Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:Instead of comparing unknowns, we repair the ambiguous stem to a precise and valuable task: count the common integer roots of two given quadratics. Factoring both equations quickly reveals the root sets and their intersection size.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Factor each quadratic: for t^2 − St + P = 0, find two integers whose sum is S and product is P. The solutions are those integers. Then take the intersection of the two sets and count elements.
Step-by-Step Solution:
I: x^2 − 19x + 84 = 0 ⇒ (x − 12)(x − 7) = 0 ⇒ roots {12, 7} II: y^2 − 25y + 156 = 0 ⇒ (y − 12)(y − 13) = 0 ⇒ roots {12, 13} Intersection = {12}; count = 1Verification / Alternative check:Check by substitution: each candidate in the intersection should satisfy both quadratics. 12 satisfies both; 7 and 13 are unique to one each.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:2, 3, 4, 0 miscount the intersection size; only one integer (12) is shared.
Common Pitfalls:Arithmetic slips while factoring, or missing that “how many” asks for count of shared values, not listing all roots.
Final Answer:1
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