root comparison

[shikh]

A: x2 + 6x - 40 = 0
B: x2 + kx + j = 0
Which is larger, the sum of the roots of equation A or the sum of the roots of equation B?
1.j = k
2.k is negative
OA:B

[kanwar86]

A: x2 + 6x - 40 = 0
B: x2 + kx + j = 0
Which is larger, the sum of the roots of equation A or the sum of the roots of equation B?
1.j = k
2.k is negative
OA:B

correct answer is B)

[GMATGuruNY]

A: x2 + 6x - 40 = 0
B: x2 + kx + j = 0
Which is larger, the sum of the roots of equation A or the sum of the roots of equation B?
1.j = k
2.k is negative
OA:B

Given ax² + bx + c = 0, the SUM of the roots = -b/a.

Thus:
In A, the sum of the roots = -6/1 = -6.
In B, the sum of the roots = -k/1 = -k.

Statement 1: j=k
No way to determine the sum of the roots of equation B.
INSUFFICIENT.

Statement 2: k is negative
Thus, the sum of the roots of equation B must be POSITIVE.
Since the sum of the roots of equation A is negative, the sum of the roots of equation B is greater.
SUFFICIENT.

The correct answer is B.

Also helpful:
Given ax² + bx + c = 0, the PRODUCT of the roots = c/a.