Question:
If $a$ and $b$ can take values $1,2,3,4$. Then the number of the equations of the form $a x^{2}+b x+1=0$ having real roots is
(a) 10
(b) 7
(c) 6
(d) 12
Solution:
Given that the equation $a x^{2}+b x+1=0$.
For given equation to have real roots, $\operatorname{discriminant}(D) \geq 0$
$\Rightarrow b^{2}-4 a \geq 0$
$\Rightarrow b^{2} \geq 4 a$
$\Rightarrow b \geq 2 \sqrt{a}$
Now, it is given that a and b can take the values of 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The above condition $b \geq 2 \sqrt{a}$ can be satisfied when
i) $b=4$ and $a=1,2,3,4$
ii) $b=3$ and $a=1,2$
iii) $b=2$ and $a=1$
So, there will be a maximum of 7 equations for the values of (a, b) = (1, 4), (2, 4), (3, 4), (4, 4), (1, 3), (2, 3) and (1, 2).
Thus, the correct option is (b).