3.

Polynomials
Mandatory exercise
Set - I
1. If p(t) = t3 − 1, find the values of p(1), p(−1), p(0), p(2).
Solution
p(t) = t3 − 1
p(1) = 13 − 1 = 0
p(−1) = (−1)3−1 = −1 − 1 = − 2
p(0) = 0 − 1 = − 1
p(2) = (2)3 − 1 = 8 − 1 = 7.
2. Find the zeros of the polynomials.
1 2
(i) x 2 + x −
3 9
Solution
2 x 2  2 1 2
x2 + x − − = x  x +  −  x + 
3 3 9  3  3  3
 2  1
=  x +  x − 
 3  3
2 1
∴ Zeros are − and .
3 3
3 2
(ii) 3x − 7x − 2x + 8
Solution
Sum of odd powers of coefficients = sum of even powers of coefficients
∴ (x + 1) is one of the factors.

3x2 − 10x + 8
x + 1 3x3 − 7x2 − 2x + 8
−3x3 − 3x2
0 −10x2 − 2x + 8
− 10x2 − 10x
(+) (+)

0 8x + 8
8x + 8
(–) (–)

0
Now 3x2 − 10x + 8 = 3x2 − 4x − 6x + 8
= (3x − 4) (x − 2)
∴ p(x) = (x+1) (3x−4)(x−2)
4
∴ zeros are −1, and 2
3

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3. Check whether −2 and 2 are the zeros of the polynomial x4 − 16.

Solution
x4 − 16
⇒ (−2)4 − 16
⇒ 0. (2)4 − 16
⇒ −2 in a zero of the polynomial.
⇒ 16 − 16 = 0 ⇒ 2 is the zero of the polynomial.
4. If 3 is a zero of the polynomial x3 − x2 − kx − 6, find the value of k.
Solution
3 is the zero of x3 − x2 − kx − 6
⇒ (3)3 − 32 − k(3) − 6 = 0
⇒ −3k + 12 = 0
12
⇒k= =4
3
∴ The value of k is 4.
5. In the following graphs of a polynomial y = f(x), find the number of real zeros of f(x).
(a) (b) y
y
y = f(x) y = f(x)

x x

Solution
(a) 2 zeros (b) 4 zeros

Assignment - I
6. Find the zeros of polynomials and verify.
(i) x2 −3x − 40
Solution
x2 − 8x + 5x − 40
x(x − 8) + 5 (x − 8)
(x − 8) (x + 5)
8 and −5 are zeros of polynomial.
Verification
Let p(x) = x2 − 3x −40
p(8) = (8)2 − 3(8) − 40
⇒ 64 − 24 − 40 = 0
p(−5) = (−5)2 − 3 (−5) − 40
⇒ 25 + 15 − 40 = 0
Since p(8) = 0 and p(−5) = 0.

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8, −5 are zeros.
(ii) 2 x 2 + 3x + 2
= 2 x 2 + 2x + x + 2
= 2 x(x + 2) + 1(x + 2)
= (x + 2)( 2x + 1)
1
∴− 2 and − are zeros of polynomial.
2
Verification
Let q(x) = 2 x 2 + 3x + 2
2
( )
q − 2 = 2 − 2 ( ) ( )
+3 − 2 + 2
= 2 2 −3 2 + 2
=0
2
 1   1   1 
q−  = 2−  + 3 + 2
 2  2  2
2 3
= − + 2
2 2
=0
 −1 
( )
Since q − 2 = 0 and q 
 2
=0
1
− 2 and − are zeros.
2
7. Draw the graph of the given polynomial and find the zeros
y
(i) p(x) = x2 − x − 12
Solution
x2 − x − 12 = x2 −4x + 3x − 12
= x(x − 4) + 3 (x − 4)
x
= (x − 4) (x + 3) -3 -2 -1 o 1 2 3 4
Zeros are 4 and −3.

y
(ii) p(x) = x2 + 4
⇒ x = −4
⇒ No real roots.
As the graph does not intersect x-axis. x
o

(iii) p(x) = 3 − 2x − x2 4
3
= (1− x) (x + 3) 2
1
⇒ zeros are 1 and −3.
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3

