MATHEMATICS

QUADRATIC EQUATION, EXPRESSION AND INEQUATIONS

Syllabus IIT JEE : Quadratic equations with real coefficients, relations between roots and coefficients, formation of
quadratic equations with given roots, symmetric functions of roots.

INDEX
1. Definition of polynomial
2. Quadratic equation
3. Roots of quadratic equation
4. Relation between roots and coefficient of quadratic equation
5. Nature of roots
6. If root of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are a & b then finding equation whose roots are
symmetric expressions of a and b
7. Quadratic equation V/S Identity
8. Condition of common roots
9. Rational algebraic inequalities (Method of interval)
10. Graphs of quadratic expressions, y = ax2 + bx + c
11. Explanation of above graphs
12. Computing the maximum or minimum values of rational function
13. Location of roots
14. General and mixed problem
15. Finding the condition for which a general two degree expression
16. Theory of equations
17. Pseudo quadratic equations

st
1 LECTURE
1. DEFINITION OF POLYNOMIAL :
An algebraic expression of the form ƒ(x) = a0xn + a1xn–1 + a2xn–2 + ...............+ an–1x + an is called polynomial
of degree 'n' where ai Î R, i = 1, 2,...,n & a0 ¹ 0
If n = 1 is taken then
ƒ(x) = a0x + a1, a0 ¹ 0 (Linear expression)
Note : ƒ (x) = 0 is a polynomial whose degree is not defined.
If n = 2 is taken then
ƒ(x) = a0x2 + a1x + a2, a0 ¹ 0 (Quadratic expression)
Hence, algebraic expression of degree two in one variable is called quadratic expression, which is generally
represented as -
ƒ(x) = ax2 + bx + c; a, b, c Î R, a ¹ 0
where, a = leading coefficient, b = middle term coefficient, c = absolute term
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

2. QUADRATIC EQUATION :

Equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 , a, b, c Î R & a ¹ 0 is known as quadratic equation.

3. ROOTS OF QUADRATIC EQUATION :

Solving a quadratic equation would mean finding the value or values of x for which ax2 + bx + c vanishes and
these values of x are also called the roots of the quadratic equation or zeros or solutions of the corresponding
quadratic polynomial. Two methods of solving a quadratic equation are
(a) Graphical (not very useful) (b) Algebraic

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Algebraic method :
ax2 + bx + c = 0 a ¹ 0 a, b, c Î R
b c
x2 + x + = 0 (a ¹ 0)
a a
2 2 2
æ x + b ö = b - c = b - 4ac
è 2a ø 4a 2
a 4a2
b = ± b2 - 4ac
x+
2a 2a
- b ± b2 - 4ac
x= (Vietta's theorem)
2a
-b ± D -b - D
Hence a = and b = where D = b2 – 4ac
2a 2a
Þ ax2 + bx + c = a(x – a)(x – b)
Similarly if a, b & g are roots of equation ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0, then we can write
ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = a(x – a)(x – b)(x – g)
4. RELATION BETWEEN ROOTS AND COEFFICIENT OF QUADRATIC EQUATION :
ax2 + bx + c = 0 a ¹ 0 a, b, c Î R

b c D
If a, b are the roots then a + b = – ; ab = ; a -b =
a a |a|
Hence we can form the quadratic equation if the sum and product of its roots are known
b c
i.e. x2 + x + = 0
a a
æ bö c
Þ x2 – è - ø x + = 0
a a
Þ x2 – (sum of roots)x + product of roots = 0
Note :
c
(a) If exactly one root of quadratic equation = 0, then P = 0 Þ = 0 Þ c = 0, b ¹ 0
a
(b) If both roots of the quadratic equation are zero then S = 0 and P = 0 Þ b = c = 0.
1
(c) If one root is ¥ put x = y in ax2 + bx + c = 0, we get

a
cy2 + by + a = 0 must have one root zero Þ P = 0 i.e. =0
c
b O
Hence, a = 0 and – ¹ 0 Þ b ¹ 0.
c
Original quadratic equation becomes bx + c = 0
y=c
(d) When both roots of the quadratic equation are infinity then.
The quadratic equation cy2 + by + a = 0 must have both roots zero.
b a O
i.e. = – = 0 and = 0 Þ b = 0 ; a = 0 and c ¹ 0.
c c
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

(e) If roots of the quadratic equation are opposite in sign, then P < 0 Þ a and c are of opposite in sign.
(f) If roots of the quadratic equation are numerically equal but opposite in sign, then b = 0.
5. NATURE OF ROOTS :
The quantity D = b2 – 4ac is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation and plays a very vital role in
deciding the nature of roots of the equation without actually determining them. Now
If D > 0 then roots are real and distinct.
If D = 0 roots are coincident.
If D ³ 0 roots are real.
If D < 0 no real roots.

