Q.

The number of distinct real roots of the equation |x| |x+2|-5|x+1|-1=0 is _________              [2024]


Ans.

(3)

f(x)=|x||x+2|-5|x+1|-1=0

Case 1 : x0

    f(x)=x(x+2)-5(x+1)-1=0

x2+2x-5x-6=0x2-3x-6=0

x=3±9+242

x=3±332, One positive root [ x0]

Case 2: -1x<0

f(x)=-x(x+2)-5(x+1)-1=0

-x2-7x-6=0x2+7x+6=0

(x+6)(x+1)=0

x=-6,-1  One root i.e., x=-1

Case 3 : -2x<-1

f(x)=-x(x+2)+5(x+1)-1=0

-x2-2x+5x+4=0

-x2+3x+4=0x2-3x-4=0

(x+1)(x-4)=0x=-1,4

No root possible in given range of x.

Case 4 : x<-2

f(x)=-x(-x-2)+5(x+1)-1=0

x2+2x+5x+4=0

x2+7x+4=0

x=-7±49-162=-7±332

One root in the range.

       We have 3 distinct real roots