Most important 30 questions (Class 10th Maths)

Quadratic Equations
1. Find the value of k for which the quadratic equation kx (x - 2) + 6 = 0 has two equal
roots.
Solution –
Given equation kx2-2kx + 6 = 0
For two equal roots
D=0
⇒ b2 - 4ac = 0
⇒ 4k2 - 4k x 6 = 0
⇒ 4k2 = 24k ⇒ 4k2 = 24k = 0 ⇒ 4k (k-6) = Q ⇒ k = 6
[k ≠ 0, as if k - 0 then the given equation r is not a valid equation.]

2. Write the discriminant of the quadratic equation: (x + 5) 2 = 2(5x - 3).

Solution –
Given equation: (x + 5)2 - 2(5x - 3)
x2 + 25 + 10x = 10x - 6
⇒ x2 + 31 = 0
⇒ Here a = 1, b = 0, c = 31
D = b2 -4ac
= - 4 x 1 x 31 = -124
∴ Discriminant = -124

3. Divide 27 into two parts such that the sum of their reciprocals is 3/20.
Solution –
Let one part be x and another part be 27 - x

So,

180 =x(27 - x)
x2 - 27 x + 180 = 0
(x - 15) (x - 1 2) = 0
⇒ x = 15, x = 12
So, two parts are 15 and 12
4. A plane left 30 minutes late than its scheduled time and in order to reach the
destination 1500 km away in time, it had to increase its speed by 100 km/h from
the usual speed. Find its usual speed.
Solution –
Let the speed be x km/h to cover a distance of 1500 km
30 minutes = 30/60 hours
= 1/2 hours

Therefore, the usual speed of the aeroplane = 500 km/h

5. Find the roots of the quadratic equation √2 x 2 + 7x + 5 √2 = 0.

Solution –
The given quadratic equation is
√2 x2 + 7x + 5 √2 = 0
By applying mid-term splitting, we get
6. If the roots of the equation (c 2 - ab)x2 -2 (a2 - bc)x + b2 - ac = 0 in x are equal, then
show that either a = 0 or a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc.
Solution –
For equal roots D = 0
Therefore 4 (a2 - bc)2 - 4 (c2 - ab) (b2 - ac) = 0

7. Find the value of p , for which one root of the quadratic equation px 2 - 14x + 8 = 0
is 6 times the other.
Solution –
The given quadratic equation is
px2 - 14x + 8 = 0
Here a = p, b = - 14 and c = 8
Let α, β be the two roots of this equation such that
α = 6β

Now, sum of roots =

⇒
Also product of roots = c/a

⇒ ...(ii)
Solving equations (i) and (ii) to eliminate β we get

⇒ p2 - 3p = 0
⇒ p(p - 3) = 0 ⇒ p = 0, 3
If p = 0, then the given equation will not remain quadratic.
So, p = 0 is rejected. Hence, the value of p is 3.

8. If ad ≠ bc, then prove that the equation (a 2 + b2) x2 + 2(ac + bd)x + (c 2 + d2) = 0 has
no real roots.
Solution –
 The given equation is

To find the nature of its roots, we find the discriminant.

D2 = B2 - 4AC

It is given that ad ≠ bc
⇒ ad - bc ≠ 0
⇒ (ad - bc)2 > 0 for all values of a, b, c and d
⇒ -4 (ad - bc )2 < 0
⇒D<0
Hence, the given equation has no real roots.

