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2018 AMC 12A Problem 5

Problem 5 of 25EasierAlgebra

What is the sum of all possible values of kk for which the polynomials x2−3x+2x^2 - 3x + 2 and x2−5x+kx^2 - 5x + k have a root in common?

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Solution

Since x2−3x+2=(x−1)(x−2),x^2 - 3x + 2 = (x-1)(x-2), its roots are 11 and 2.2. If 11 is a shared root then 1−5+k=0,1 - 5 + k = 0, so k=4.k = 4. If 22 is a shared root then 4−10+k=0,4 - 10 + k = 0, so k=6.k = 6. The sum of possible values is 4+6=10.4 + 6 = 10. Thus, the correct answer is E.
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Tagged: quadratic · factoring

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