value of p determined, we substitute p=1 back into the original quadratic equation:
This results in the simplified quadratic equation:
Factoring the expression, we obtain:
Setting each factor to zero, we find the roots to be x=0 and x=−1.