9. A two-digit number is four times the sum of the digits. It is also equal to 3 times
the product of digits. Find the number.
Solution –
Let the ten’s digit be x and unit’s digit = y
Number = 10x + y
∴ 10x + y = 4(x + y) ⇒ 6x = 3y ⇒ 2x = y ...(i)
Again 10x + y = 3xy
10x + 2x — 3x (2x) ⇒ 12x = 6x2 [From equation (i)]
⇒ 6x2 - 12x = 0 ⇒ 6x(x - 2) = 0 ⇒ x = 2 (rejecting x = 0)
From (i), 2x = y ⇒ y = 4
∴ The required number is 24

10.If -5 is a root of the quadratic equation 2x 2 + px - 15 = 0 and the quadratic equation

p(x2 + x) + k = 0 has equal roots, then find the value of k
Solution –
Since - 5 is a root of the equation 2x2 + px - 15 = 0
∴ 2(-5)2 + p(-5) - 15 = 0
⇒ 50 - 5p - 15 = 0 or 5p = 35 or p = 7
Again p(x2 + x) 4- k = 0 or 7x2 + 7x + k = 0 has equal roots.
∴D=0
 i.e., b2 - 4ac = 0 or 49 - 4 x 7k = 0

11. Solve for x :

Solution –

12. Find the positive value of A, for which the equation x 2 + kx + 64 = 0 and x 2 -
8x + k = 0 will both have real roots.
Solution –
If the equation x2 + kx + 64 = 0 has real roots, then D > 0.
⇒ k2 - 4 x 64 > 0
⇒ k2 >256
⇒ k2 > (16)2
⇒ k > 16 [∵ k > 0] ...(i)
If the equation x2 - 8x + k = 0 has real roots, then
D>0
⇒ 64 - 4k > 0
⇒ 4k < 64
⇒ k < 16 ...(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get k = 16.

13. The speed of a boat in still water is 15 km/h. It goes 30 km upstream and
returns back at the same point in 4 hours 30 minutes. Find the speed of the stream.
Solution—
Let the speed of the stream be x km/h.
∴ Speed of boat upstream = (15 -x) km/h.
Speed of boat downstream = (15 4- x) km/h.
According to the question,
 ⇒

14. A train travels at a certain average speed for a distance of 63 km and then
travels at a distance of 72 km at an average speed of 6 km/hr more than its original
speed. If it takes 3 hours to complete the total journey, what is the original
average speed?
Solution –
Let the original average speed of the train be x km/h
New average speed be (x + 6) km/h

Time taken for a distance of 63 km

Time taken for a distance of 72 km =

= 3(45x+ 126)
⇒ x2 + 6x = 45x +126

Therefore, the original average speed of the train is 42 km/h.

15. A train covers a distance of 300 km at a uniform speed. If the speed of the train
is increased by 5 km/hour, it takes 2 hours less in the journey. Find the original
speed of the train.
Solution—
Total distance travelled = 300 km
Let the speed of train = x km/hr
We know that,

Hence, time taken by train = 300/x

According to the question,
Speed of the train is increased by 5km an hour
∴ the new speed of the train = (x + 5)km/hr
Time taken to cover 300km = 300/(x + 5)
Given that time taken is 2hrs less from the previous time

⇒ 300x + 1500 – 300x = 2x (x + 5)

⇒ 1500 = 2x2 + 10x
⇒ 750 = x2 + 5x
⇒ x2 + 5x – 750 = 0
⇒ x2 + 30x – 25x – 750 = 0
⇒ x (x + 30) – 25 (x + 30) = 0
⇒ (x – 25) (x + 30) = 0
⇒ (x – 25) = 0 or (x + 30) = 0
∴ x = 25 or x = – 30
Since, speed can’t be negative.
Hence, the speed of the train is 25km/hr

16. Two taps running together can fill a tank in hours. If one tap takes 3 hours
more than the other to fill the tank, then how much time will each tap take to fill
the tank?
Solution—
Suppose the faster tap takes x hours to fill the tank. Therefore, the slower tap will take
(x + 3) hours to fill the tank

Portion of the tank filled by the faster tap =

 ⇒ Portion of the tank filled by this tap in

Similarly,

Portion of tank filled by the slower tap in

It is given that the tank is filled in

⇒ 40(2x + 3) = 13x(x + 3)
⇒ 80x + 120 = 13x2 + 39x

is rejected because time cannot be negative.

