Question:

The values of '\(a\)' for which one root of the equation \(x^2-(a+1)x+a^2+a-8=0\) exceeds 2 and the other is lesser than 2, are given by :

Show Hint

If 2 lies strictly between the roots of a quadratic with positive leading coefficient, then f(2) must be negative.
Updated On: Oct 31, 2026
  • \(3\lt a\lt 10\)
  • \(a\ge 10\)
  • \(-2\lt a\lt 3\)
  • \(a\le -2\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Let \(f(x)=x^2-(a+1)x+a^2+a-8\). The leading coefficient is positive, so 2 lies between the roots iff \(f(2)\lt 0\).
\(f(2)=4-2(a+1)+a^2+a-8=a^2-a-6\).
\(a^2-a-6\lt 0\Rightarrow (a-3)(a+2)\lt 0\Rightarrow -2\lt a\lt 3\).
(The discriminant is then automatically positive, since f takes a negative value.)
Answer: (3) \(-2\lt a\lt 3\)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0