SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
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Set A
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2026
.
Sample
Find the roots of the quadratic equation x² + (0)x + (-36) = 0.
Explanation
Explanation
We need two numbers whose sum is 0 and product is -36 (since for x² + bx + c, sum of roots = -b, product = c). Those numbers are -6 and 6, so the equation factors as (x - (-6))(x - (6)) = 0, giving x = -6 or x = 6.
PRO TIP
Re-check your working by substituting the answer back into the original question.
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