Question

Determine the value of k so that the solutions of the equation x^2-kx+36=0 are the same value

Answer 1

The discriminant is calculated and set equal to zero. Thus, we obtain a double root.

             $\large\displaystyle\text{ \begin{gathered}\sf \bf{ (-k)^2-4(1)(36)=0\ \Longrightarrow\ k^2=144 } \end{gathered} }$

The possible values of the coefficient of the linear term are k₁=12, k₂=-12.