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8. If 2 and 3 are zeros of 3x2 − 3ax + 2b then find the values of ‘a’ and ‘b’.
Solution
3x2 − 3ax + 2b
When x = 2
3(2)2 − 3a(2) + 2b = 0
12 − 6a + 2b = 0
b = 3a − 6. … (1)
when x = 3
3(3)2 − 3a(3) + 2b = 0
27 − 9a + 2b = 0
9a − 2b = 27
9a − 2(3a−6) = 27 [from (1)]
9a − 6a + 12 = 27
3a = 15
a=5
b = 3(5) − 6 = 9
∴ a = 5, b = 9
9. The following graphs of a polynomial y = f(x), find the number of real zeros of f(x).
(a) y (b) y

y = f(x)
x
y = f(x) x

Solution
(a) 1 zero (b) No real zeros

Set - II
10. Examine whether (a – 1) is a factor of a3 – 3a2 + 3a – 1.
Ans
a–1=0
a=1
p (a) = a3 – 3a2 + 3a – 1
p (1) = 1 – 3 (1)2 + 3 (1) – 1
=0
As remainder is 0, (a – 1) is the factor of the given polynomial by factor theorem.
11. What is the remainder when 2x3 – 3x2 + 5x – 3 is divided by 2x + 1?
Ans
2x + 1 = 0
1
x=−
2

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p(x) = 2x3 – 3x2 + 5x – 3

3 2
 1  1  1  1
p  −  = 2  −  − 3 −  + 5 −  − 3
 2  2  2  2
−1 3 5
= − − −3
4 4 2
−1 − 3 − 10 − 12 −26 13
= = =−
4 4 2
12. If x + 2 is a factor of the expression (x + 1)7 + (2x + k)3, what is the value of k?
Ans
x+2=0
x=–2
p (x) = (x + 1)7 + (2x + k)3
0 = (–2 + 1)7 + (2 (– 2)) + k)3
0 = (– 1)7 + (– 4 + k)3
⇒ 0 = – 1 + (k − 4)3
⇒ (k − 4)3 = 1
⇒k−4=1
∴k=5
13. If the polynomials ax3 + 4x2 + 3x – 4 and x3 – 4x + a, leave the same remainder, when divided by (x – 3),
find the value of a.
Ans
Let p (x) = ax3 + 4x2 + 3x − 4
q (x) = x3 − 4x + a
Put x − 3 = 0 ⇒ x = 3 in p (x) and q (x)
∴ Remainder, p(3) = a(3)3 + 4 (3)2 + 3 × 3 − 4
= 27 a + 36 + 9 − 4
= 27a + 41
3
q(3) = (3) − 4 × 3 + a
= 27 − 12 + a
= 15 + a
Now 27 a + 41 = 15 + a (given)
⇒ 27a − a = 15 − 41
26a = − 26
a=−1
14. If my3 + ny2 + y – 6 has (y + 2) as a factor and leaves a remainder 4 when divided by (y – 2), find the
values of m and n.
Ans
Let p(y) = my3 + ny2 + y − 6
p(−2) = 0 [∵ (y + 2) is factor of p(y)]
⇒ m (−2) + n(−2) + (−2) − 6 = 0
3 2

⇒ − 8m + 4n − 8 = 0
⇒−2m+n=2 … (1)
Next, p (+2) = 4 (Given)

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8m + 4n = 8 ⇒ 2m + n = 2 … (2)
Solve (1) and (2)
⇒ −2m + n = 2
2m + n = 2
2n = 4
⇒n=2
Substitution n = 2 in (1)
−2m + n = 2
⇒m=0
Hence m = 0, n = 2

Assignment - II
 1
15. If both (x – 2) and  x −  are factors of px2 + 5x + r then show that p = r.
 2
Ans
Let f (x) = px2 + 5x + r
Now, f(2) = 0 (Given)
⇒ f(2) = p(2)2 + 5(2) + r = 0
4p + 10 + r = 0 … (1)
1
Also f   = 0 (Given)
2
2
1 1 1
⇒ f   = p   + 5  + r = 0
2 2 2
p 5
+ +r=0
4 2
p + 10 – 4r = 0 … (2)
(1) = (2) ⇒ 4p + 10 + r = p + 10 + 4r
3p = 3r
⇒p=r
16. Examine whether (a – 3) is a factor of a3 – a2 – 5a – 3. If so, what are the other two factors?
Ans
a–3=0
a=3
p (a) = a3 – a2 – 5a – 3
p (3) = (3)3 – (3)2 – 5 (3) – 3
= 27 – 9 – 15 – 3
=0
∴ (a – 3) is factor of the given polynomial by factor theorem
a2 + 2a +1
a – 3 a3 – a2 – 5a – 3
a3 – 3a2
(−) (+)

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2a2 – 5a
2a2 – 6a
(–) (+)

a–3
a–3
(−) (+)

0
2 2
a + 2a + 1 = a + a + a + 1
= a (a + 1) + 1(a + 1)
= (a + 1) (a + 1)
a – a – 5a – 3 = (a – 3) (a2 + 2a + 1) = (a – 3) (a + 1) (a + 1) the other two factors are (a + 1) and
3 2

