The quadratic x^2 + px + 15 = 0 has roots -5 and -3. Find p.
Note
Use Vieta's formula for x² + px + q = 0. For this form, the sum of the roots is -p and the product of the roots is q. The given roots are -5 and -3, so their sum is -5 + -3 = -8. Since sum = -p, we have -p = -8, which gives p = 8. The product -5×-3 = 15 also matches the constant term, so the roots are consistent. Therefore the correct answer is 8.
