What are the value of k, for which x^2+5kx+16=0 has no real roots?

1 Answer
Nov 2, 2016

The values of k for which the equation x^2+5kx+16=0 has no real roots are -8/5 < k < 8/5

Explanation:

An equation ax^2+bx+c=0 has no real roots if the determinant b^2-4ac<0

x^2+5kx+16=0 has no real roots if the determinant (5k)^2-4xx1xx16=25k^2-64<0 or

(5k-8)(5k+8)<0

As (5k-8)(5k+8) is negative,

either 5k+8<0 and 5k-8>0

But this is just not possible, as k cannot be k<-8/5 as well as k>8/5

Other alternative is 5k+8>0 and 5k-8<0 i.e.

k> -8/5 as well as k<8/5. This is possible if value of k is between -8/5 and 8/5.

Hence -8/5 < k < 8/5