Question

If the characteristic equation of ay'' + by' + cy = 0 has b^2-4ac = 0, what type of roots does the equation have?

a) Complex conjugate roots
b) Equal real roots
c) Distinct real roots
d) No real roots

Answer 1

The equation has equal real roots.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the characteristic equation of an equation in the form ay'' + by' + cy = 0 has b^2-4ac = 0, it means that the quadratic equation has equal real roots. In other words, the solutions to the equation are repeated and have the same value. These roots will be real numbers, not complex or imaginary numbers.