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Note :
(i) In case the coefficient of quadratic equation are rational then the roots are rational if D > 0 and is a
perfect square.
(ii) Irrational roots of a quadratic equation with rational coefficients always occur in pair if one of the roots is
m + n then other root will be m - n .
(iii) Imaginary roots of a quadratic equation with real coefficients always occur in pair if one of the roots is
p + iq then other root will be p – iq.
(iv) If a, b & c are odd integers, then roots can not be rational.

EXAMPLES :
a æ a 2 b2 ö æa bö
E(1) If ax2 + bx + c = 0 , then find the value of a ç + ÷ + bç + ÷ [Ans. b]
b è b aø èb aø
p
E(2) Form a quadratic equation with rational coefficients whose one root is : (a) cos36° (b) cot2
8
E(3) If a, b are the roots of the quadratic equation x2 – 2x + 5 = 0 then form a quadratic equation whose roots
are a3 + a2 – a + 22 and b3 + 4b2 – 7b + 35. [Ans. x2 – 12x + 35 = 0]
E(4) If x = 3 + 5 find the value of x4 – 12x3 + 44x2 – 48x + 17. [Ans. 1]
E(5) Prove that roots of bx + (b – c)x + b – c – a = 0 are real, if those of ax + 2bx + b = 0 are imaginary.
2 2

E(6) If roots of equation 2x3 + 4x2 – 5x + 8 = 0 are a, b, g, then find value of

135
(i) (2 – a)(2 – b)(2 – g) (ii) (1 – a2)(1 – b2)(1 – g2) ] [Ans. 15,
4
E(7) Let P(x) = x4 + ax3 + bx2 + cx + d and P(1) = 1, P(2) = 2, P(3) = 3, P(4) = 4, then find P(5).
[Ans. 29]
E(8) If roots of the equation x2 – (a + 1)x + a – 3 = 0 are integers, then find integral values of a.
[Ans. 3, –1]
E(9) If a, b are roots of x2 + px + 4 = 0 & g, d are roots of x2 + (p + 5)x + 4 = 0, then find value of
(a - g)(b - g)(a - d)(b - d) [Ans. 100]
E(10) If remainders, when polynomial ƒ(x) is divided by x – 1 & x + 2 are 5 & –4, then find the remainder when
ƒ(x) is divided by (x2 + x – 2). [Ans. (3x + 2)]
2 1 1
D(11) If p(q – r)x2 + q(r – p)x + r(p – q) = 0 has equal roots then prove that q = p + r (cyclic order)
i.e. p, q, r are in H.P.
D(12) If a quadratic equation (in x or y) is formed from y 2 = 4ax and y = mx + c and has equal roots then prove
a
that c = .
m

6. If root of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are a & b then finding equation whose roots are symmetric
expressions of a and b.
If f(a, b) = f(b, a) then f(a, b) denotes symmetric functions of roots.
EXAMPLE :
E(1) If roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are a & b then find equation whose roots are :
a +1 b +1 x +1
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

(i) 1 - 2a, 1 - 2b (ii) , by putting y = 1 - 2x and y =

a -1 b -1 x -1
Home Work : Hall & Knight; Sheet; NCERT .........................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
nd rd
2 & 3 LECTURE
7. QUADRATIC EQUATION V/S IDENTITY :
A quadratic equation in x is satisfied by only two values of x but an identity in x is satisfied by all values of x.
A quadratic equation will become an identity if it has more than two roots & the required condition is
a=b=c=0

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a
Proof : Let ax2 + bx + c = 0 b
g
Hence aa2 + ba + c = 0 .........(1)
ab2 + bb + c = 0 .........(2)
ag2 + bg + c = 0 .........(3)
From equation (1) and (2)
a(a2 – b2) + b(a – b) = 0
\ a ¹ b,
hence a(a + b) + b = 0 .........(4)
similarly a(b + g) + b = 0 .........(5)
by subtraction, (4) and (5)
a(a – g) = 0
a ¹ g, hence a = 0
if a = 0 Þ b=0 & c=0
Hence QE becomes 0x2 + 0x + 0= 0 which is an identity.
EXAMPLES :
E(1) For what values of p, the equation
(p + 2)(p – 1)x2 + (p – 1) (2p + 1) x + p2 – 1 = 0 has more than two roots. [Ans. 1]
(x - a)(x - b) (x - b)(x - c) (x - c)(x - a)
E(2) If (c - a)(c - b) + + = 1 then prove that it is an identity.
(a - b)(a - c) (b - c)(b - a)

a2 (x - b)(x - c) b2 (x - c)(x - a) c2 (x - a)(x - b)

