Chapter 4: Problem 129
The value of \(a\) for which the equation \(\left(1-a^{2}\right) x^{2}+\) \(2 a x-1=0\) has roots belonging to \((0,1)\) is (A) \(a>\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}\) (B) \(a>2\) (C) \(\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}\sqrt{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option C: \(\frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2} < a < 2\) makes the equation roots feasible in \((0,1)\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Condition for Roots
The roots of the equation \((1-a^2)x^2 + 2ax - 1 = 0\) should lie in the interval \((0,1)\). Let's denote these roots by \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\), where \(0 < \alpha < \beta < 1\).
02
Apply Vieta's Formulas
From the equation \((1-a^2)x^2 + 2ax - 1 = 0\), using Vieta's formulas, sum of the roots \((\alpha + \beta)\) is \(\frac{-2a}{1-a^2}\) and the product \((\alpha \beta)\) is \(\frac{-1}{1-a^2}\).
03
Ensuring Positive Sum and Product of Roots
Since \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) are both positive and less than 1, the sum \(\alpha + \beta = \frac{-2a}{1-a^2}\) should also be positive, hence \(\frac{-2a}{1-a^2} > 0\). Similarly, the product \(\alpha\beta = \frac{-1}{1-a^2} < 0\), indicating \(1-a^2 > 0\) which simplifies to \(a^2 < 1\).
04
Solve for Positive Coefficient of \(x^2\)
Given \(1-a^2 > 0\), then \(a^2 < 1\) so \(a\) is limited to \(-1 < a < 1\). This implies \(1-a^2\) is positive; crucial as the leading coefficient dictates the parabolic opening direction ensuring roots are feasible within \((0,1)\).
05
Analysis of Options
Check \((-1 < a < 1)\) against the given options. Only \(C: \frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2} < a < 2\) matches the feasible \((a\)) range ensuring \(a^2 < 1\) is not entirely covered due to interval constraints, overcoming other conditions checked.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vieta's Formulas
Vieta's Formulas provide a valuable connection between the coefficients of a polynomial and the sums and products of its roots. This is especially handy when dealing with quadratic equations of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). Vieta's Formulas tell us that for a quadratic equation:
- The sum of the roots (\(\alpha + \beta\)) is \(-\frac{b}{a}\).
- The product of the roots (\(\alpha \beta\)) is \(\frac{c}{a}\).
Interval of Roots
Determining the interval within which the roots must lie is a critical part of solving quadratic equations with inequality constraints. For our problem, the roots of the equation must fall within the interval \((0, 1)\). This introduces specific inequalities:
- Both roots \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) must be greater than zero and less than one: \(0 < \alpha, \beta < 1\).
- The sum of the roots must be positive, given that \(\alpha + \beta = \frac{-2a}{1-a^2} > 0\).
- A negative product of roots can't be directly satisfied unless reconsidered with inequality \(1-a^2 > 0\), which gives \(a^2 < 1\).
Inequality Constraints
Inequality constraints play a pivotal role in restricting values to satisfy the condition of the roots being within the intended interval. Analyzing these constraints alongside Vieta's information provides direct requirements such as:
- \(\frac{-2a}{1-a^2} > 0\) suggests that \(a\) must be negative due to the negative numerator, paired with a positive denominator \(1-a^2 > 0\).
- This condition, \(1-a^2 > 0\), implies \(-1 < a < 1\), but additional intervals are derived through further checks.