How will the parabola \(y=x^2-2kx+k^2\) intersect the x-axis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: It will touch at exactly one point
The equation can be written as \(y=x^2-2kx+k^2=(x-k)^2\). On the x-axis, \(y=0\), so \((x-k)^2=0\), giving the repeated root \(x=k\). Therefore, the parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point, \((k,0)\), for every real value of \(k\). It does not cut the axis at two distinct points because that would require \(D>0\), whereas here \(D=0\). Exam tip: for a quadratic, \(D=0\) indicates equal roots and tangency to the x-axis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
It will touch at exactly one point
Why is this the correct answer?
The equation can be written as \(y=x^2-2kx+k^2=(x-k)^2\). On the x-axis, \(y=0\), so \((x-k)^2=0\), giving the repeated root \(x=k\). Therefore, the parabola touches the x-axis at exactly one point, \((k,0)\), for every real value of \(k\). It does not cut the axis at two distinct points because that would require \(D>0\), whereas here \(D=0\). Exam tip: for a quadratic, \(D=0\) indicates equal roots and tangency to the x-axis.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Quadratic Equations. Topic: Nature of Roots.
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