1 Chapter 1 | Fundamentals of Mathematics

Chapter
Quadratic Equations
2
LECTURE-1 SOLVING POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS

Introduction Step-1 Factorise the constant term of the

A quadratic equation in the variable x is an equation of given quadratic equation.
the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, care real Step-2 Express the coefficient of middle term
numbers, a  0. as the sum or difference of the factors
e.g., 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0, 4x – 3x2 = 0, 1 – x2 = 0 etc. obtained in step 1. Clearly, the product of
When we write the terms of a quadratic equation in these two factors will be equal to the product
descending order of their degrees, then we get the of the coefficient of x2 and constant term.
standard form of the equation. i.e. ax2 + bx + c = 0, Step-3 Split the middle term in two parts
where a, b, c are real numbers and a  0 is called the obtained in step 2.
standard form of a quadratic equation. Step-4 Factorise the quadratic equation
A quadratic equation can be of the following types : obtained in step 3.
(i) b = 0, c  0 i.e. of the type ax2 + c = 0
(ii) b  0, c = 0 i.e. of the type ax2 + bx = 0 (ii) By Completing the Square Method
(iii) b = 0, c = 0 i.e. of the type ax2 = 0 ALGORITHM
(iv) b  0, c  0 i.e. of the type ax2 + bx + c = 0 Step-1 Obtain the quadratic equation. Let the
quadratic equation be ax2 + bx + c = 0, a  0.
Step-2 Make the coefficient of x2 unity, if it is
Methods of Solving b c
not unity. i.e., obtain x 2 + x + = 0.
(a) Roots of a Quadratic Equation a a
c
A real number  is a root of quadratic equation ax2 Step-3 Shift the constant term on R.H.S. to
a
b c
+ bx + c = 0, a  0 ifa2 + b + c = 0. So any real 2
get x + x = −
a a
number which satisfies a given quadratic equation Step-4 Add square of half of the coefficient of
is called the root of the quadratic equation. b 2
In polynomial chapter, we learnt that if x =  x. i.e. ( ) on both sides to obtain
2a
satisfies a quadratic polynomial p(x) i.e., p() = 0, b b 2 b 2 c
x2 + 2 ( ) x + ( ) = ( ) −
then  is the zero of p(x). 2a 2a 2a a

This means that zeros of a quadratic polynomial Step-5 Write L.H.S. as the perfect square of a
ax2 + bx + c and roots of a quadratic equation ax2 binomial expression and simplify R.H.S. to get
b 2 b2 −4ac
+ bx + c = 0 are the same. A quadratic equation (x + 2a) = 4a2 .
can have almost two real roots. Step-6 Take square root of both sides to get
b b2 −4ac
x+ = ±√ .
Note 2a 4a2
1. A quadratic equation is satisfied by exactly two Step-7 Obtain the values of x by shifting the
values of 'x' which may be real or imaginary. b
constant term on RHS.
The equation, ax2 + bx + c = 0 is 2a
(iii) By Using Quadratic Formula
2. A quadratic equation if a  0. [Two roots]
Consider the quadratic equation : ax2 + bx +
3. A linear equation if a = 0, b  0. [One root]
c = 0. a  0
4. A contradiction if a = b = 0, c  0. [No root]
Dividing throughout by a, we get
5. An identity if a = b = c = 0. [Infinite roots] b c b c
6. A quadratic equation cannot have more than x2 + x + = 0 ⇒ x2 + x = −
a a a a
two roots. 2 b b 2 b 2 c
⇒ x + 2( )x + ( ) = ( ) −
7. It follows from the above statement that if a 2a 2a 2a a
b 2 b2 −4ac
quadratic equation is satisfied by more than ⇒ (x + ) =
2a 4a2
two values of x, then it is satisfied by every √b2 −4ac
b
value of x and so it is an identity. ⇒x+ =± , when b2 – 4ac  0
2a 2a
b √b2 −4ac −b±√b2 −4ac
⇒x=− ± ⇒x=
2a 2a 2a
(b) Methods of Solving Quadratic Equation This is known as Quadratic formula or
(i) By Factorization Method Shreedharacharay’s formula for finding the
ALGORITHM roots of a quadratic equation.
 Chapter 1 | Fundamentals of Mathematics 2
Hence, if – 4ac  0, then the root of the
b2 1
Solution : Putting x = 5 and x = in the given equation.
2
quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c are given by 2 5 2 5
−b+√b2 −4ac −b−√b2 −4ac
− + 2 and 1 2
− 1 +2
(5)2 5 (2) (2)
and
2a 2a 2 2 5
Discriminant : For the quadratic equation ax2  − 1 + 2 and 1 − 1 +2
25
4 2
+ bx + c = 0, the expression D = (b2 – 4ac) is 2 27
called its discriminant. In terms of  +1 and 8 – 10 + 2  and 0
25 25
1
discriminant D, the two roots are given by i.e. x = 5 does not satisfy but x = satisfies the given
2
−b−√D −b−√D
α= and β = equation.
2a 2a 1
Hence, x = 5 is not a solution but x = is a solution of
Remark : If the discriminate D = b2 – 4ac < 0, then the 2 5
2

quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has no real roots. 𝑥 2 − + 2 = 0.

𝑥

Example 1.1 Example 1.4

Which of the following are quadratic equations ? Find the value of K for which the given value is a
(i) x2 – 6√x + 2 = 0 solution of the equation.
1 (i) x2 + Kx + 3 = 0, x = 1
(ii) x + = 1
x (ii) x2 – x(a + b) + K = 0, x = a
Solution : (i) x2 – 6√x + 2 = 0 is not a quadratic Solution : (i) Since x = 1 is a solution of the equation
equation as x2 – 6√x + 2 is not a quadratic polynomial x2 + Kx + 3 = 0
( the power of x is 1/2)  (1)2 + K × 1 + 3 = 0
1  1+K+3=0
(ii) x + = 1
x  K = – 4.
x2 +1
⇒ =1 (ii) Since x = a is a solution of equation
x
 x2 + 1 = x x2 – x(a + b) + K = 0
 x2 – x + 1 = 0  (a)2 – a(a + b) + K = 0
 (x2 – x + 1) is a quadratic polynomial  a2 – a2 – ab + K = 0
 (x2 – x + 1) = 0 is a quadratic equation.  – ab + K = 0
 K = ab.
Example 1.2
Example 1.5
Determine whether the given values are solution of 2
the given equation or not. If x = and x = – 3 are the roots of the equation ax2 +
3
1
(i) 3x2 + 2x – 1 = 0; x = 7x + b = 0, find the value of a and b.
3 2
(ii) a2x2 – 3abx + 2b2 = 0; x = , x =
a b Solution : Since x = is a root of the equation
3
b a
Solution : (i) 3x2 + 2x – 1 = 0 ax2 + 7x + b = 0
1 2 2 2
Putting x = in the LHS of the given equation, we get ∴ a( ) + 7 × + b = 0
3 3 3
1 2 1  4a + 9b = – 42 ... (i)
LHS = 3x2 + 2x – 1 = 3 × ( ) + 2 × − 1
3 3 Again, x = – 3 is a root of the equation ax2 + 7x + b = 0
1 2 1 2 1+2−3
=3× + −1= + −1=
9 3 3 3 3
= 0 = RHS  a(–3)2 + 7(–3) + b = 0
1
 x = is a solution of + 2x – 1 = 0. 3x2  9a – 21 + b = 0
3
 9a + b = 21 ... (ii)
(ii) a x – 3abx + 2b = 0
2 2 2
On solving (i) & (ii) a = 3, b = – 6
We have a2x2 – 3abx + 2b2 = 0
a
Putting x = in the LHS of the given equation.
b
a2 a a4
Example 1.6
LHS = a2 × 2 − 3ab × + 2b2 = 2 − 3a2 + 2b2 
b b b Solve the following quadratic equation by
RHS factorization method :
b
Putting x = in the LHS of the given equation x2 – 2ax + a2 – b2 = 0
a
b2 b Solution : Factors of the constant term a2 – b2 are (a
LHS = a2 × 2 − 3ab × + 2b2 = b2 – 3b2 + 2b2 = – b) & (a + b). Also, coefficient of the middle term
a a
0 = RHS = – 2a = {(a – b) + (a + b)}.
a b
hence x = is not the solution, but x = is a  x2 – 2ax + a2 – b2 = 0
b a
solution of the given equation.  x2 – {(a –b) + (a + b)} x + (a + b) (a – b) = 0
