Can the quadratic polynomial x2 + kx + k have equal zeroes for some odd integer k > 1?
No, the quadratic polynomial x2 + kx + k cannot have equal zeroes for some odd integer k > 1
Let suppose, if it has equal zeroes
the zeroes of a quadratic polynomial are equal when discriminate is equal to 0
i.e., D = 0
b2 - 4ac = 0
b2 = 4ac
k2 = 4k
k = 0 or k = 4
But it is given that k > 1, so we reject the value k = 0 < 1
∴ k = 4
But 4 is not an odd number and only at k = 4 will the polynomial get equal roots.
Hence, the quadratic polynomial x2 + kx + k cannot have equal zeroes for some odd integer k > 1