D(3) If + + = x2 then prove that it is an identity.
(a - b)(a - c) (b - c)(b - c) (c - a)(c - b)

(a + x)2 (b + x)2 (c + x)2

D(4) If + + = 1 then prove that it is an identity.
(a - b)(a - c) (b - c)(b - a) (c - a)(c - b)
8. CONDITION OF COMMON ROOTS :
Let a1x2 + b1x + c1 = 0 and a2x2 + b2x + c2 = 0 have a common root a.
Hence a1a2 + b1a + c1 = 0
a2a2 +b2a + c2 = 0
a2 a 1
by cross multiplication b c - b c = a c - a c = a b - a b
1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1

2
b1c2 - b2 c1 a2c1 - a1c2 a1 c1 a1 b1 b1 c1
\ a=a c -a c = a b -a b or =
2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 a2 c2 a2 b2 b2 c2
which is the required condition for atleast one root in common.
This is also the condition that the two quadratic expressions a1x2 + b1xy + c1y2 and a2x2 + b2xy + c2y2 may have
a common factor.
a1 b1 c1
Note : If both roots of the given equations are common then = =
a 2 b2 c 2
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

EXAMPLES :
E(1) Find the value of k for which the equations 3x2 + 4kx + 2 = 0 and 2x2 + 3x – 2 = 0 have a common root.
-11 7
[Ans. k =
, ]
8 4
E(2) If the quadratic equation x2 + bx + c = 0 and x2 + cx + b = 0 (b ¹ c) have a common root then prove that
their uncommon roots are the roots of the equation x2 + x + bc = 0.
E(3) If the equation x2 – 4x + 5 = 0 and x2 + ax + b = 0, a, b Î R have a common root find a and b.
[Ans. a=–4, b=5]
E(4) If both the roots of the equation x + bx + b = 0 are the roots of the equation x + 3x + 3x + 2 = 0, then
2 3 2

find b. [Ans. 1]

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x 2 + p1 x + q1 = 0 ù
ú
D(5) If each pair of the equations x 2 + p2 x + q2 = 0 ú has exactly one root in common then show that :
x 2 + p3 x + q 3 = 0úû
(p1 + p2 + p3)2 = 4 (p1p2 + p2p3 + p3p1 – q1 – q2 – q3) (where all the three equations do not have a
common root simultaneously)
D(6) If one root of the quadratic equation x 2 – x + 3a = 0 is double the root of the equation
x2 – x + a = 0 then find the value of 'a' (a ¹ 0). [Ans. a = –2]
D(7) If the equations x2 + abx + c = 0 & x2 + acx + b = 0 have a common root then show that the quadratic
equation containing their other roots is a(b + c)x2 + (b + c)x – abc = 0.
D(8) If the equation 4x2sin2q – (4sinq)x + 1 = 0 and a2(b2–c2)x2 + b2(c2–a2)x + c2(a2–b2)=0 have a common root
p 5p
and the 2nd equation has equal roots, then find the possible values of q in (0, p). [Ans. q = , ]
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9. RATIONAL ALGEBRAIC INEQUALITIES (Method of interval) :
Type-1 : Quadratic inequality involving non-repeated linear factors.
E(1) 2x2 – 3x + 4 > 0 [Ans. x Î R ]
E(2) (x2 + x – 6)(x2 – 2x – 8) ³ 0 [Ans. ( -¥, - 3] È [-2, 2] È [4, ¥) ]

5 2 x3
D(3) Solve ƒ '(x) ³ g'(x), where ƒ (x) = 5 – 3x + x - , g(x) = 3x – 7. [Ans. [2, 3]]
2 3
Type-2 : Quadratic inequality involving Repeated linear factors.
E(1) (x + 1)(x – 3)(x – 2)2 ³ 0 [Ans. (–¥, –1] È [3, ¥) È {2}]
D(2) x(x + 6)(x + 2) (x – 3) > 0
2
[Ans. (–6, 0) È (3, ¥) – {–2}]
E(3) (x – 1) (x + 1) (x – 4) < 0
2 3
[Ans. (–1, 4) – {1}]

ƒ(x)
Type-3 : Quadratic/algebraic inequality of the type of . (Rational inequality)
g(x)

