The Dance of the Quadratic Roots
Welcome, future engineer. Today, we are not just solving an equation; we are uncovering a hidden symmetry. We have two quadratic equations, ax2−2bx+5=0 and x2−2bx−10=0.
They seem like strangers, but they share a secret: a common root, α. This α is the bridge between these two mathematical worlds. Let us walk across it together.
Analyzing the First Equation
Look at the first equation: ax2−2bx+5=0. We are told it has a repeated root, α. In the language of polynomials, this is a gift. It means the roots are α and α.
Using Vieta's formulas, we know the sum of the roots is:
Now, consider the product of the roots. The product is α⋅α=α2. From the equation, the product is also a5.
So, we have established a vital relationship: α2=a5. If we square our expression for α, we get:
(ab)2=a5⇒a2b2=a5⇒b2=5a
Keep this relationship safe; it is the key to unlocking the entire problem.
The Bridge
Now, we turn our attention to the second equation: x2−2bx−10=0. We know α is a root here as well. This means if we plug α into this equation, it must balance perfectly:
This is where the magic happens. We have expressions for α2 and α from our first phase. Let us substitute them in.
Replacing α2 with a5 and α with ab, our equation transforms into:
a5−2b(ab)−10=0⇒a5−a2b2−10=0
The Algebraic Resolution
Do you see it? We have a b2 term, and we already know that b2=5a. Let us substitute that into our equation:
The a terms cancel out beautifully, leaving us with:
With a in our hands, the rest of the puzzle falls into place. We know α2=a5. Substituting a=41, we get α2=20.
The Final Reveal
We are almost at the finish line. We need α2+β2. We have α2=20.
What about β2? Look at the second equation again: x2−2bx−10=0. The product of its roots is α⋅β=−10.
Squaring both sides, we get:
Since we know α2=20, we have 20⋅β2=100, which gives us β2=5. Finally, we add them together:
Take a moment to appreciate this. We started with two seemingly independent equations and, by following the trail of the common root, we dismantled the complexity layer by layer. This is the essence of JEE Advanced mathematics—not just calculation, but the art of connecting the dots. Well done.