If $T_n$ denotes the $n^{\text{th}}$ term of an arithmetic progression such that $T_p = \dfrac{1}{q}$ and $T_q = \dfrac{1}{p}$, then which of the given options is necessarily a root to the equation $(p+2q-3r)x^2 + (q+2r-3p)x + (r+2p-3q) = 0$, given that $p+2q-3r \neq 0$?
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Properties of AP and polynomial roots.
Step 1: Set up the arithmetic progression conditions.
For an arithmetic progression with first term $a$ and common difference $d$, we have:
$$T_p = a + (p-1)d = \frac{1}{q}$$
$$T_q = a + (q-1)d = \frac{1}{p}$$
Step 2: Find the common difference $d$.
Subtract the first equation from the second to eliminate $a$:
$$(q-1)d - (p-1)d = \frac{1}{p} - \frac{1}{q}$$
$$(q-p)d = \frac{q-p}{pq}$$
Since $p \neq q$, we can divide both sides by $(q-p)$:
$$d = \frac{1}{pq}$$
Step 3: Find the first term $a$.
Substitute $d = \frac{1}{pq}$ into the first equation:
$$a + (p-1) \cdot \frac{1}{pq} = \frac{1}{q}$$
$$a = \frac{1}{q} - \frac{p-1}{pq} = \frac{p - (p-1)}{pq} = \frac{1}{pq}$$
Step 4: Find the general term $T_n$ and calculate $T_{pq}$.
The general term of the AP is:
$$T_n = a + (n-1)d = \frac{1}{pq} + (n-1) \cdot \frac{1}{pq} = \frac{1 + (n-1)}{pq} = \frac{n}{pq}$$
Therefore:
$$T_{pq} = \frac{pq}{pq} = 1$$
Step 5: Verify that $x = 1$ is a root of the given equation.
Substitute $x = 1$ into the equation $(p+2q-3r)x^2 + (q+2r-3p)x + (r+2p-3q) = 0$:
$$(p+2q-3r)(1)^2 + (q+2r-3p)(1) + (r+2p-3q)$$
$$= p + 2q - 3r + q + 2r - 3p + r + 2p - 3q$$
$$= (p - 3p + 2p) + (2q + q - 3q) + (-3r + 2r + r)$$
$$= 0 + 0 + 0 = 0$$
So $x = 1$ is always a root of the equation, regardless of the values of $p$, $q$, and $r$.
Step 6: Conclude that $T_{pq}$ is necessarily a root.
Since $T_{pq} = 1$ and $x = 1$ is necessarily a root of the given equation, $T_{pq}$ is necessarily a root.
**Final Answer: Option 1** ($T_{pq}$)
Correct Answer: 1