2x - 3 æ 3ö æ7 ö x2 - 5x + 12 æ1 ö
E(1) > 0 [Ans. ç -¥, ÷ È ç , + ¥ ÷ E(2) >3 [ Ans. ç , 3 ÷ ]
3x - 7 è 2ø è3 ø x2 - 4x + 5 è2 ø

x2 - 5x + 6 (x - 1)2 (x + 1)3
E(3) <0 [Ans. (2, 3)] E(4) <0 [Ans. (–1, 2) – {0,1}]
x2 + x + 1 x 4 (x - 2)

x +1 x + 5 2(x - 4) 1
D(5) ³ [Ans. (–¥, –1) È (1, 3] ] E(6) ³ [Ans. (1, 2) È (7, +¥)]
x -1 x +1 (x - 1)(x - 7) x - 2

x2 + 4x + 4 æ 1ö
D(7) >0 [Ans. (–¥, –2) È ç -2, - ÷ È ( -1, ¥ ) ]
2x2 - x - 1 è 2ø

x3 (2x - 3)2 (x - 4)6

D(8) Number of positive integral solution of £0 -
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

(x - 3)3 (3x - 8)4

(A) only one (B) 2 •(C) 3 (D) 4
Type-4 : Double inequality and biquadratic inequality.
3x2 - 7x + 8
E(1) 1 < £2 [Ans. [1, 6]]
x2 + 1

3x2 - 7x + 8
D(2) -1 £ £1 [Ans. f]
x2 + 1
E(3) (x2 + 3x + 1)(x2 + 3x – 3) ³ 5 [Ans. (–¥, –4] È [–2, –1] È [1, ¥)]

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Note :
* The following section is exclusively for nurture.
* Not to be taken for enthuse & leader (as it will be taken in Basic maths).
* Maximum 2 lectures must be given for this section.
* Home work for this section is from Prilipko.
Part- 1 Inequalities involving mod
3
E(1) Find solution set of the inequality |x + 2| – |x – 1| < x – .
2
Solve for x,
| x -1| 1
E(2) <1xÎR [Ans. (–¥, –2) È (– , ¥)]
x+2 2

E(3) |x3 - 1| ³ 1 - x [Ans. ( -¥, - 1) È (0, ¥) ]

x2 - 5x + 6
E(4) <0 [Ans. (2, 3)]
|x|+7

x2 + 6x - 7
E(5) <0 [Ans. (–7, –4) È (–4, 1)]
|x + 4|
|x + 2| - x
E(6) <2 [Ans. ( -¥,0) È (1, ¥ ) ]
x

1 1
E(7) < [Ans. ( -¥, - 5) È (-3, 3) È (5, ¥) ]
|x| -3 2

D(8) Find the least positive integer satisfying |x + 1| + |x – 4| > 7.

D(9) (|x – 1| – 3) (|x + 2| – 5) < 0 [Ans. (–7, 2) È (3, 4)]
PART- 2 PROPERTIES OF MODULUS FUNCTION :
(a) |x| ³ a Þ x ³ a or x £ –a where a is positive.

2x - 1 æ3 ö
(E) Example : >2 [Ans. è ,1ø È (1, ¥)]
x -1 4
(b) |x| £ a Þ x Î [–a, a]. where a is positive

x2 - 3x - 1
(E) Example : <3 [Ans. [(–¥, – 2) È (–1, + ¥)]]
x2 + x + 1
(c) |x| > |y|Þ x2 > y2

(E) Example : |x2 – 1| £ |2x – 1| [Ans. éë -1 - 3,0 ùû È éë -1 + 3,2 ùû ]

(d) |x + y| = |x| + |y| Þ xy ³ 0

(E) Example : |x + 1| + |x – 1| = |2x| [Ans. x Î (–¥, –1] È [1, ¥)]
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

(e) |x – y| = |x| + |y| Þ xy £ 0

(E) Example : |2x – 3| – |x2 – 4x + 3| =|x2 – 2x| [Ans. x Î [0, 1] È [2, 3]
PART-3 IRRATIONAL INEQUATIONS :
Examples :
E(1) x – 3 < x2 + 4x - 5 [Ans. (–¥, –5] È [1, ¥)]

E(2) x + 1 > 5 - x2 [Ans. (1, 5] ]

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PART-4 LOGARITHMIC INEQUATIONS :

é f(x) > g(x) & g(x) > 0, when a > 1

logaf(x) > logag(x) = ê
ë f(x) < g(x) & f(x) > 0, when 0 < a < 1
Examples :
E(1) log2 log4 log5x > 0 [Ans. x > 625]
æ 3ö
E(2) log3|3 – 4x| > 2 [Ans. ç –¥, – ÷ È (3, ¥ ) ]
è 2ø
E(3) log0.5(x2 – 5x + 6) > –1 [Ans. (1, 2) È (3, 4)]

E(4) log0.2 (x2 – x – 2) > log0.2 (– x2 + 2x + 3) [Ans. æç 2, 5 ö÷ ]

