If a and b are roots of the equation x 2 + a x + b = 0, then a + b =

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Given a and b are roots of the equation x² + a x + b = 0

Here a = 1, b = a, c = b

Sum of the roots = a + b = – a/1

b = – 2a

Product of the roots

ab = b

a = 1

∴ b = – 2 x 1 = – 2

Now a + b = 1 + (– 2) = – 1