Equations

UNIT 3 EQUATIONS

Structure

3.0 Introduction
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Solution of Quadratic Equations
3.3 Quadratic Formula
3.4 Cubic and Bioquadratic Equations
3.5 Answers to Check Your Progress
3.6 Summary

3.0 INTRODUCTION

Solution of equations lies at the very heart of algebra. It has enormous applications.
The importance of equations stems from the fact that they provide a means by which
many complicated relationships in real–life problems can be written down in a clear
and concise form.
In earlier classes you studied how to solve a first degree (linear) equation.
bx + c = 0 (b ≠ 0).
Recall that you had obtained its roots as x = – c/b.
In this unit, we shall take up solving second, third and fourth degree equations in one
variable.

3.1 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

solve a quadratic equation, cubic and biquadractic equations;
find values of symmetric expressions involving roots of a cubic and quadratic
equation;
form equations whose roots are known; and
use equations to solve several real life problems.

3.2 SOLUTION OF QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

Definition : Any equation that can be written in the form

ax2 + bx +c = 0 59
Algebra - II
where a, b and c are real number and a not equal to 0 (a ≠ 0), is called a quadratic
equation. The form ax2 + bx + c = 0 is called the standard form for a quadratic
equation.

3.3 QUADRATIC FORMULA

We now use the method of completing the square to obtain the formula for roots of a
quadratic equation. Towards this end we first list the steps for completing the square.

Steps for completing the Square

Step 1 : Write an equivalent equation with only the x2 term and the x term on the left
side of the equation. The coefficient of the x2 term must be 1.
Step 2 : Add the square of one–half the coefficient of the x term to both sides of the
equation.
Step 3 : Express the left side of the equation as a perfect square.
Step 4 : Solve for x.

Theorem (The Quadratic Formula)

For any quadratic equation in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0, the two solutions
are

Proof : We shall prove this quadratic theorem by completing the square on

ax2 + bx + c = 0

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 Equations

This complete the proof. Let us see what have proved. If our equation is in the form
ax2 + bx + c = 0(standard form), where a ≠ 0, the two solutions are always given by
the formula

This formula is known as the quadratic formula. If we substitute the coefficient a, b

and c of any quadratic equation in standard form in the formula, we need only perform
some basic arithmetic to arrive at the solution set.

The Nature of Solutions

Since the solution set for every quadratic equation is

the solutions can be expressed as

Discriminant

The expression D = is called discriminant because it determines the nature

of the solutions of a quadratic equation.

1. If then α = β and the equation will have one real root.

2. If then α and β will be two distinct real numbers, and the equation
will have two, unequal real roots.

3. If then α and β will be two distinct complex numbers, and the

equation will have no real roots.

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Algebra - II
If D = then 4ac – . In this case, the complex number
1=i and 2 = –i are such that = and no other
complex number z is such that = 4 ac – . In this case the two roots may written
as

Sum and Product of the roots

We have

Thus, if α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then

Forming Quadratic Equations with given Roots

An equation whose roots are α and β can be written as (x – α)(x – β) = 0

or – (α + β) x + αβ = 0

or – (Sum of roots) x + (Product of the roots) = 0

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Solved Examples Equations

Example 1: If α and β are the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, a ≠ 0 find the
value of

(i) + (ii) + (iii) + (iv) +

(v) + (vi) + (vii) (viii) –

Solution:

Since α and β are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 , α + β = –b/a and αβ = c/a.

(iv) + = (α + β )3 3αβ (α + β) [ + = (a + b )3 3ab(a + b)]

(v) + = =( + )3 3 ( + )

[ + = (a + b )3 3ab(a + b)]

= [(α + β)2 – 2αβ]3– 3 [(α + β )2 – 2αβ]

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Algebra - II

(viii )

But

Example 2: Find the quadratic equations with real coefficients and with the
following pairs of roots(s) :
(i) 3/5, –4/3 (ii) 1+ , 1–

(v) 2, 1+ (vi) 2 – 3i, 2 + 3i

64
Solution : Equations

Thus, the quadratic equation whose roots are 3/5, –4/3 is

– (–11/15)x + (–4/5) = 0 or 15

(ii) We have, sum of the roots ( 1 + )+(1– ) = 2.

and product of the roots ( 1 + ) (1– ) = 1– 3 = – 2.

Thus, the quadratic equation whose roots are 1 + ,1– = is

(iii) Note that = =6

+ 1/28 = 0 or 28 .

