01 If \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) are the roots of the equation \(3x^2-12x+5=0\), what is the value of \(\alpha+\beta\)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. 4
Explanation: For a quadratic equation \(ax^2+bx+c=0\), the sum of the roots is \(\alpha+\beta=-\frac{b}{a}\). Here, \(a=3\) and \(b=-12\), so \(\alpha+\beta=-\frac{-12}{3}=4\). Option B has the wrong sign, while \(\frac{5}{3}\) and \(-\frac{5}{3}\) are related to the product of the roots, not their sum. Exam tip: Always check the sign of \(b\) before applying the formula.