Hence, the faster tap fills the cistern in 5 hours and the slower tap fills in 8 hours.

17. Ram takes 6 days less than Bhagat to finish a piece of work. If both of them
together can finish the work in 4 days, in how many days Bhagat alone can finish
the work.
Solution—
Let Bhagat alone can do the work in x number of days
∴ Ram takes (x - 6) number of days
Work done by Bhagat in 1 day = 1/x

Work done by Ram in 1 day =

 According to the question,

18. Solve for x:

Solution –
The given equation is:

19. Find two consecutive odd natural numbers, the sum of whose squares is 394.
Solution –
Let first odd natural number be (2x - 1)
and other consecutive odd natural number is (2x + 1) so,
(2x - l )2 + (2x + l )2 = 394
4x2 + 1 - 4x + 4x2 + 1 + 4x = 394
8x2 + 2 = 394
8x2 = 392
x2 = 49
 x=7
∴ First odd natural number = (2 x 7 - 1) = 13
Next odd natural number = (2 x 7 + 1 ) = 15

20.Solve for x:
Solution—

21.Solve the following quadratic equation for x: 4x2– 4a2x + (a4 – b4) = 0.
Solution –

22.Solve the following quadratic equation for x: 4x2 + 4bx – (a2 – b2) = 0
Solution—

23.Solve for x: x 2 + 5x - (a2 + a - 6) = 0

Solution—
24.If the equation (1 + m 2)x2 + 2mcx + c2 - a2 = 0 has equal roots, then show that c 2 =
a2 (1 + m2)
Solution—
(1 + m2) x2 + 2mcx + (c2 - a2) = 0
Here,
a = (1 + m2)
b = 2mc
c = (c2 - a2)
It is given that the roots of the equation are equal; therefore, we have:
25.The diagonal of a rectangular field is 16 metres more than the shorter side. If the
longer side is 14 metres more than the shorter side, then find the lengths of the sides
of the field.
Solution –
Let the length of shorter side be x m.
∴ length of diagonal = (x + 16) m
and length of longer side = (x + 14) m
Using pythagoras theorem,
(l)2 + (b)2 = (h)2
∴ x2 + (x + 14)22 = (x + 16)2
⇒ x2 + x2 + 196 + 28x = x2 + 256 + 32x
⇒ x2 – 4x – 60 = 0
⇒ x2 – 10x + 6x – 60 = 0
⇒ x(x – 10) + 6(x – 10) = 0
⇒ (x – 10) (x + 6) = 0
⇒ x – 10 = 0 or x + 6 = 0
⇒ x = 10 or x = -6 (Reject)
⇒ x = 10 m …[As length cannot be negative
Length of shorter side = x = 10 m
Length of diagonal = (x + 16) m = 26 m
Length of longer side = (x + 14)m = 24m
∴ Length of sides are 10 m and 24 m.

26.Sum of the areas of two squares is 400 cm2. If the difference of their perimeters is 16
cm, find the sides of the two squares.
Solution –
Let the side of Large square = x cm
Let the side of small square = y cm
According to the Question,
x2 + y2 = 400… (i) …[∵ area of square = (side)2
4x – 4y = 16 …[∵ Perimeter of square = 4 sides
⇒ x – y = 4 … [Dividing both sides by 4
⇒ x = 4 + y …(ii)
Putting the value of x in equation (i),
(4 + y)2 + y22 = 400
⇒ y2 + 8y + 16 + y2 – 400 = 0
⇒ 2y2 + 8y – 384 = 0
⇒ y2 + 4y – 192 = 0 … [Dividing both sides by 2
⇒ y2 + 16y – 12y – 192 = 0
⇒ y(y + 16) – 12(y + 16) = 0
 ⇒ (y – 12)(y + 16) = 0
⇒ y – 12 = 0 or y + 16 = 0
⇒ y = 12 or y = -16 … [Neglecting negative value
∴ Side of small square = y = 12 cm
and Side of large square = x = 4 + 12 = 16 cm