65
Algebra - II (iv) Sum of the roots = 2 + 1 +

and product of the roots = 2(1+

Thus, the required equation is

(vi) Sum of the roots = (2–3i) + (2–3i) = 4

and product of the roots = (2–3i) (2–3i) = 4 + 9 = 13

Thus, the required quadratic equation is .

Example 3

(i) The two roots r1 and r1 of the quadratic equation

| r1 − r2| = 1. Find k.

(ii) The roots r1 and r2 of the quadratic equation 5 – px + 1 = 0 are such that |
r1– r2| =1. Determine p.
(iii) If α and β be the roots of the equation = 0. Determine a if

(iv) Determine k is one of the roots of the equation k (x –1)2 = 5x – 7 is double

the other.
(v) If p and q are roots of the quadratic equation

(vi) If the roots of the equation a + bx + c = 0 are in the ratio p : q, show that
ac (p+q)2 = b2pq.
(vii) If one root of the quadratic equation a +bx + c = 0 is square of the other.
Prove that

Solution :

(i) We have r1 + r2 = – k and r1 r2= 12.

Now, | r1– r2| =1 =1

But | r1– r2| =1 –4 = –4(12) = – 48

Thus, k = ± 7.

(ii) We have

Now | r1– r2| =1 =1

But –4 =

66
(iii) We have α + β = 3a and αβ = Equations

Now, + = – 2 αβ = 9 –2 =7

(iv) We first write the given quadratic equation in standard form, as

k =5x–7 –2x + 1) = 5x –7
or k .

Let the roots of this equation be α and 2α. Then

2(2k + 5)2 = 9k (k + 7) 2(4 + 20k + 25) = 9

(k – 2)(k + 25) = 0

−25.

It is always advisable to use the given condition and reduce the number of unknown.
Here instead of beginning with α and β and putting β = 2 α, it is advisable to begin
with α and 2α.

When one root is three times other, take the roots as α, 3α; when one is square of the
other, take roots as α,
(v) We have p + q = – p and pq = q
Now, pq = q q(p – 1) = 0
If q = 0 then p = – p or 2p = 0 or p = 0.
If p =1 then 1 + q = –1 or
Hence, the two solutions are p = 0 , q = 0 and p = 1 q = – 2.

(vi) Let the roots of the equation be pα and qα. Then

pα + qα = – b/a and (pα ) (qα) = c/a

= c/a

67
Algebra - II Putting the value of α from the first relation to the second relation, we get

(vii) Let the roots of the equation be α and . Then

α+ = c/a α+ = c/a

Cubing both the sides of the relation α + = –b/a we get

3
(α + = (– b/a)3
3
+( +3α
3
 = +

Substituting the value of , we get

Multiplying both the sides by

Example 4

(i) The sum of the squares of two numbers is 233 and one of the numbers is 3 less
than twice the other. Find the numbers.
(ii) A positive number exceeds its positive square root by 12. Find the number.
(iii) The sum of the squares of three consecutive natural numbers is 110. Find the
natural numbers.
(iv) Two numbers are such that their sum is 54 and product is 629. Find the
numbers.
(v) The length of a rectangular field is greater than its width by 10 metres. If the
area of the field is 144 sq. m. find its dimensions.
(vi) The number of straight lines y that can connect x points in a plane is given by :
y = (x/2) (x – 1).
How many points does a figures have if only 15 lines can be drawn connecting
its vertices ?
(vii) Rachit wishes to start a 100 sq. m rectangular (not a square) vegetable garden.
Since he has not only 30 metres barbed wire for fencing, he fences three sides
of the rectangle, letting his house wall act the fourth side. How wide is
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vegetable garden ?
Solution : Equations

(i) Since one of the numbers is 3 less than twice the other, we take the
numbers to be x and 2x – 3. According to the given problem.

+ (2x – 3)2 = 233

+4 + 9 – 12x – 233 = 0 or 5

When x = 8, the two numbers are 8 and 2

(ii) Let the positive number be x. According to the given condition

x– = 12 x – 12 =

Squaring both the sides, we – 24x + 144 = x

–25x + 144 = 0 – 9x – 16x + 144 = 0

(x –16) (x – 9) = 0

x = 16 or 9.

Putting x = 16 in (1), we get 16 – 4 = 12 which is true.

Putting x = 9 (1), we get 9 – 3 = 12 or – 6 = 12 which is not true.

Thus, x = 16.