 x2 – (a – b) x – (a + b) x + (a – b) (a + b) = 0
Example 1.3  x{x– (a – b)} – (a + b) {x – (a – b)} = 0
 {x – (a – b)} {x– (a + b)} = 0
Determine whether the given values are the solutions x – (a – b) = 0 or x – (a + b) = 0
of the given equation or not : x = a – b or x = a + b
2 5 1
𝑥2 − + 2 = 0; x = 5 x = –
𝑥 2
OR
3 Chapter 1 | Fundamentals of Mathematics
(x2 – 2ax + a2) – b2 = 0
 (x – a)2 – (b)2 = 0 Example 1.12
 (x – a + b) (x – a – b) = 0
By using the method of completing the square, show
 x – (a – b) = 0 or x – (a – b) = 0
that the equation 4x2 + 3x + 5 = 0 has no real roots.
 x = a – b or a + b
Solution : We have, 4x2 + 3x + 5 = 0 ...(i)
divide (i) by 4 we get
Example 1.7 3
 x2 + x = −
5
4 4
Find the solutions of the quadratic equation x2 + 6x + add square of half of the coefficient of x on both sides
5 = 0. 3 3 2 3 2 5
Solution : The quadratic polynomial x2 + 6x + 5 can be  x2 + x + ( ) = ( ) −
4 8 8 4
factorized as follows 3 2 9 5
 (x + ) = −
x2 + 6x + 5 8 64 4
3 2 71
= x2 + 5x + x + 5  (x + ) = −
8 64
= x(x + 5) + 1(x + 5) Clearly, RHS is negative.
= (x + 5)(x + 1) 3 2
Therefore the given quadratic equation becomes (x + But, (x + ) cannot be negative for any real value of x.
8
5)(x + 1) = 0 Hence, the given equation has no real roots.
This gives x = – 5 or x = –1.
Therefore, x = – 1, – 5 are the required solutions of the Example 1.13
given equation.
Solve : 9x2 – 15x + 6 = 0
Solution : Here, 9x2 – 15x + 6 = 0
Example 1.8 15 6
 x 2 − x + = 0 (Dividing throughout by 9)
Solve : 25x2 – 30x + 9 = 0 9 9
5 2
Solution : 25x2 – 30x + 9 = 0  x2 − x + = 0
3 3
(5x)2 – 2(5x) × 3 + (3)2 = 0 5 2
 x2 − x = −
3 3
(5x – 3)2 = 0
3 3 3 (Shifting the constant term on RHS)
This gives x = , or simply x = as the required 5 −5 2 −5 2 2
5 5 5
 x2 − 2 ( ) x + ( ) = ( ) −
solution. 6 6 6 3
(Adding square of half of coefficient of x on both sides)
5 2 25 2
Example 1.9  (x − ) = −
6 36 3
Solve 64x2 – 625 = 0 5 2 25−24
 (x − ) =
6 36
Solution : We have 64x2 – 625 = 0
5 2 1
or (8x)2 – (25)2 = 0  (x − ) =
6 36
or (8x + 25)(8x – 25) = 0 5 1
 x− =± [Taking square root of both sides]
i.e., 8x + 25 = 0 or 8x – 25 = 0. 6
5 1
6
25
This gives x = − or .
25  x= ±
8 8 6 6
5 1 5 1 4 2
Thus, x = −
25 25
, are solutions of the given equation.  x = + =1 or x = − = =
6 6 6 6 6 3
8 8