(a + 1)
17. The polynomial bx3 + 3x2 – 3 and 2x3 – 5x + b when divided by x – 4, leave the remainders R1 and R2
respectively. Find the value of b if 2R1 – R2 = 0
Ans
Let f (x) = bx3 + 3x2 – 3
Now f (4) = R1 (Given)
⇒ f (4) = b(4)3 + 3(4)2 – 3 = R1
64 b + 48 – 3 = R1
64 b + 45 = R1 … (1)
3
Let p(x) = 2x – 5x + b
Now p(4) = R2
⇒ p (4) = 2(4)3 – 5(4) + b = R2
128 – 20 + b = R2
108 + b = R2 … (2)
Given, 2R1 – R2 = 0
∴ 2(64b +45) – (108 – b) = 0 from (1) and (2)
128 b + 90 – 108 – b = 0
127 b – 18 = 0
18
b=
127
18. Find l and m in order that 2x3 – (2l + 1) x2 + (l + m) x + m may be exactly divisible by 2x2 – x – 3.
Ans
2x2 − x – 3
2x2 − 3x + 2x − 3
2x(x + 1) –3(x + 1)
(x + 1) (2x – 3)
When x + 1 = 0
⇒ x = –1
Let f(x) = 2x3 − (2l + 1) x2 + (l + m) x + m
f(–1) = 2(–1)3 − (2l + 1) (–1)2 + (l + m) (–1) + m = 0
= – 2 – (2l + 1) – (l + m) + m = 0

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= –2 – 2l – l – m + m = 0
–3l – 3 = 0c
l = –1
When 2x – 3 = 0
3
x=
2
3 2
 3  3  3  3
f   = 2   − ( 2l + 1)   + ( l + m )   + m = 0
 2  2  2  2
27 9 3
⇒ − ( 2l + 1) + ( l + m ) + m = 0
4 4 2
27 9 9 3 3
− l− + l+ m+m=0
4 2 4 2 2
−6 5 18
l+ m+ =0
2 2 4
5 9
−3l + m + = 0
2 2
5 9
m+ 3+ = 0 [∵ l = −1]
2 2
5 15
m=−
2 2
−15 2
m= × = −3
2 5
3 2
19. If 2x + ax + bx – 6 has (x – 1) as a factor and leaves a remainder 2 when divided by (x – 2), find the
relation between a and b.
Ans
Let f (x) = 2x3 + ax2 + bx – 6
f(1) = 0 (Given)
⇒ f (1) = 2 (1) + a(1) + b(1) – 6 = 0
3 2

2+a+b–b=0
a+b=4 … (1)
f (2) = 2 (Given)
⇒ 2(2) + a(2) + b(2) – 6 = 2
3 2

16 + 4a + 2b – 6 = 2
4a + 2b = – 8
2a + b = – 4
Or – 2a – b = 4 … (2)
(1) = (2)
⇒ a + b = −2a − b
3a = − 2b

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Set - III
1 3
20. Find the quadratic polynomial whose zeros are and .
2 2
Solution
 1  3
 x −  x −  = f (x)
 2  2
1 3 3
x2 − x − x +
2 2 4
4 3
x2 − x +
2 4
2 3
x − 2x +
4
1
f (x) = ( 4x 2 − 8x + 3)
4
21. Find the zeros of the polynomial 2x4 − 5x2 + 3.
Solution
2x4 − 5x2 +3 … (1)
2
Let x = m
2m2 − 5m + 3
= 2m2 − 2m − 3m + 3
= 2m (m − 1) −3 (m − 1)
= (m − 1) (2m − 3)
3
∴ zeros are 1 and
2
m=1⇒x =1⇒x=±1
2

3 3 3
m = ⇒ x2 = ⇒ x = ±
2 2 2
3 3
∴ zeros of given polynomial are 1, −1, and −
2 2
22. Find the polynomial whose zeros are squares of the zeros of the polynomial x2 + x − 50.
Solution
Let the roots of x2 + x − 50 be α and β.
Required polynomial has roots α2, β 2
i.e., x2 − (α2 + β 2) x + α2β 2
Now in x2 + x − 50
α + β = −1 and αβ = −50.
∴ (α + β)2 = α2 + β 2 + 2 αβ.
1 = α2 + β 2 − 100 ⇒ α2 + β2 = 101.
αβ = −50
α2β 2 = 2500.
∴ Required polynomial is x2 − 101x + 2500.

