If the sum of the roots of the equation x - p 2... - WAEC Mathematics 2010 Question

(x - p)(2x + 1) = 0

2x² + x - 2px - p = 0

2x² + x (1 - 2p) - p = 0

2x² - (2p - 1)x - p = 0

divide through by 2

x² - (\frac{(2p - 1)}{2})x - (\frac{p}{2}) = 0

compare to x² - (sum of roots)x + product of roots = 0

sum of roots = (\frac{2p - 1}{2})

But sum of roots = 1

Given; (\frac{2p - 1}{2}) = 1

2p - 1 = 2 x 1

2p - 1 = 2

2p = 2 + 1 = 3

p = (\frac{3}{2})

p = 1(\frac{1}{2})