GATE 2026 EC – Question 40
For the control system shown in the Figure, the transfer function of a plant, $G(s)=\frac{1}{(s+1)(s+2)}$ is connected in cascade with a compensator $C(s)=K(s+\alpha)$, where $K$ and $\alpha$ are positive real valued constants. Which of the following pairs $(K,\alpha)$ represent the correct values for the closed loop system to have poles at $(-3\pm j\sqrt5)$?

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Correct answer: (B) 3, 4
Explanation
The characteristic equation is $s^2+(3+K)s+(2+K\alpha)=0$. The desired poles give $s^2+6s+14$. So $K=3$ and $2+3\alpha=14$, giving $\alpha=4$.