Example 1.10 Example 1.14

Solve the quadratic equation : 16x2 – 24x = 0. Solve the quadratic equation x2 – 6x + 4 = 0 by using
Solution : The given equation may be written as 8x(2x quadratic formula (Sridharacharya's Rule).
– 3) = 0 Solution : Solve the quadratic equation x2 – 6x + 4 = 0
3 by using quadratic formula (Sridharacharya's Rule).
This gives x = 0 or x = .
3
2 On comparing the given equation x2 – 6x + 4 = 0 with
x = 0, are the required solutions. the standard form of quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c
2
= 0, we get a = 1, b = – 6, c = 4.
Hence the required roots are
Example 1.11
−(−6) ± √(−6)2 − 4(1)(4) 6 ± √36 − 16
Solve: x2 + 6x + 8 = 0 x= =
2(1) 2
Solution : We have
x2 + 6x + 8 = 0 6 ± √20 6 ± √4 × 5
= =
x2 + 6x = – 8 2 2
2(3±√5)
add square of half of the coefficient of x on both sides = = 3 ± √5
2
x2 + 6x + (3)2 = – 8 + (3)2
Thus, the roots of the equation are 3 + √5and 3 – √5.
(x + 3)2 = – 8 + 9
(x + 3)2 = 1
x+3=1 Example 1.15
x + 3 = 1 or x + 3 = – 1 Solve the quadratic equation x2 – 7x – 5 = 0.
 x = – 2 or – 4 are the solutions.
 Chapter 1 | Fundamentals of Mathematics 4
Solution : Comparing the given equation with + bx ax2 Example 1.18
+ c = 0, a = 1, b = –7 and c = –5.
Therefore, D = (–7)2 – 4 × 1 × (–5) = 49 + 20 = 69 > 0
Find the value of √2 + √2 + √2+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Since D is positive, the equation has two roots given by
−b+√D −b−√D 7+√69 7−√69 Solution : Let
x= , = ,
2a 2a 2 2
⇒x=
7+√69 7−√69
, are the required solutions. x = √2 + √2 + √2+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ∞
2 2
x = √2 + x
by squaring on both sides
Example 1.16
 x2 = 2 + x
Solve the quadratic equation 9x2 – 9(a + b)x + 2a2 +  x2 – x – 2 = 0  (x – 2) (x + 1) = 0
5ab + 2b2 = 0 .  x = –1, 2.
Solution : 9x2 – 9 (a + b) x + 2a2 + 5ab + 2b2 = 0
compare the given equation Ax2 + Bx + C = 0
Example 1.19
A=9
B = –9 (a + b) Solve for x : 2x4 + x3 – 6x2 + x + 2 = 0
C = 2a2 + 5ab + 2b2 Solution : 2x4 + x3 – 6x2 + x + 2 = 0
−±√𝐵2 −4𝐴𝐶 divide the equation by x2, we get
x= 1 1
2𝐴 2 (x 2 + 2) + (x + ) − 6 = 0 ...(i)
9(𝑎+𝑏)±√92 (𝑎 + 𝑏)2 −4×9(2 𝑎2 +5 𝑎𝑏 +2 𝑏2 ) x x
x= 1
x + = y then x 2 +
1
= y 2 − 2put these values in (i)
18
x x2
9(a+b)±√81 a2 +81 b2 +162ab−72 a2 −72 b2 −180ab
x=  2(y2 – 2) + y – 6 = 0
18
9(a+b)±√9 a2 +9 b2 −18ab
 2y2 – 4 + y – 6 = 0
x=  2y2 + y – 10 = 0
18

x=
9(a+b)±√9(a − b)2  2y2 + 5y – 4y – 10 = 0
18
9(a+b)±3(a − b)
 y(2y + 5) – 2(2y + 5) = 0
x=
18  (y – 2) (2y + 5) = 0
5
Taking positive value  y = 2, −
9a+9b+3 a −3b 2a+b 2
x= = 1
x+ 0y=2 or x + = y =
1 −5
18 3
x x 2
Taking negative value x2 +1 −5
2a+b a+2b  x2 – 2x + 1 = 0 =
x= , . x 2
3 3  (x – 1)2 = 0
 x = 1,1  2x2 + 2 + 5x = 0
Example 1.17  (x +2) (2x + 1) = 0
1
 x = – 2, − .
2
Solve for x : 9x + 2 – 6 × 3x + 1 + 1 = 0
Solution : We have 9x + 2 – 6 × 3x + 1 + 1 = 0
 9x.92 – 6.3x.3 + 1 = 0
Example 1.20
1
 81(3x)2 – 18 × 3x + 1 = 0 ... (i) Find the value of 2 + 1 .
2+
Let 3x = y, then equation (i) becomes 2+......∞
1
 81 y2 – 18y + 1 = 0 Solution : Let x = 2 +
2+
1

 81y2 – 9y – 9y + 1 = 0
2+......∞
1
 x = 2 +  x2 – 2x – 1 = 0
 9y(9y – 1) – 1(9y – 1) = 0 x
−(−2)±√(−2)2 −4(1)(−1)
 (9y – 1) (9y – 1) = 0  by quadratic formula x =
1 1 2(1)
 y = or y = ... (ii) 2±√8
9 9 =
Putting y = 3x in (ii), we get 2
1
3x = = 3–2  x = 1 +√2, 1 – √2
9
1 – √2 is neglected
x = – 2 and – 2.
so, x = 1 + √2.

