The value of $$a$$ for which the sum of the squares of the roots of the equation $${x^2} - \left( {a - 2} \right)x - a - 1 = 0$$ assume the least value is :

If the roots of the equation $${x^2} - bx + c = 0$$ be two consecutive integers, then $${b^2} - 4c$$ equals

If the roots of the equation $${x^2} - bx + c = 0$$ be two consecutive integers, then $${b^2} - 4c$$ equals

The value of $$a$$ for which the sum of the squares of the roots of the equation
$${x^2} - \left( {a - 2} \right)x - a - 1 = 0$$ assume the least value is