It is given that,
Both p and q belong to the set {1, 2, 3, 4} and the quadratic equation of the form, px2 + qx + 1 = 0 has real roots.
By comparing the quadratic equation of the form, px2 + qx + 1 = 0 with the standard quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0. We get, a = p, b = q and c = 1.
Now, we know that.
Discriminant (D) = b2 - 4ac
Therefore, according to the question,
D = q2 - 4p
∵ The roots are real.
⇒ D ≥ 0 ⇒ q2 - 4p ≥ 0
⇒ q2 ≥ 4p
∵ p and q belong to the set {1, 2, 3, 4}
Case -1:
If p = 1 then q2 ≥ 4 ⇒ q ∈ {2, 3, 4}
Hence, for p = 1, q can take 3 values.
So, three quadratic equation of the form, px2 + qx + 1 = 0 can be formed for p = 1.
Case -2:
If p = 2 then q2 ≥ 8 ⇒ q ∈ {3, 4}
Hence, for p = 2, q can take 2 values
So, two quadratic equation of the form, px2 + qx + 1 = 0 can be formed for p = 2.
Case -3:
If p = 3 then q2 ≥ 12 ⇒ q ∈ {4}
Hence, for p =1, q can take 1 value
So, only one quadratic equation of the form, px2 + qx + 1 = 0 can be formed for p = 3.
Case -4:
If p = 4 then q2 ≥ 16 ⇒ q ∈ {4}
Hence, for p =4 , q can take 1 value
So, only one quadratic equation of the form, px2 + qx + 1 = 0 can be formed for p = 4.
So, in total we get, 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 7 possible quadratic equations of the form px2 + qx + 1 = 0 that can be formed such that both p and q belong to the set {1, 2, 3, 4} and have real roots.