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23. If one zero of the quadratic polynomial f(x) = 4x2 − 8kx − 9 is negative of the other, find the value of k.
Solution
f(x) = 4x2 − 8kx − 9
8k
α+β= = 2k … (1)
4
−9
αβ = … (2)
4
Now α = −β. (Given)
⇒α+β=0
⇒ 2k = 0 (from (1))
⇒ k = 0.
24. Find the cubic polynomial whose zeros are 2, −3 and 4.
Solution
Sum of the zeros = α + β + γ = 2 − 3 + 4 = 3
Sum of products of zeros taken 2 at a time = αβ + βγ + γα
= 2(−3) + (−3)(4) + 2(4)
= − 6 − 12 + 8
= − 10.
Product of zero = αβγ = 2(−3)(4) = −24
∴ polynomial is x3 − 3x2 + 10x + 24.
25. If α and β are the zeros of the quadratic polynomial f(x) = ax2 + bx + c then evaluate.
1 1
(i) α2 + β 2 (ii) α4 + β 2 (iii) α2β + αβ 2 (iv) −
α β
Solution
f(x) = ax2 + bx + c
b c
∴α + β = − , αβ =
a a
(i) (α + β) = α + β 2 + 2αβ
2 2

⇒ α2 + β 2 = (α + β)2 − 2αβ
2
 − b  2c b
2
2c b 2 − 2ac
  − = − =
 a  a a2 a a2
(ii) α4 + β 4 = (α2 + β 2)2 − 2α2β2
[(α + β)2 − 2αβ)2 − 2(αβ)2]
2
 − b  2 2c  2c 2
=   −  − 2
 a  a  a
2
 b 2 − 2ac  2c 2
= 2  − 2
 a  a
2
(b 2
− 2ac ) − 2a 2 c 2
b 4 + 2a 2 c 2 − 4ab 2 c
=
a4 a4
2 2
(iii) α β + αβ = αβ (α + β)
c  − b  − bc
=  = 2
a a  a

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1 1 β−α
(iv) − =
α β αβ
Now (β − α)2 = β 2 + α2 − 2αβ.
b 2 − 2ac 2c b 2 − 2ac − 2ac
= − =
a2 a a2
b 2 − 4ac
(β − α ) =
a
1 1 b 2 − 4ac a b 2 − 4ac
∴ − = × =
α β a c c

Assignment - III
26. (a) Find the polynomial whose zeros are reciprocal of the zeros of polynomial 2x2 + 13x + 15.
Solution
2x2 + 13x + 15 (given)
2
= 2x + 10x + 3x + 15
= 2x(x + 5) + 3(x + 5)
= (x + 5) (2x + 3)
3
∴ zeros are −5, − .
2
The required polynomial has zeros which are reciprocal
1 2
∴ zeros are − and −
5 3
Polynomial x2 − (sum of zeros) x + product of zeros
 1 2  1 2
= x2 −  − −  x +  − x − 
 5 3  5 3
 13  2
x2 −  −  x +
 15  15
13 2
= x2 + x +
15 15
1
= (15x 2 + 13x + 2 )
15
(b) Find the polynomial whose zeros are one more than the zeros of the polynomial 6x2 + 17x + 12.
Solution
6x2 + 17x + 12
= 6x2 + 8x + 9x + 12
= 2x(3x + 4) + 3(3x + 4)
= (3x + 4) (2x + 3)
4 3
∴ zeros are − and −
3 2
−4 −3
To find required polynomial, zeros are + 1, + 1
3 2
−1 −1
i.e., , .
3 2

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 1 1  −1  −1 
∴ Required polynomial is x 2 −  − −  x +   
 3 2  3  2 
5 1
⇒ x2 + x +
6 6
⇒ 6x + 5x + 1.
2

27. Find the cubic polynomial with the sum, sum of the product of its zeros taken two at a time and product
of its zeros are 3, −1 and −3 respectively.
Solution
If α, β, γ are the zeros of cubic polynomial.
Then, f(x) = k[x3 − (α + β + γ) x2 + (αβ + βγ + αγ) x − αβγ]
= k[x3 − 3x2 − 1x + 3], where k is any non-zero real number.
28. Find the polynomial whose zeros are double the zeros of the polynomial x2 − x − 42.
Solution
x2 − x − 42
x2 + 6x − 7x − 42
x(x + 6) −7(x + 6)
(x + 6) (x − 7)
∴ zeros are −6 and 7.
The zeros of required polynomial are
α = 2(−6) and β = 2(7)
α = −12 β = 14
α+β=2 αβ = − 168
∴ Required polynomial = x2 − 2x − 168.
29. If the product of two zeros of polynomial 2x3 + 3x2 − 5x − 6 is −3, then find its 3rd zero.
Solution
Let α, β and γ be the zeros of the polynomial.
βγ = −3. (Given)
−d 6
We know that, αβγ = = =3
a 2
3
⇒ α = =1
3
The other zero is −1.
30. α, β, γ are the zeros of cubic polynomial kx3 − 5x + 9. If α3 + β 3 + γ3 = 27, Find the value of k.
Solution
Let f(x) = kx3 − 5x + 9
α3 + β 3 + γ3 = 27 (Given)
−b −9
α+β+ γ = = 0, αβγ =
a k
∴ α3 + β 3 + γ3 = 3αβγ.
 −9 
27 = 3  
 k 
−27
27 =
k

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⇒ k = −1.

