For x^2 + 8x + 12 = 0, what is the sum of the roots? [Unique SSC algebra item 2]
Note
For a quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0, you do not need to find both roots when only the sum is asked. Use Vieta's formula: sum of roots = -b/a. In x^2 + 8x + 12 = 0, a = 1 and b = 8. So the sum is -(8)/1 = -8. Therefore, the correct answer is -8.