BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATLiveTeach 7 seats left
Chris Peckover
NEXT LIVE COHORT

Oct 13 to Jan 7, 2027

with Chris Peckover

Schedule
Tue, Thu · 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
40 live hours + 6 months of GMAT OnDemand
  • Live instruction and real-time questions
  • Class recordings and assigned practice
View class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
Live EA class + 6 months of EA OnDemand
  • Expert-led weekly online sessions
  • EA Masterclass access between classes
View EA class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

130-point score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

Both roots of the quadratic equation x^2-39x+a = 0 are prime

Expert replies
by Max@Math Revolution » Thu Jun 27, 2019 1:18 am

Timer

00:00

Answers

A

B

C

D

E

Stats

Difficulty

[GMAT math practice question]

Both roots of the quadratic equation x^2-39x+a = 0 are prime numbers. How many different possible values of a are there?

A.1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
Last edited by Max@Math Revolution on Sun Jun 30, 2019 4:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by deloitte247 » Sun Jun 30, 2019 2:33 pm
$$x^{^2}+39x+9=0$$
sum of roots = a + b =39
Products of roots = ab = 1a
Given that the sum of roots is odd number that means
a +b = Odd + Even = Odd number
Both a and b are prime number and one of them is even. The only prime number that is an even number is 2
hence
a + b = 39
Odd + Even = 39
Odd + 2 = 39
a = 39 - 2 = 37
a = 37 and b = 2
ab = 37*2 =74
There is only one possible value of measuring variable. a

$$answer\ is\ Option\ A.$$
Join the discussion

by Max@Math Revolution » Sun Jun 30, 2019 4:51 pm
=>

Assume p and q are roots of x^2-39x+a = 0.
Then (x-p)(x-q) = x^2 -(p+q)x + pq = x^2-39x+a = 0
So, p + q = 39 and pq = a.
Since p and q are prime numbers and p + q = 39 is an odd number, one of p and q is an even prime number. Since the only even prime number is 2, one of p and q must be 2.
Let p = 2. Then q = 37,
and a = 2*37 = 74.
There is only one possible value of a.

Therefore, the answer is A.
Answer: A
Join the discussion