è 2ø

æ 3ö
E(5) logx è 2x - ø > 2 [Ans. x Î æ 3 , 1 ö È æ 1, 3 ö ]
4 è 8 2ø è 2ø
x - 1ö
E(6) log x +6 æ log2 >0 [Ans. (–6, –5) È (–3, –2)]
è x + 2ø
3

æ x2 + x ö
E(7) log0.5 ç log6 [Ans. (–4, –3) È (8, ¥)]
è x + 4 ÷ø < 0

2 æ 1ù
E(8) log2x £ log x - 1 [Ans. ç 0, ú È (2,4] ]
2 è 2û
æ 4x - 3 ö 1 3 4
D(9) log22 ç >– [Ans. æç , ö÷ or all domain]
è 4 - 3x ÷ø 2 è 4 3ø
x2 - 4x + 3 æ 2 ù é1 ù
D(10) log3 2 ³0 [Ans. èç –¥, – ú È ê ,2ú ]
x - x-5 3û ë2 û

D(11) (2 log22 x – 3 log3x – 8) (2 log23 x – 3log3 x – 6) ³ 3. [Hint : Put 2 log23 x – 3 log3 x – 6 = t]

PART-5 EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS / INEQUATIONS :

y y
x
y = a , a >1
(0, 1) x
y = a , 0 < a <1
(0, 1)

O x O x

é f(x) > loga b when a > 1

If af(x) > b Þ ê
ë f(x) < log a b when 0 < a < 1
Examples :
6 - 5x |x + 2|
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

æ 2 ö 2 +5x 25 æ 2 ö
E(2) æ 1 ö
2 -|x|
E(1) ç ÷ < [Ans. (–¥, –2) È ç - , ¥ ÷ ] >9 [Ans. (2, 6)]]
è5ø 4 è 5 ø è 3ø

Home Work : ......................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

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th
4 LECTURE
10. GRAPHS OF QUADRATIC EXPRESSIONS, y = ax2 + bx + c.
y = ax2 + bx + c
b c
y = a(x2 + x+ )
a a
éæ b ö
2
c b2 ù æ b ö
2
b2 - 4ac
y = a êç x + + - ú = a ç x + –
êëè 2a ÷ø a 4a 2 úû è 2a ÷ø 4a
2
æ æ -D ö ö æ b ö
çy -ç ÷÷ = a ç x + ÷
è è 4a ø ø è 2a ø
1
X2 = Y..
a
æ - b -D ö
\ vertex of the parabola is ç , ÷.
è 2a 4a ø
Now for different values of a, b, c if graph of y = ax 2 + bx + c is plotted then the following 6 different shapes are
obtained. The graph is called a parabola.
If a > 0, then parabola open upwards.
If a < 0, then parabola open downwards.

a>0
a>0 a>0 D<0
D>0 D=0 fig-3
fig-1 fig-2

O x1 x2 O x1 x2 O

y > 0 for some x and y is a perfect square no real root

y < 0 for some x y ³ 0, " x Î R y > 0, " x Î R

x1 x2 fig-5 fig-6
O O O
a<0
D>0 a<0 a<0
fig-4 D=0 D<0

For all x between root

y £ 0, " x Î R
QE is +ve y < 0, " x Î R

11. EXPLANATION OF ABOVE GRAPHS :

The first 3 figures are obtained when a > 0. Here the mouth of the parabola opens upwards. Shape resembles
that of a cup, filling water or sign of union. Last 3 graphs are obtained when a < 0. Here the mouth of a
parabola opens downwards. Shape resembles that of a cup, spilling water or sign of intersection.
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

figure-1 is indicative that there are two values of x for which the value of y is zero. These values x = x1 or
x = x2 are called the zeroes of the polynomial.
Note that for x > x2 or x < x1, y is positive where of x1 < x < x2, y is negative. In this case y can take both positive
and negative values.
In figure-2 the curve touches the axis of x. Here both zeroes of the polynomial coincide. Note that in this case
the value of y is always non negative for all x Î R.
In figure-3 the curve completely lies above the x-axis. There is no real zero and the value of y is always greater
than zero for all x Î R. This is an important case.
Similar explanation can be given for figure-4, 5 and 6.
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Note :
(a) Condition for which quadratic expression y = ax2 + bx + c is always positive is a > 0 and D < 0
(b) Condition for which quadratic expression y = ax2 + bx + c is always negative is a < 0 and D < 0
(c) ax2 + bx + c > 0 " x Î R, if a > 0 & D < 0
(d) ax2 + bx + c < 0 " x Î R, if a < 0 & D < 0

-D -b –b/2a
(e) If a > 0 then minimum value of y is at x =
4a 2a
(–b/2a, –D/4a)

