Which condition is required for the equation \(x^2-(t+7)x+7t=0\) to have two real and distinct roots?

Correct answer: \(t\ne 7\)

The discriminant is \(D=(t+7)^2-4(1)(7t)=(t-7)^2\). Two real and distinct roots require \(D>0\), so \((t-7)^2>0\), which is true exactly when \(t\ne7\). Equivalently, the equation factors as \((x-7)(x-t)=0\); when \(t=7\), the two roots coincide. Exam tip: for distinct real roots of a quadratic, always check the condition \(D>0\).