WORKED-OUT PROBLEMS - 1

𝟐
1. The number of roots of the equation 𝒙 − =
(𝒙 −𝟏) 𝟏 𝟏
𝟐 3. Solve for 𝒙: 𝟐 (𝒙𝟐 + ) − 𝟗 (𝒙 + 𝒙) + 𝟏𝟒 = 𝟎.
𝟏− is : 𝒙𝟐
(𝒙 −𝟏) 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
(A) , 1, 2 (B) , 1, –2 (C) , 1, 4 (D) , 1, –4
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) infinite 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐

2. The set of all real values of p for which the equation 4. The roots of equation x2 + px + q = 0 are 1 and 2.
x + 1 = √𝒑𝒙 has exactly one root, is : The roots of the equation qx2 – px + 1 = 0 must be
(A) {0} (B) {4} (C) {0, 4} (D) {0, 2} :
5 Chapter 1 | Fundamentals of Mathematics
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
(A) –1, − (B) , 1 (C) − , 1 (D) – 1,
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
12. Solve for x : √2𝑥 + 9+ x = 13
5. If the roots of the equation px2 + qx + r = 0 are in (A) 4, 16 (B) 8 (C) 2 (D) 8, 20
the ratio : m then :
13. Solve for x : √2𝑥 + 9 − √𝑥 − 4 = 3
(A) ( + m)2 pq =  mr2 (A) 4, 16 (B) 8, 20
(B) ( + m)2 pr =  mq (C) 2, 8 (D) None of these

(C) ( + m)2 pr =  mq2 1 1

14. Solve for x : 2 [𝑥 2 + ] − 9 [𝑥 + ] + 14= 0
𝑥2 𝑥
(D) None of these 1 1
(A) ,1, 2 (B) 2, 4,
2 3
1
6. If 2 – √𝟑 is a root of the quadratic equation x2 + (C) , 4, 1 (D) None of these
3
2(√𝟑 −1) x + 3 – 2 √𝟑 = 0, then the second root is
: 15. The equation √𝑥 + 1 − √𝑥 − 1 = √4𝑥 − 1 has
(A) √𝟑 – 2 (B) √𝟑 (C) 2 + √𝟑 (D) – √𝟑 (A) No solution
(B) One solution
7. – 2 + √𝟑 is a solution to which of the following (C) Two solutions
equations ? (D) More than two solutions
(A) 3x2 + 12x + 3 = 0 (B) x2 + 2x + 3 = 0
(C) x2 + 4x + 2 = 0 (D) 3x2 + 2x – 1 = 0 16. The number of real roots of the equation (x – 1)2
+ (x – 2)2 + (x – 3)2 = 0
8. The value (s) of k for which the quadratic equation (A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 6
kx2 – kx + 1 = 0 has equal roots is :
(A) k = 0 only (B) k = 4 only 17. Solve for x : (x + 2) (x – 5) (x – 6) (x + 1) = 144
(C) k = 0, 4 (D) k = – 4 (A) –1, –2, –3 (B) 7, –3, 2
(C) 2, –3, 5 (D) None of these

√𝟔 + √𝟔 + √𝟔 + √𝟔+. . . . . . . = ? 18. The values of x which satisfy the expression (5 +

9. 2 2
2√6)𝑥 −3 + (5 − 2√6)𝑥 −3 =10
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 9 (D)  (A) ± 2, ± √3 (B) ±√2, ± 4
(C) ± 2, ±√2 (D) 2, √2, √3
10. If the roots x1 and x2, of the quadratic equation x2
– 2x + c = 0 also satisfy the equation 7x2 – 4x1 = 19. If x2 – (a + b) x + ab = 0, then the value of (x – a)2
47, then which of the following is true? + (x – b)2 is
(A) c = –15 (B) x1 = 5, x2 = 3 (A) a2 + b2 (B) (a + b)2 (C) (a – b)2 (D) a2 – b2
(C) x1 = 4.5, x2 = –2.5 (D) None of these

11. Solve for x : x6 – 26x3 – 27 = 0

(A) –1, 3 (B) 1, 3 (C) 1, –3 (D) –1, –3

Answer Key
WORKED-OUT PROBLEMS - 1

Ques. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Ans. A C A A C D A B A A A B B A A A B C C