AMC12 2018 12A, Problem 5

What is the sum of all possible values of $k$ for which the polynomials $x^2 - 3x + 2$ and $x^2 - 5x + k$ have a root in common?

Solution: We factor $x^2-3x+2$ into $(x-1)(x-2)$. Thus, either $1$ or $2$ is a root of $x^2-5x+k$. If $1$ is a root, then $1^2-5\cdot1+k=0$, so $k=4$. If $2$ is a root, then $2^2-5\cdot2+k=0$, so $k=6$. The sum of all possible values of $k$ is $\fbox{10}$.

Answer: 10