Set - IV
31. Divide p(x) by g(x) in each of the following cases and verify division algorithm.
(i) p(x) = 2x3 + 3x2 − 4x + 3, g(x) = (x + 3)

x + 3 2x3 + 3x2 − 4x + 3 2x2 −3x + 5

2x3 + 6x2
(−) (−)

−3x2 − 4x
− 3x2 − 9x
(+) (±)

5x + 3
5x + 15
(−) (−)

−12

Εuclid division lemma ⇒ p(x) = g(x) q(x) + r(x)

RHS = (2x2 − 3x + 5) (x + 3) − 12
= 2x3 + 6x2 − 3x2 − 9x + 5x + 15 − 12
= 2x3 + 3x2 − 4x + 3
= LHS.
(ii) p(x) = x4 + 3x3 + 2x2 + x + 3, g(x) = x2 + 3x + 2

x2 + 3x + 2 x4 + 3x3 + 2x2 + x + 3 x2
x4 + 3x3 + 2x2
(−) (−) (–)

x+3
p(x) = g(x) q(x) + r(x)
RHS = (x2 + 3x + 2) (x2) + (x + 3)
= x4 + 3x3 + 2x2 + x + 3 ⇒ LHS.
32. What should be added to the polynomial 2x3 + 4x2 − x − 10, so that the resulting polynomial is exactly
divisible by 2x2 + 3x − 2?
Solution
f(x) = g(x) q(x) + r(x)
⇒ f(x) − r(x) = g(x) q(x)
Let p(x) = g(x) q(x) + 0

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2x2 + 3x − 2 2x3 + 4x2 − x −10 1

x+
2
2x3 + 3x2 − 2x
(−) (−) (+)

x2 + x − 10
3
x2 + x −1
2
(−) (−) (+)

x
− −9
2
x
∴ + 9 is to be added.
2
∴ p(x) = f(x) − r(x)
x
= 2x3 + 4x2 − x − 10 + +9
2
x
= 2x3 + 4x2 − −1
2
⇒ 4x3 + 8x2 − x − 2.
(
33. If two zeros of the polynomial x4 − 6x3 − 26x2 + 138x − 35 are 2 ± 3 , find other zeros. )
Solution
 x − 2 + 3  and  x − 2 − 3  are factors of given polynomial.
( ) ( )
   
∴  x − 2 + 3   x − 2 − 3  = x 2 − 4x + 1 is factor of given polynomial.
( ) ( )
  

x2 − 4x + 1 x4 − 6x3 − 26x2 + 138x − 35 x2 − 2x − 35

x4 − 4x3 + x2
(–) (+) (−)

−2x3 − 27x2 + 138x

− 2x3 + 8x2 − 2x
(−) (−) (+)

− 35x2 + 140x – 35
− 35x2 + 140x – 35
(+) (–) (+)

0
2
∴ x − 2x − 35 = (x + 5) (x − 7)
∴ Other zeros are − 5 and 7.

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Assignment - IV
34. What should be subtracted from x4 − 100, so that the resulting polynomial is exactly divisible by
x − 3?
Solution
x− 3 x4 − 100 x3 + 3x2 + 9x + 27
x4 − 3x3
(−) (+)

3x3 − 100
3x3 − 9x2
(−) (+)

9x2 − 100
9x2 − 27x
(−) (+)

27x − 100
27x − 81
(–) (+)

− 19
∴ (−19) Should be subtracted from x4 − 100.
35. If −2 is one of the zeros of the polynomial x3 + 13x2 + 32x + 20, find the other zeros.
Solution
Let f(x) = x3 + 13x2 + 32x + 20
∴ (x + 2) is one factor of x3 + 13x2 + 32x + 20
x+2 x3 + 13x2 + 32x + 20 x2 + 11x + 10
x3 + 2x2
(−) (−)

11x2 + 32x
11x2 + 22x
(−) (−)

+10x + 20
10x + 20
(–) (–)

0
2
∴ q(x) = x + 11x + 10
= x2 + 10x +x + 10
= x(x + 10) +1(x + 10)
= (x + 10) (x + 1)
∴ −10 and −1 are other 2 zeros.
36. If 2 and − 2 are zeros of 2x4 − 3x3 − 3x2 + 6x − 2, find the other zeros.
Solution
The quadratic polynomial for which ( )( )
2 and − 2 are zeros is x − 2 x + 2 = x 2 − 2 .

