Question

I. $p^2+p-56=0$
II. $q^2-17q+72=0$

• A. If p is greater than q
• B. If p is smaller than q
• C. If p is equal to q
• D. If p is either equal to or greater than q
• E. If p is either equal to or smaller than q

Answer 1

The correct option is B If p is smaller than q

Equation I
$p^2+p-56=0$
$\Rightarrow p^2+8p-7p-56=0$
$\Rightarrow p(p+8)-7(p+8)=0$
$\Rightarrow (p+8)(p-7)=0$
$\Rightarrow p=7$ or $-8$

Equation II
$q^2-17q+72=0$
$\Rightarrow q^2-8q-9q+72=0$
$\Rightarrow q(q-8)-9(q-8)=0$
$\Rightarrow (q-8)(q-9)=0$
$\Rightarrow q=8or9$
Hence, $p<q$