Build a quadratic with reciprocal roots: Given α, β are roots of x^2 − 5x + 6 = 0, construct the quadratic whose roots are 1/α and 1/β.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 6x^2 − 5x + 1 = 0

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Transforming roots to their reciprocals is a standard maneuver. If r is a root of a monic quadratic, then 1/r is a root of another quadratic whose coefficients can be found via Vieta’s formulas by inverting the sum and product appropriately.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original: x^2 − 5x + 6 = 0 ⇒ α + β = 5, αβ = 6
  • Target roots: 1/α and 1/β


Concept / Approach:
If new roots are r′1 = 1/α and r′2 = 1/β, then their sum is (α + β)/(αβ) and their product is 1/(αβ). Construct the monic quadratic z^2 − (sum) z + (product) = 0, then clear denominators for a clean integer-coefficient equation.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Sum(new) = (α + β)/(αβ) = 5/6Product(new) = 1/(αβ) = 1/6Equation: z^2 − (5/6)z + 1/6 = 0 ⇒ multiply by 6: 6z^2 − 5z + 1 = 0


Verification / Alternative check:
Factor 6z^2 − 5z + 1 = (3z − 1)(2z − 1) ⇒ roots z = 1/3, 1/2 which are indeed reciprocals of α, β = 3, 2.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Sign errors in the linear or constant term break the sum/product (5/6 and 1/6) required for reciprocal roots.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up sum/product after inversion. Remember: sum becomes (S/P) and product becomes 1/P for monic originals.


Final Answer:
6x^2 − 5x + 1 = 0

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