Divide the given polynomial by x2 − 2.

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x2 − 2 2x4 − 3x3 − 3x2 + 6x − 2 2x2 − 3x + 1

2x4 − 4x2
(+)

−3x3 + x2 + 6x
−3x3 + 6x
(−) (−)

x2 − 2
x2 − 2
(–) (+)

0
2
q(x) = 2x − 3x + 1
= 2x2 − 2x − x + 1
= 2x (x − 1) − 1 (x − 1)
= (2x − 1) (x − 1)
1
The other zeros are and 1.
2
37. In each of the following, divide p(x) by g(x) and find the quotient and remainder.
(i) p(x) = 2x3 + 3x2 + 7x + 8, g(x) = x − 3

3 2 3 7 8
0 6 27 102
2 9 34 110
Quotient = 2x2 + 9x + 34
Remainder = 110.
(ii) p(x) = 3x4 + x3 + 24x + 20, f(x) = 3x + 1
Solution
 1
g(x) = (3x + 1) = 3  x + 
 3
1 3 1 0 24 20
−
3
0 −1 0 0 −8
3 0 0 24 12
Quotient = 3x3 + 24
Remainder = 12.
38. When a polynomial 2x3 + 5x2 + kx + 3 is divided by (x + 2) the remainder is 5. Find the value of k using
synthetic division.
Solution
−2 2 5 k 3
0 −4 −2 −2k + 4
2 1 k − 2 −2k + 7
Remainder is 5. (Given)
⇒ −2k + 7 = 5
⇒ 2k = 7 − 5 = 2
⇒k=1

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Multiple choice questions

39. If the divisor, quotient and remainder are (x + 1), (x − 1) and 1 respectively, then the dividend is
(A) x2 + 2 (B) x2 − 2 (C) x2 (D) x2 + 1
Ans (C)
dividend = divisor × quotient + remainder
= (x + 1) (x − 1) + 1
= x2 − 1 + 1
= x 2.
40. * What should be added to the polynomial x2 − 5x + 4 so that 3 is the zero of the resulting polynomial?
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Ans (B)
x−3 x2 − 5x + 4 x − 2
x2 − 3x
(–) (+)

−2x + 4
−2x + 6
(+) (−)

−2
41. If (x + 1) and (x + 2 ) are the two factors of x3 + x2 + ax + b, then the other factor is
(A) (x − 2) (B) (x − 1) (C) (x +2) (D) (x + 1)
Ans (A)
Let f(x) = x3 + x2 + ax + b
f(−1) = (−1)3 + (−1)2 − a + b = 0
⇒ −1 + 1 − a + b = 0 ⇒ a = b … (A)
3 2
f(−2) = (−2) + (−2) − 2a + b = 0
= −8 + 4 − 2a + b = 0
⇒ 2a − b = −4.
2a − a = − 4 (∴a = b)
a=−4
b = −4.
∴f(x) = x3 + x2 − 4x − 4,
To find 3rd factor.

x2 + 3x + 2 x3 + x2 − 4x – 4 x−2
x3 + 3x2 + 2x
(−) (−) (−)

−2x2 − 6x − 4
−2x2 − 6x − 4
(−) (−) (+)

0
(x − 2) is other factor.

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42. * Which one of the following is true for the given graph?

(A) Zeros are identical and positive (B) Zeros are zero
(C) No zeros (D) Zeros are distinct and positive
Ans (A)
43. * The zeros of x2 – ax + b differ by unity. Then which one of the following is true?
(A) a2 = 1 + 4b (B) a2 = 1 – 4b (C) a2 = 4b (D) b2 = 1 + 4a
Ans (A)
x2 − ax + b
α+β=a
α−β=1
αβ = b
(α + β)2 − (α − β)2
= 4 αβ
a2 – 12 = 4b
a2 = 1 + 4b
44. The number of zeros for the curve

(A) 5 (B) 4 (C) 1 (D) 6

Ans (A)
45. If α and β are zeros of 4x2 – 16x + 12 and if α < β then α + 2β is
(A) 4 (B) 7 (C) 10 (D) – 7
Ans (B)
4x2 − 16x + 12
4x2 − 4x − 12x + 12
4x(x − 1) − 12(x − 1)
(x − 1) (4x − 12)
x = 1, x=3
α + 2β = 1 + 2(β) = 1 + 2(3)
=7
46. The product of the zeros of 10x2 − 21x − 10 is
(A) 1 (B) −1 (C) + 2.1 (D) − 2.1
Ans (B)

