For what values of a is the sum of the roots of the equation x2+(2−a−a2)x−a2=0 equal to zero?
Given quadratic equation: x2+(2−a−a2)x−a2=0 ⋯(1)
Let the roots of (1) be α and β
Sum of roots =α+β=−(2−a−a2)1=a2+a−2
as per question, α+β=0
i.e. a2+a−2=0
i.e. (a+2)(a−1)=0
i.e. a=−2 or a=1