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Expert: Sherman D. - 2/10/2004


Question
could you please help me with this question:

find the difference between the two roots of the equation x^2-px+(p^2-1 / 4)=0.

thank you for your time.  

Answer
if by this you mean

x^2 - px + ((p^2 - 1)/4)) = 0
then

x = (-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac))/2a

x = (-(-p) ± sqrt((-p)^2 - 4(1)((p^2 - 1)/4)))/2(1)
x = (p ± sqrt(p^2 - (p^2 - 1)))/2
x = (p ± sqrt(p^2 - p^2 - 1))/2
x = (p ± sqrt(-1))/2
x = (p ± i)/2

difference =
((p + i)/2) - ((p - i)/2) =
(p + i - (p - i))/2
(p + i - p + i)/2
2i/2
Difference = i

i = sqrt(-1)

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Sherman D.

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing in mathematics of all kinds except for Physics and Calculus, but i can answer questions in Pre-Calculus and Chemistry. I can also answer questions in Recipes of all kinds. I can find games cheats/walkthroughs, but i can`t find a specific game online or offline. I can also do history and recipes for alcoholic beverages.

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Mathematics, Recipes, History, and Games.

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High School graduated. I graduated with honors, and i was in Beta Club for a year and a half.

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Principle's list and A and B honor roll in high school only.

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