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10x2 − 21x − 10
c −10
Product = = = −1
a 10
47. * If m + 1 = 0 then the zeros of x2 + mx − 6 are
(A) −3, 2 (B) −3, −2 (C) 3, −2 (D) 3, 2
Ans (C)
m+1=0 x2 + mx − 6
m = −1 = x2 − x − 6
= x2 − 3x + 2x − 6
= x(x −3) + 2(x − 3)
= (x − 3) (x + 2)
−2, 3 are the zeros
48. The zeros of mn(x + 1) − (m2 + n2)x are
2

m n m n m −n m −n
(A) and (B) − and (C) and (D) − and
n m n m n m n m
Ans (A)
mn (x2 + 1) – (m2 + n2)x
mnx2 − (m2 + n2)x + mn
m2 + n 2
α+β= , αβ = 1
mn
1
⇒ β= … (1)
α
m2 n 2
α+β = +
mn mn
m n
α+β = + … (2)
n m
m n
From (1) and (2) α = and β =
n m
49. * If α, β, γ are three zeros of a polynomial such that α + β + γ = 2, αβ + βγ + αγ = – 7 and αβγ = – 14
then the polynomial is
(A) x2 − 2x2 + 7x + 14 (B) x3 + 2x2 − 7x − 14 (C) x3 − 2x2 − 7x + 14 (D) x3 + 2x2 + 7x + 1
Ans (C)
x3 − (α + β + γ)x2 + (αβ + βγ + γα)x − αβγ
x3 − 2x2 − 7x + 14
50. If 2x4 − 3x3 − 3x2 + 6x − 2 is divided by a polynomial whose zeros are 2 and − 2 , the quotient will
be
(A) 2x2 + 3x + 1 (B) 2x2 − 3x + 1 (C) 2x2 − 3x − 1 (D) 2x2 + 3x − 1

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Ans (B)
2x2 − 3x + 1
2x4 − 3x3 − 3x2 + 6x − 2
x2 − 2 2x4 − 4x2
(−) (+)

−3x3 + x2 + 6x
−3x3 + 6x
(+) (−)

x2 − 2
x2 − 2
(–) (+)

0
51. The product of zeros of the polynomial ax2 + bx + c is 6 and that of bx2 + cx + a is 8. What is the product
of the zeros of cx2 + ax + b?
1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
42 46 48 50
Ans (C)
If α1 and β 1 are zeros of ax2 + bx +c, then
c
α1β1 = = 6 …(1)
a
If α2 + β2 are zeros of bx2 + cx +a, then
a
α2β2 = = 8 …(2)
b
If α3β3 are zeros of cx2 + ax +b, then
b
α3β3 = …(3)
c
c a
(1) × (2) ⇒ × = 6×8
a b
ac
⇒ = 48
ab
ab 1 b 1
= ⇒ = = α 3β3
ac 48 c 48
∴ option (C)
52. If 3 is one of the zeros of x2 − (a + 1) x + 6, then the other zero is
(A) 2 (B) −2 (C) −3 (D) 1
Ans (A)
Let f(x) = x2 − (a + 1) x + 6
f(3) = (3)2 − (a + 1) 3 + 6 = 0
= 9 − 3a − 3 + 6 = 0
3a = 12 ⇒ a = 4.
∴ f(x) = x2 − 5x + 6
x2 − 3x − 2x + 6
x(x − 3) −2(x − 3)

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(x − 3) (x − 2)
∴ other zero is 2
53. * When the polynomials 2x4 − 2x3 + 3kx2 − 10x + 14 and 2x3 + kx2 + 2x + 4 are divided by (x − 1), the
remainders are same. Then the value of k is
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1
Ans (C)
Let f(x) = 2x4 − 2x3 + 3kx2 −10x + 14
f(1) = 2 − 2 + 3k − 10 + 14 = 3k + 4
Let p(x) = 2x3 + kx2 + 2x + 4
p(1) = 2 + k + 2 + 4 = k + 8
f(1) = p(1) (Given)
∴ 3k + 4 = k + 8
⇒ 2k = 4 ⇒ k = 2
54. Factors of (x + 1)3 − (x − 1)3 are
(A) 2(x2 + 1) (B) 3x2 + 1 (C) 2(x2 − 1) (D) 2(3x2 + 1)
Ans (D)
(x + 1)3 − (x − 1)3 = (x + 1 − x + 1) [(x + 1)2 + (x2 − 1) + (x − 1)2]
= 2[x2 + 1 + 2x + x2 + 1 − 2x + x2 − 1]
= 2[3x2 + 1]
 1 − 
1 1
− 
1 1
− 
1 1
− 
1
55. The value of  a 8 + a 8  a 8 − a 8  a 4 + a 4  a 2 + a 2  is:
    
