2012 · Q62
If the roots of the equation x^2 - 2ax + a^2 + a - 3 = 0 are real and less than 3, then which one of the following is correct?
Elementary MathematicsAlgebra
- Aa < 2
- B2 < a < 3
- C3 < a < 4
- Da > 4
Explanation
The roots are a +/- sqrt(3-a); both are below 3 exactly when (a-2)(a-3) > 0 with a < 3, i.e. a < 2.