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Mathematics — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [2]
If one zero of the polynomial $p(x) = 6x^2 + 37x - (k - 2)$ is reciprocal of the other, then find the value of $k$.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 30/4/1 Q22
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:35 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Let the two zeroes be $\alpha$ and $\dfrac{1}{\alpha}$ (reciprocal of each other).

Using the relation: Product of zeroes $= \dfrac{\text{Constant term}}{\text{Coefficient of } x^2}$

$$\alpha \times \frac{1}{\alpha} = \frac{-(k-2)}{6}$$

$$1 = \frac{-(k-2)}{6}$$

$$6 = -(k-2)$$

$$6 = -k + 2$$

$$k = -4$$

Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.3 — Relationship between Zeroes and Coefficients of a Polynomial

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Explanation

The key insight is that if one zero is the reciprocal of the other, their product = 1. Then apply the formula $\alpha\beta = \dfrac{c}{a}$, where here $c = -(k-2)$ and $a = 6$. Set the product equal to 1 and solve for $k$. Examiners award 1 mark for correctly setting up the product condition and 1 mark for the correct value of $k$.

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