The value of 'a' for which the sum of the squares of the roots of x² - (a-2)x - (a+1) = 0 is least is
Q1. The value of 'a' for which the sum of the squares of the roots of x² - (a-2)x - (a+1) = 0 is least is
Answer: 1
Explanation: Sum of squares = (a-2)² + 2(a+1) = a² - 2a + 6. This is least when a = 1, as the derivative with respect to 'a' is 2a - 2.