27.The sum of three numbers in A.P. is 12 and sum of their cubes is 288. Find the
numbers.
Solution –
Let three numbers in A.P. are a – d, a, a + d.
a – d + a + a + d = 12
⇒ 3a = 12 ⇒a = 4
(a – d)3 + (a)3 + (a + d)3 = 288
⇒ a3 – 3a2d + 3ad2 – d3 + a3 + a3 + 3a2d + 3ad2 + d3 = 288
⇒ 3a3 + 6ad2 = 288
⇒ 3a(a2 + 2d2) = 288
⇒ 3 × 4(42 + 2d2) = 288
⇒ (16 + 2d2) = 28812
⇒ 2d2 = 24 – 16 = 8
⇒ d2 = 4 ⇒ d = ± 2
When, a = 4, d = 2, numbers are –
a – d, a, a + d, i.e., 2, 4, 6
When, a = 4, d = -2, numbers are –
a – d, a, a + d, i.e., 6, 4, 2

28.The perimeter of a right triangle is 60 cm. Its hypotenuse is 25 cm. Find the area of the
triangle.
Solution –

Perimeter of right ∆ = 60 cm …[Given

a + b + c = 60
a + b + 25 = 60
a + b = 60 – 25 = 35 …(i)
In rt. ∆ACB, AC2 + BC2 = AB2
 b2 + a2 = (25)2 …[Pythagoras’ theorem
a2 + b2 = 625 ….(ii)
From (i), a + b = 35
(a + b)2 = (35) … [Squaring both sides
a2 + b2 + 2ab = 1225
625 + 2ab = 1225 … [From (ii)
2ab = 1225 – 625 = 600 ⇒ ab = 300 … (iii)
Area of ∆ = 12 × base × corresponding altitude
= 12 × b × a = 12 (300) ..[From (iii)
= 150 cm2

29.A rectangular park is to be designed whose breadth is 3 m less than its length. Its area
is to be 4 square metres more than the area of a park that has already been made in
the shape of an isosceles triangle with its base as the breadth of the rectangular park
and of altitude 12 m. Find the length and breadth of the rectangular park.
Solution –
Let length of the rectangular park = x m,
breadth of the rectangular park = (x -3)m
∴ Area of the rectangular park = x(x – 3)m2… (i)
Base of an isosceles triangle = (x – 3)m
Altitude of an isosceles triangle = 12 m
∴ Area of isosceles triangle
= 1/2 × base × altitude
= 1/2 × (x – 3) × 12
= 6(x – 3) …(ii)
According to the question,
Ar.(rectangle) – Ar.(isosceles ∆) = 4 m2
⇒ x(x – 3) – 6(x – 3) = 4 … [From (i) & (ii)
⇒ x2 – 3x – 6x + 18 – 4 = 0
⇒ x2 – 9x + 14 = 0
⇒ x2 – 7x – 2x + 14 = 0
⇒ x(x – 7) – 2(x – 7) = 0
⇒ (x – 2) (x – 7) = 0
⇒ x – 2 = 0 or x – 7 = 0
⇒ x = 2 or x = 7
When x = 2, breadth of rectangle becomes -ve, so this is not possible.
∴ Length of the rectangular park, x = 7 m
and Breadth = (x – 3) = 4 m.
30. Find the value of p, for which one root of the quadratic equation px 2 - 14x + 8 = 0
is 6 times the other.
Solution –
The given quadratic equation is
px2 - 14x + 8 = 0
Here a = p, b = - 14 and c = 8
Let α, β be the two roots of this equation such that
α = 6β

Now, sum of roots =

⇒
Also product of roots = c/a

⇒ ...(ii)
Solving equations (i) and (ii) to eliminate β we get

⇒ p2 - 3p = 0
⇒ p(p - 3) = 0 ⇒ p = 0, 3
If p = 0, then the given equation will not remain quadratic.
So, p = 0 is rejected. Hence, the value of p is 3.