SOLUTION: Hello, i need help with this question: Find the value of a for which the equation x^2 -5x +a has exactly one root. here's what i've tried so far: a= -x^2 +5x = -x(x -5)

Algebra ->  Square-cubic-other-roots -> SOLUTION: Hello, i need help with this question: Find the value of a for which the equation x^2 -5x +a has exactly one root. here's what i've tried so far: a= -x^2 +5x = -x(x -5)       Log On


   

Question 832649: Hello, i need help with this question:
Find the value of a for which the equation x^2 -5x +a has exactly one root.
here's what i've tried so far:
a= -x^2 +5x
= -x(x -5)
i dont know if that is the correct answer.
Thank you in advance.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39625) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Discriminant is zero.
x%5E2-5x%2Ba, has discriminant, %28-5%29%5E2-4%2A1%28a%29, and you want to equate that with zero. Then, solve for a.