Alternative solution

Putting we get – y = 12 or – y – 12 = 0

(y – 4) (y + 3) = 0 y = 4 or y = –3

Since

Thus, x = 16.

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Algebra - II (iii) Let three consecutive natural numbers be x, x+1, and x + 2. According to
the given condition.

+ +

+7x – 5x – 35 = 0 x (x + 7) – 5(x + 7) = 0

(x – 5) (x + 7) = 0 x = 5, –7

Since –7 is not a natural number, so we take x = 5

Thus, the required natural numbers are 5, 6,7.

Remark : If you take three numbers as (x – 1), x and (x + 1), then the calculation is
much simpler. Try it as an exercise of your self and see.

(iv) Since the sum of the numbers is 54, we let the numbers be x and 54–x.

According to the given problem x(54 – x) = 629

or 54x – = 629 or
or or x(x – 37) – 17(x – 37) = 0
or (x – 37) (x – 17) = 0 or x = 37, 17
when x = 37, the numbers are 37 and 54– x = 54 – 37 = 17

when x = 17, the numbers are 17 and 54 – 17 = 37

Hence, the numbers are 17 and 37.

(v) Let the width of the rectangular field be x metres, then length is x + 10 metres.

Area of the field = length × breadth = (x + 10) xm2 = (

Thus

Since x cannot be negative, we take x = 8. Thus, the dimension of the field is

8m

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(vi) Since, the number of lines is given to be 15. We must have Equations

(x – 6) (x + 5) = 0 x = 6 or –5.

As x cannot be negative, we have x = 6.

(vii) Let the dimension of the rectangular fixed be x metres be y metres. Suppose
the house is along the side having length y metres [see Figure 1]

Then x + x + y = 30. House

and xy = 100 x x

y = 30 – 2x and xy = 100 y
Figure 1
Putting y = 30 – 2x in xy = 100, we get x (30 – 2x) = 100
2x(15– x) = 100 or 15x – + 50 = 0
(x – 5) (x – 10) = 0 x = 5 or x = 10.
When x = 5, y = 30 – 2(5) = 20
When x = 10, y = 30 – 2(10) = 10

As the garden is rectangular and not a square, the dimension of the vegetable garden
has to be 5 m

Example 5 : (i) If α and β are the roots of the equation 2x2 – 3x – 5 =0 from a
quadratic equation whose roots are α2 , β2.
(ii) If α, β are the roots of the equation 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0 form an
equation whose roots are α/β and β/α.
(iii) If α, β are the roots of x2–4x + 5 =0 form and equation whose roots
are α2+2, β2+2.
(iv) If α and β be the roots of the equation x2 – px + q = 0 form and
equation whose roots are

Solution (i) Since α and β are roots of 2x2 – 3x – 5 =0

α + β = 3/2 and αβ = –5/2

We are to form a quadratic equation whose roots are α2 , β2.

Let S = Sum of roots = α2 + β2 = (α+β)2 – 2 αβ.

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Algebra - II
P = Product of roots = α2 β2 = =

Putting values of S and P in x2 – Sx + P = 0, the required equation is

x2 – (29/4)x + 25/4 = 0 or 4 x2 –29x + 25 = 0.

(ii) Since α and β are roots of 2x2 – 3x + 1 = 0, α +β = 3/2 and αβ = ½.

We are to form an equation whose roots are α/β and β/α.

Thus, the required quadratic equation is

x2 – (5/2) x + 1 = 0 or 2 x2 – 5x + 2 = 0

(iii) Since α, β are roots of x2 – 4x + 5 = 0 α + β = 4 and αβ = 5.

The roots of the required equation are α2 + 2 and β2 + 2.

Let S = Sum of the roots = (α2 + 2 ) + (β2 + 2 ) = α2 + β2 + 4

= (α + β)2 – 2αβ + 4 = (4)2 – 2 × 5+ 4= 10

and P = Product of the roots = (α2 + 2) (β2 + 2)= α2 β2 + 2 (α2 + β2 ) + 4

= α2 β2 + 2 [(α + β)2 – 2αβ)] + 4 = 25 + 2 [16–10] + 4 = 41.

Thus, the required equation is x2 – Sx + P = 0 or x2 – 10x + 41 = 0

(iv) Since α, β are the roots of x2 – px + q = 0 α + β = p and α, β = q.