 1 − 
1
(A) (a + a−1) (B) (a − a−1) (C) (a2 − a2) (D)  a 2 − a 2 
 
Ans (B)
 18 − 
1 1
− 
1 1
− 
1 1
− 
1

 a + a 8
 a 8
− a 8
 a 4
+ a 4
 a 2
+ a 2

    
 1 − 
1 1
− 
1 1
− 
1
=  a 4 − a 4  a 4 + a 4  a 2 + a 2 
   
 1
− 
1 1
− 
1
=  a 2 − a 2  a 2 + a 2 
  
= (a − a−1)
1 1 1
56. * If α, β, γ are the zeros of the polynomial f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d, then + + =
α β γ
b c c c
(A) − (B) (C) − (D) −
d d d a
Ans (C)
α, β, γ are zeros of f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d
b
α+β+ γ = −
a
c
αβ + βγ + αγ =
a

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d
αβγ = −
a
1 1 1 βγ + αγ + αβ c a c
Now, + + = = ×− = −
α β γ αβγ a d d
57. * The diagram shows the graph of the polynomial f(x) = ax2 + bx + c. Then
a) a > 0, b > 0, c > 0. y
b) a > 0, b < 0, c < 0. y = ax2 + bx + c
c) a > 0, b > 0, c < 0.
d) a > 0, b < 0, c > 0.
Ans (A)
 b -b 
- , 
 2a 4a 
x1 o x

y1

58. If α, β are the zeros of polynomial f(x) = x2 − p(x + 1) − c such that (α + 1) (β + 1) = 0 then c is:
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) −1 (D) 2
Ans (A)
f(x) = x2 −p(x + 1) − c
= x2 −px − p − c
= x2 −px − (p + c).
α+β=p …(1)
αβ = −(p + c) …(2)
Now (α + 1) (β + 1) = 0
⇒ αβ + α + β +1 = 0
⇒ − (p + c) + p + 1 = 0 than (1) and (2)
⇒ −p−c+p+1=0
c=1

Challenging exercise
n −q
59. If x + a is a factor of x2 + px + q and x2 + mx + n, prove that a =
m−p
Solution
x = – a is zero of the two given polynomials
⇒ (– a)2 – ap + q = 0 … (1)
2
And (–a) – am + n = 0 … (2)
(1) and (2) ⇒ a – ap + q = a – am + n
2 2

a (m – p) = n – q
n −q
a=
m−p
60. If 1 and –1 are zeros of polynomial Lx4 + Mx3 + Nx2 +Rx + P, show that L + P + N = M + R = 0
Solution

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Let P(x) = Lx4 + Mx3 + Nx2 + Rx + P

P(1) = L + M + N + R + P = 0 … (1)
P(–1) = L – M + N – R + P = 0 … (2)
(1) and (2) ⇒ L + M + N + R + P = L – M + N – R + P = 0
2M + 2R = 0
M+R=0
(1) ⇒ L + N + P = – (M + R) = 0
∴L+P+N=M+R=0
61. α, β, γ are zeros of cubic polynomial x3 – 2x2 + qx – r. If α + β = 0 then show that 2q = r.
Solution
 −2 
α + β + γ = −  = 2 … (1)
 1 
γ = 2: (∵ α + β = 0)
∴ In x3 – 2x2 + qx – r, putting value of γ in polynomial,
⇒ 23 – 2 (2)2 + 2q – r = 0
8 – 8 + 2q – r = 0
⇒ 2q = r
62. α, β, γ are zeros of polynomial x3 + px2 + qx + 2 such that αβ + 1 = 0. Find the value of 2p + q + 5
Solution
p
α + β + γ = − = −p
1
q
αβ + βγ + αγ = = q
1
αβγ = – 2
γ = 2 (∵ αβ = – 1)
Now, 2p + q + 5
= – 2 (α + β + γ) +(αβ + βγ + αγ) + 5
= – 2 (α + β + 2) + (– 1+ 2 (α + β)) + 5
= – 2α – 2β – 4 – 1 + 2α + 2β + 5
=0
⇒ 2p + q + 5 = 0
63. Factorize (a + b + c) (bc + ca + ab) – abc
Solution
( )
= a + b + c ( bc + ca + ab ) − ( abc )

=  a + b + c ( bc + a ( b + c ) )  − abc
( )
 
2
= abc + a 2 ( b + c ) + ( b + c ) bc + ( b + c ) a − abc
= ( b + c )  a 2 + a ( b + c ) + bc 
= ( b + c )( a + b )( a + c )
= ( a + c )( b + c )( c + a )

101