Find the value of p for which the quadratic equation: (p+1)x2 - 6(p+1)x + 3(p + 9) = 0, where, p≠-1 has equal roots. Hence, find the roots of the equation.
Note: For a quadratic equation, ax2 + bx + c = 0, we have D = b2 – 4ac.
If D = 0, then the roots of the quadratic equation are equal.
Therefore, (p+1)x2 - 6(p+1)x + 3(p + 9) = 0 will have equal roots when,
⇒ D = 0
⇒ b2 – 4ac = 0
⇒ b2 = 4ac
Here, b = -6(p+1),
a = (p+1)
and, c = 3(p+9)
⇒{-6(p + 1)}2 = 4×(p + 1)×3(p + 9)
⇒ 36(p+1)(p+1) = 12(p + 1)(p + 9)
⇒ 3(p+1)=(p + 9)
⇒ 3p + 3 - p - 9 = 0
⇒ 2p - 6 = 0
⇒ p = 6/2
⇒ p = 3
Thus, the value of p is 3
Now, putting the value of p in (p+1)x2 - 6(p+1)x + 3(p + 9) = 0, we get,
⇒ 4x2 - 24x + 36 = 0
On taking 4 common, we get,
⇒ x2 – 6x + 9 = 0
⇒ (x - 3)2 = 0
⇒ x = 3
Thus, the root of the given equation is x = 3