Question

If $a(a+2)=24$ and $b(b+2)=24$, where $a\ne b$, then $a+b=$

• A. -48
• B. -2
• C. 2
• D. 46
• E. 48

Answer 1

The correct option is B -2

From the given information,

$a(a+2)=24$ $\to$ $a^2+2a=24$ $\to$

$a^2+2a-24=0$ $\to$ $(a+6)(a-4)=0$

Therefore, $a=-6$ or $a=4$

Similarly, for the equation in variable "b"

So, a and b take the values -6 and 4

So, their sum is $(-6+4=-2)$ (option B)