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 Equations

The required equation is

– (Sum of the roots) x + Product of the roots = 0

Check Your Progress – 1

1. If α and B are the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 a ≠ 0, find the value of

(v) (vi)

2. Find the quadratic equation with real coefficients and with the following pairs of
root(s) :

(i) 2/7, –3/7 (ii) 2 + ,2–

(v) 3, 1– (vi) 1 – 3i, 1 + 3i

3. If α, β are the roots of the equation 3 – 4x + 1 = 0, form an equation whose roots

are
4. If α, β are roots of – 2x + 3 = 0, form an equation whose roots are α + 2,
β + 2.

73
Algebra - II 5. If α, β are the roots of 2 – 3x + 5 = 0 find the equation whose roots are
α + 1/β and β + 1/α.

6. If α, β be the roots of 2 – 3x + 1 = 0 find an equation whose roots are

If α, β are the roots of a bx + c = 0 form an equation whose roots form an

equation whose roots are α + β and αβ /(α + β).

8. If p, q be the roots of 3 – 4x + 1 = 0 , show that b and c are the roots are

– (p + q – pq)x – pq (p + q) = 0.

3.4 CUBIC AND BIQADRATIC EQUATIONS

A polynomial equation in x, in which the highest exponent is 3 is called a cubic

equation, and if the highest exponent is 4, it is called a biquadratic equation. Thus, a
cubic equation look as

a0x3 + a1x2 + a2x + a3= 0, a0 ≠ 0 (1)

and a biquadratic equation looks as

a0x4 + a1x3 + a2x2 + a3x + a4 = 0, a0 ≠ 0 (2)

Relation between Roots and Coefficients

If α, β, are the roots of (1), then

If α, β, and δ are the roots of (2), then

74
 Equations
Remarks : It will be difficult to solve a cubic equation and biquadrate equation just by
knowing the relation between roots and coefficients. However, if we know
one more relation between the roots, it becomes easier for us to solve the
equation.

Solved Examples

Example 6 : Solve the equation

2 – 15

If the roots of the equation are in A.P.

Solution : Recall three numbers in A.P. can be taken as α – β, α, α + β.

If α – β, α, α + β are roots of (1), then (α – β)+ α+ (α+β) = 15/2 3α = 15/2

α = 5/2
Next,

α (α – β) + α (α + β) (α – β) (α + β) = 37/2

– αβ +
3

When β = ½, the roots are

When = , the roots are 3, 5/2 2.

It is easily to check that these are roots of (1).

Example 7 : Solve the equation

Given that the roots are in H.P.

Solution : Let the roots of the equation be

75
Algebra - II We have

From (3), we obtain

Putting this in (4), we obtain

=–3

If = –5/2, we get these roots in the reverse order.

Example 8: Solve the equation

–14 + 7x – 1 = 0 (1)

The roots being in G.P.

Solution : As the roots are in G.P. we may take them as

Now,

76
 Equations

Putting this in (2), we get

1 5 r2 1 5
r
r 2 r 2

2 (2r–1) (r –2) = 0

r 1/ 2, r 2

When r = 2, we get the roots as

When r = 1/2 , we get these roots in the reverse order.

It is easy to verify that these roots satisfy the equation (1)

Example 9: Solve the equation

being given that one root exceeds the other by 2.

Solution : As one root exceeds the other by 2, we may take the root as α, α+2
and β.

Now.

α + (α + 2) + β = 13 (2)

α(α + 2) + α β + (α + 2)β = 15 (3)

and α(α + 2)β = –189 (4)

From (2), β = 11– 2α.

Putting this in (3), we get

α(α + 2) + (2α + 2)(11 – 2α) = 15

77
Algebra - II

– 20α – 7 = 0

(3α + 1)(α – 7) = 0

α = –1/3, 7

When α = 7, β = –3

These values satisfy equation (4)

Thus, roots of (1) are 7,9 and –3

Example 10 : Solve the equation

being given that it has two roots equal in magnitude but opposite sign.

Solution : Let the roots of (1) be

α, – α, β and .

We have
α + (– α) + β + =2 (2)

[α + (– α)(β + ) + α(– α) + β =4 (3)

(α + (– α)) β + α(– α) (β + ) = –6 (4)

α ( –α) β = – 21 (5)

(2) gives β + =2

= 3 or α = .

From (3), we get

0(β+ ) + (–3) + β =4

β =7
The quadratic equation whose roots are β and is

– (β + )x + β =0

78 or
 Equations
+6=0

Thus, roots of (1) are

,– ,1+

Example 11: Solve the equation

The product of two of roots being 2.

Solution : Let roots of (1) be

α, β, , , where = 2.