(–b/2a, –D/4a)
-D -b
If a < 0 then maximum value of y is at x =
4a 2a

(f) The quadratic expression ax2+bx+c is a perfect square, then a > 0, D = 0

i.e. x2 – 2x + 1 = (x – 1)2 but 2x – x2 – 1 is not a perfect square.
EXAMPLES :
y
E(1) Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c is shown in the figure then
(i) a<0 (ii) D>0
(iii) S>0 (iv) P<0
b c x
(v) – > 0 (b > 0) (vi) < 0 (c > 0)
a a O
(vii) b and c have the same sign and different than a.
E(2) Find the set of values of 'a' for which the quadratic equation. [Ans. (–¥,–4)]
(i) (a + 4)x – 2ax + 2a – 6 < 0 " x Î R
2

or
æ5 ö
(ii) (a – 1)x2 – (a + 1)x + (a + 1) > 0, " x Î R [Ans. ç , ¥ ÷ ]
è3 ø
E(3) If f(x) = ax + bx + c > 0 " x Î R then prove that g(x) = f(x) + f'(x) + f"(x) > 0 (" x Î R).
2

E(4) If y = x2 – 3x – 4 then find the range of y when

(i) x Î R (ii) x Î [0, 3] (iii) x Î [–2 , 0]
[Ans. (i) [–25/4, ¥) (ii) [–25/4, –4] (iii) [–4, 6]]
E(5) If ax + bx + c = 0 doesn't have real and distinct roots and a + c > b, then prove that 4a + c ³ 2b.
2

E(6) For what value of p the vertex of x2 + 2px + 13 lies at a distance 5 unit from origin.

E(7) Find the set of real values of c such that x2 – 4x – c – 8x2 - 32x - 8c = 0 has precisely
(i) two distinct solutions (ii) four solutions (iii) no solution
[Ans. (i) (–12, –4) (ii) (–4, ¥) (iii) (–¥, –12)]
E(8) Find set of values of p for which x – 2px + 3p + 4 < 0 for atleast one real value of x. [Ans. (–¥, –1) È (4, ¥)]
2
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

D(9) Find the least value of ƒ (x) = 2bx2 – x4 – 3b2 in [–2, 1] depending on the parameter b
for b Î (–¥, 2] least value ƒ (4) = 8b – 3b2 – 16
for b Î [2, ¥) least value ƒ (0) = – 3b2
D(10) Find all values of p for each of which the least value of quadratic trinomial 4x2 – 4px + p2 – 2p + 2 on
the interval [0, 2] is equal to 3. [Ans. p = 1 - 2, 5 + 10 ]

Home Work : ......................................................................................................

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E 9
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12. COMPUTING THE MAXIMUM OR MINIMUM VALUES OF RATIONAL FUNCTION :

EXAMPLES :
x2 - x + 1 1
E(1) If x is real, then prove that lies from to 3.
x2 + x + 1 3
(x + 1)(x - 2)
E(2) Prove that y = can have any value in (–¥, ¥) for x Î R.
x(x + 3)
ax 2 - 7x + 5
D(3) Find all possible value of 'a' for which the expression may be capable of all values, x
5x 2 - 7x + a
being any real quantity. [Ans. a Î (–12,2)]
x2 + 2x - 11
D(4) If x is real, prove that the expression y = can have all numerical values except which
2(x - 3)
lie between 2 and 6.
x2 + 14x + 9
D(5) Find the maximum and minimum value of y = " x Î R. [Ans. 4,–5]
x2 + 2x + 3
13. LOCATION OF ROOTS :
This article deals with an elegant approach of solving problems on quadratic equations when the roots are
located / specified on the number line with variety of constraints :
Consider ƒ(x) = ax2 + bx + c.
Type-1 : Both roots of the quadratic equation are greater than a specific number say (d).
The necessary and sufficient condition for this are :
b
(i) D ³ 0 ; (ii) aƒ (d) > 0 ; (iii) – >d
2a
x
EXAMPLES : d
E(1) Find all the values of the parameter 'd' for which both roots of the equation
æ 11 ö
x2 – 6dx + (2 – 2d + 9d2) = 0 exceed the number 3. [Ans. d Î ç , ¥ ÷ ]
è 9 ø
E(2) Determine the value of 'a' for which both roots of the quadratic equation
(a2 + a – 2)x2 – (a + 5)x – 2 = 0 exceed the number minus one. [Ans. a Î ( -¥, -2) È (1, ¥ ) ]
E(3) Find the values of a > 0 for which both the roots of equation ax – (a + 1)x + a – 2 = 0 are greater
2

than 3. [Ans. f]
D(4) Find all the values of 'a' for which both roots of the equation x + x + a = 0 exceed the quantity 'a'.
2

