Related Formula
For quadratic equations with integer coefficients to have integral roots, the discriminant D = b² - 4ac$D = b^2 - 4ac$ must be a perfect square.
Core Logic
Rewrite using perfect square completing methods:
x² + 4x + 4 = n + 4 (x + 2)² = n + 4 x = -2 ± √(n + 4)$$x^2 + 4x + 4 = n + 4 \implies (x + 2)^2 = n + 4 \implies x = -2 \pm \sqrt{n + 4}$$
For x$x$ to be an integer, n + 4$n + 4$ must be a perfect square. Given range constraint 20 ≤ n ≤ 100$20 \le n \le 100$:
24 ≤ n + 4 ≤ 104$$24 \le n + 4 \le 104$$
Step 1: Identify Perfect Squares in Range
Find perfect squares between 24 and 104:
5² = 25$5^2 = 25$
6² = 36$6^2 = 36$
7² = 49$7^2 = 49$
8² = 64$8^2 = 64$
9² = 81$9^2 = 81$
10² = 100$10^2 = 100$
This gives exactly 6 distinct valid perfect squares.
Step 2: Conclusion
Thus, there are exactly 6 distinct integer values for n$n$.
Pattern Recognition
Completing the square provides intuitive bounds quicker than running full discriminant inequalities. Match integer root sets directly to explicit numerical sequence counts.
Chapter Mix
Class 10 Mathematics: Quadratic Equations
Class 11 Mathematics: Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations