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Let \(p\) and \(q\) be the roots of the quadratic equation \(ax^2+bx+c=0\), \(a\ne0\). If \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are in arithmetic progression and \(\frac{1}{p}+\frac{1}{q}=4\), then the value of…

Question and options

Let pp and qq be the roots of the quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0ax^2+bx+c=0, a≠0a\ne0. If aa, bb and cc are in arithmetic progression and 1p+1q=4\frac{1}{p}+\frac{1}{q}=4, then the value of (p−q)2(p-q)^2 is
  1. 4881\dfrac{48}{81}
  2. 6181\dfrac{61}{81}
  3. 6881\dfrac{68}{81}
  4. 5281\dfrac{52}{81}

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D - \(\dfrac{52}{81}\)
1/p+1/q = (p+q)/pq = -b/c = 4 so b = -4c. AP: 2b = a+c gives a = -9c. Then p+q = -b/a = -4/9, pq = c/a = -1/9. (p-q)^2 = 16/81 + 4/9 = 52/81.

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