[Ans. a Î ( -¥, - 2) ]
Type-2 :
Both roots lie on either side of a fixed number say (d). Alternatively one root is greater than 'd' and other less
then 'd' or 'd' lies between the roots of the given equation.
The necessary and sufficient condition for this are : aƒ (d) < 0
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

Note : consideration of discriminant is not necessary. a d b

EXAMPLE :
E(1) Find the value of a for which one root of the equation of x2 – (2a + 3)x + a2 = 0 exceed 3 and other is smaller
than 3. [Ans. a Î (0, 6)]
Type-3 :
Exactly one root lies in the interval (d, e) when d < e.
The necessary and sufficient condition for this is :
d e
ƒ (d) . ƒ (e) < 0

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 MATHEMATICS
Note : In this case also check for end points. If interval is closed say [d, e] then ƒ (d) = 0 or ƒ (e) = 0 Þ no
other root should lie in (d, e).
EXAMPLE :
E(1) Find all possible values of 'k' for which exactly one root of the quadratic equation x2 – (6k – 1)x – 2k = 0
lie in the interval (–1, 1). [Ans. (–¥, 0] È [1/4, ¥)]
D(2) Find the set of values of m for which exactly one root of the equation x2 + mx + (m2 + 6m) = 0 lie
in (–2, 0) [Ans. (–6, –2) È (–2, 0)]
Type-4 :
When both roots are confined between the number d and e (d < e).
The necessary and sufficient condition for this are :
(i) D ³ 0 ; (ii) aƒ (d) > 0 ; (iii) aƒ (e) > 0

b d e
(iv) d < - <e
2a
EXAMPLE :
E(1) If a, b are the roots of the quadratic equation x2 + 2(k – 3)x + 9 = 0 (a ¹ b). If a, b Î (–6, 1) then
27
find the values of k. [Ans. æç 6, ö÷ ]
è 4ø
Type-5 :
One root is greater than e and the other roots is less than d (d < e).
The necessary and sufficient condition for this are : aƒ (d) < 0 and aƒ (e) < 0 d e
Example :
E(1) Find all the values of k for which one root of the quadratic equation
(k – 5)x2 – 2kx + k – 4 = 0 is smaller than 1 and the other root exceed 2. [Ans. (5, 24)]
14. GENERAL AND MIXED PROBLEM :
For y = ƒ (x) = ax2 + bx + c
if ƒ (p) < 0 and ƒ (q) > 0
i.e. ƒ (p) ƒ (q) < 0 Þ then the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has one root lying between p and q.
EXAMPLE :
E(1) Let a be a real root of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and b be a real root of the equation
a 2
– ax2 + bx + c = 0. Show that there exists a root g of the equation x + bx + c = 0 which lie
2
between a and b .(a , b ¹ 0, a ¹ 0).
E(2) If a < b < c < d, then show that the quadratic equation (x – a) (x – c) + l (x – b) (x – d) = 0 has real
roots for all real values of l.
E(3) Prove that for any real value of a the inequality, (a2 + 3)x2 + (a + 2)x – 5 < 0 is true for at least one
negative x.
D(4) Find the values of a for which the equation x2 + (a + 2) x + a + 5 = 0 has at least one negative root.
[Ans. (–¥,–5) È [4, ¥)]
D(5) Let a, b, c Î R. If a and b be the roots of equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a < –n & b > n, then
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

c 1 b
show that 1 + + < 0.
an2 n a
Home Work : ......................................................................................................
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15. FINDING THE CONDITION FOR WHICH A GENERAL TWO DEGREE EXPRESSION :
f(x, y) = ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c
can be resolved as a product of two linear factors.
Required condition is abc + 2fgh – af 2 – bg2 – ch2 = 0
EXAMPLES :
E(1) If the expression 3x2 + 2pxy + 2y2 + 2ax – 4y + 1 can be resolved into linear factors then prove
that p must be one of the roots of the equation t2 + 4at + 2a2 + 6 = 0.
E(2) If the equation x2 + 16y2 – 3x + 2 = 0 is satisfied by all real values of x and y then prove that
1 1
1 £ x £ 2 and – £y£ .
8 8

E(3) Show that in the equation x2 – 3xy + 2y2 – 2x – 3y – 35 = 0, for every real value of x there
is a real value of y, and for every value of y there is a real value of x.

D(4) Prove that the expression 2x + 3xy + y2 – 2x + 3x + 1 can be factories into two linear factors. Find
them.

