Q.

Let S be the set of all non-zero real numbers α such that the quadratic equation αx2-x+α=0 has two distinct real roots x1 and x2 satisfying the inequality |x1-x2|<1. Which of the following intervals is(are) a subset(s) of S                [2015]

1 (-12,-15)  
2 (-15,0)  
3 (0,15)  
4 (15,12)  

Ans.

(1, 4)

Given, x1 and x2 are roots of αx2-x+α=0

∴ x1+x2=1α  and  x1x2=1

Also, |x1-x2|<1

⇒|x1-x2|2<1⇒(x1-x2)2<1

or  (x1+x2)2-4x1x2<1

⇒1α2-4<1   or  1α2<5

or   5α2-1>0    or    (5α-1)(5α+1)>0

∴  α∈(-∞,-15)∪(15,∞)         ...(i)

Also, D>0

⇒1-4α2>0    or    α∈(-12,12)            ...(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get

α∈(-12,-15)∪(15,12)