This question was asked inGPSC AE (Electrical) Class-2 R&B Department Paper 2025 – Series MQuestion 86 of 179 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q203ModerateRoot Locus

The characteristic equation of a control system is given by s(s + 4)(s² + 2s + s) + k(s + 1) = 0. What are the angles of the asymptotes for the root loci?

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: C. 60°, 180°, 300°
Quick explanation

Root-locus asymptote angles depend only on the excess number of open-loop poles over zeros: θ_k=(2k+1)180°/(n−m). For the characteristic equation, the open-loop structure gives three asymptotes, so the angles are 60°, 180° and 300°.

θk = (2k+1)180°/(n−m) k=0 → 60° k=1 → 180° k=2 → 300°

Concept & Reasoning

Rewrite the characteristic equation in 1+KG(s)H(s)=0 form and count open-loop poles and finite zeros. If n−m=3, the three asymptotes are equally spaced by 120° and begin at 60°. Their centroid needs pole/zero locations, but the question asks only angles.

How to Solve It in the Exam

Three asymptotes → 60°, 180°, 300°.

Important Exam Point

Angles depend on n−m, not on the numerical value of K.

Quick Trick

Three asymptotes → 60°, 180°, 300°.

Common Mistake

Using 0°,120°,240°, which corresponds to even-multiple angles rather than odd-multiple root-locus asymptotes.

Solution diagram – The characteristic equation of a control system is given by s(s + 4)(s² + 2s +…
Exam tipAngles depend on n−m, not on the numerical value of K.
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