16. THEORY OF EQUATION :

The equation a0xn + a1xn–1 + a2xn–2 + ..... + an–1x + an = 0 when a0, a1, a2, ...... , an are constants, but a0 ¹ 0, is
a polynomial of degree n. It has n and only n roots. Let a1 , a2 , a 3 ,......., a n be n roots then

a1 a a
Sa1 = ( -1)1 ; Sa1a2 = ( -1)2 2 , Sa1a2a 3 = (-1)3 3
a0 a0 a0
ap
In general Sa1a2 a 3 .......a p = ( -1)n
a0
In particular
If the roots of equation ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 be a, b, g
b c d
then Sa = a + b + g = - ; Sab = ab + bg + ga = ; abg = -
a a a
If the roots of ax4 + bx3 + cx 2 + dx + e = 0 be a, b, g, d
b c
then Sa = a + b + g + d = - ; Sab = (a + b )( g + d ) + ab + gd = ;
a a

d e
Sabg = ab( g + d) + gd(a + b) = - ; abgd =
a a
Some Results on roots of a polynomial equation :
(1) Factor theorem : If a is a root of the equation ƒ(x) = 0, then ƒ (x) is a exactly divisible by (x – a) and
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

conversely, if ƒ (x) is exactly divisible by (x – a), then a is a root of the equation ƒ (x) = 0 and the remainder
obtained is ƒ (a).
(2) Every equation of an odd degree has at least one real root, whose sign is opposite to that of its last term,
provided that the coefficient of the first form is positive.
(3) Every equation of an even degree has at least two real roots, one positive and one negative, whose last
term is negative, provided that the coefficient of the first term is positive.
(4) If an equation has no odd powers of x, then all roots of the equation are complex provided all the
coefficients of the equation have positive sign.

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(5) Let ƒ (x) = 0 be a polynomial equation and l, µ are two real numbers,
Then ƒ (x) = 0 will have at least one real root or an odd number of roots between l and µ if ƒ (l) and
ƒ (µ) are of opposite signs.
But if ƒ (l) and ƒ (µ) are of same signs, then either ƒ (x) = 0 has no real roots or an even number of roots
between l and µ.
EXAMPLES :
E(1) If a, b & g are roots of x3 – px2 + qx – r = 0, then find
(i) Sum of the squares of the roots [Ans. p2 – 2q]

(ii) Sum of the products of squares of the roots taken two at a time, i.e. å a2b2 [Ans. q2 – 2pr]

(iii) The value of a(b2 + g2) + b(g2 + a2) + g(a2 + b2) [Ans. pq – 3r]

p
E(2) a, b, g, d are the roots of the equation tan æç + x ö÷ = 3 tan3x no two of which have equal tangents,
è4 ø
find the value of tana + tanb + tang + tand . [Ans. 0]
E(3) Find the cubic each of whose roots is greater by unity than root of the equation x3 – 5x2 + 6x – 3 =0.
[Ans. y3 – 8y2 + 19y – 1= 0]

E(4) If roots of x3 + lx2 + 2x – l = 0 are real & sum of its two roots is 2, then find l. [Ans. –4]
E(5) If a, b, g & d are roots of x4 – 20x3 + 85x2 – 100x + k = 0 such that ab = gd & a + b > g + d, then find
(a + b + k) [Ans. 40]
D(6) Form a cubic whose roots are the cubes of the roots of x3 + 3x2 + 2 = 0.
D(7) Given the product p of sines of the angles of a triangle & product q of their cosines, find the cubic
equation, whose coefficients are functions of p & q & whose roots are the tangents of the angles of
the triangle.
D(8) Let g(x) = x 3 + px2 + qx + r where p, q, r are integers. Prove that if g(0) & g(–1) are both odd then
g(x) = 0 cannot have three integer roots.
17. EQUATION REDUCIBLE TO QUADRATIC EQUATION :

EXAMPLE :
E(1) Find values of k for which the equation x4 + (1 – 2k) x2 + (k2 – 1) = 0 has :
æ5 ö
(a) No solution [Ans. k Î (–¥, –1) È ç , ¥ ÷ ]
è4 ø
(b) One real solution [Ans. k = – 1]
(c) Two real solutions [Ans. k Î (–1, 1) È {5/4}]
(d) Three real solutions [Ans. k = 1]
(e) Four real solutions [Ans. k Î (1, 5/4)]
2 2
E(2) Find number of solution of equation 16sin x
+ 16cos x
= 10 in [0, 2p] [Ans. 4]
D:\Data\TARGET-2012\TEACHING NOTES\Quadratic equation

E(3) Solve for x :

(i) (x + 1)(x + 2)(x + 3)(x + 4) = 120 [Ans. –6,1]
(ii) (x + 1)(x + 2)(x + 3)(x + 6) = 3x2 [Ans. -4 ± 10 ]
(iii) (x – 6)4 + (x – 8)4 = 16 [Ans. 8,6]
(iv) x8 – x6 – x2 + 1 = 0 [Ans. 1,–1]

Home Work : ......................................................................................................

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