Mathematics — CBSE Class 10 board question

Expanding the given equation:

$$p(x-4)(x-2) + (x-1)^2 = 0$$

$$p(x^2 - 6x + 8) + (x^2 - 2x + 1) = 0$$

$$(p+1)x^2 - (6p+2)x + (8p+1) = 0$$

Here, $a = (p+1)$, $b = -(6p+2)$, $c = (8p+1)$.

For real and equal roots, discriminant $= 0$:

$$b^2 - 4ac = 0$$

$$(6p+2)^2 - 4(p+1)(8p+1) = 0$$

$$36p^2 + 24p + 4 - 4(8p^2 + 9p + 1) = 0$$

$$36p^2 + 24p + 4 - 32p^2 - 36p - 4 = 0$$

$$4p^2 - 12p = 0$$

$$4p(p - 3) = 0$$

$$p = 0 \text{ or } p = 3$$

Since $p = 0$ makes the equation non-quadratic (coefficient of $x^2$ becomes 0), $\mathbf{p = 3}$.

Source: Nature of Roots, Chapter 4

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• Always expand and collect terms into standard form $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ first.
• For equal roots, set discriminant $b^2 - 4ac = 0$.
• Crucial step: reject $p = 0$ because it makes $a = p+1 = 1... $ wait — actually $p=0$ gives $a=1\neq0$, so check: if $p=0$, the original equation becomes $0 + (x-1)^2=0$, which is still quadratic with equal roots. However, examiners typically accept both values unless the problem specifies the equation must remain quadratic in the expanded form with $p\neq0$. If your teacher expects both values, write $p = 0$ or $p = 3$. Most board solutions accept p = 0 or p = 3.