We have

and αβ = –12/3 = 4 (5)

As δ = 2, from (5) we get αβ = +2.

Putting αβ = 2,

Equation whose rots are α + β and r +

3x(x – 2)–19 (x – 2) = 0
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Algebra - II

Let α + β = 19/3 and r + =2

Equation whose roots are α and β is

– (α + β)x + αβ = 0

(3x –1) (x – 6) = 0

x = 1/3, 6
Equation whose roots are and δ is

Thus, roots of (1) are 1/3, 6, 1 + i, 1– i.

Example 12 : The Product of two of the roots of the equation

– is equal to the product of the other

two. (1)

Solution : Let roots of (1) be

α, β, , δ

where αβ = δ

We have

α+β+ +δ =5 (2)

(α + β) ( + δ ) + αβ + δ = 10 (3)

αβ ( + δ) + δ (α+ β) = 10 (4)

αβ δ = 4 (5)

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 Since αβ = δ (5) gives αβ = δ= 2. Equations

But αβ = δ = – 2, gives

–2( + δ+ α + β ) = 10 [from (4)]

α +β + + δ = –5

This contradicts (2)

Thus, αβ = δ = 2.

Putting these values in (3), we obtain

(α+ β) ( + δ) = 6.

A quadratic equation whose roots are α+β, + δ is

(α + β) ( + δ) = 0

or –5x + 6 = 0 x = 2, 3

Let α + β = 2 and +

A quadratic equation whose roots are α, β is

– (α + β)x + αβ = 0

= –1 =

x=1
A quadratic equation whose roots are and

or x = 1, 2

Hence, roots of (1) are

1,2, 1+i, 1– i

Example 13: Solve the equation

the sum of two of the roots being

equal to the sum of the other two.

Solution : Let roots of the equation be α, β, and where α + β = +

We have

α+β+ +δ=8 (2)

(α+ β)( + δ) +αβ+ δ = 21 (3) 81

Algebra - II
αβ( + δ) + δ(α + β) = 20 (4)

αβ δ=5 (5)

As α+β = + δ, from (2), we get

2 (α + β) = 8 α+ β = 4

Thus, α+β = +δ=4

Putting this in (3), we get

αβ + δ =5

A quadratic equation whose roots are αβ and δ is

– (αβ + δ)x + (αβ) ( δ) = 0

A quadratic equation whose roots are α, β is

A quadratic equation whose roots are , is

or
82
 Equations

Thus, roots of (1) are

(3 (5

Example 14 : If roots of a +b + cx + d = 0 are in A.P. show that

2 – 9abc + 27 d=0 (1)

Solution : Let roots of

(1) be α – β, α α+β

we have

As α is a roots of (1), we get

– +3

=0

Example 15 : If α, β, be the roots of the equation (1)

Find the values of

(i) + (ii)

(iv)

83
Algebra - II Solution : We have

α +β + =p

β + α + αβ = q,

and αβ =

Now,

(i)

= –2q

(ii)

– 2[(β ) ( α) + ( α) (αβ) + (β ) (αβ)]

= –2αβ (α + β + )

= –2 p

(iii) –3αβ =

–3 =p[

–3pq + 3

(iv) β=

= (α + β + )

= pq –3

Example 16 : α, β, are the roots of the equation + px + q = 0, (1)

Then, show that

Solution : We have

α+β+ =0

βr + + αβ = p

and αβ =q

Now, = –2

84
 = 0 – 2p = –2p (2) Equations
Next

= –p(
[using (1)]
Multiplying (1) by , we get

As α, β, satisfy this equation,

= –p( – 3q) – q( – 2p) = 5pq (4)

Multiplying (1) by , we get

As α, β, r satisfy this equation, we get

(5)

Multiplying (1) by x we get

As α, β, satisfy this equation, we obtain

= – p (–2p) – 9(0) = 2 (7)

From (5), (6) and (7) we get

= –7

From (8) and (9), we get

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Algebra - II

Example 17 : If α,β, ,δ are the roots of the equation.

+p +q + rx + s = 0 (1)

Find the value of

(i) (ii)

Solution : As α, β, r, δ are the roots of (1)

= –p
= q
= –r

Now,

=q =(

= –2

= –2q = – 2q

Check Your Progress – 2

1. Solve the equation 32 – 48 given that the roots are in A.P.

2. Solve the equation 27 +42 given that the roots are in G.P.
3. Solve the equation 3 given that the roots are in H.P.
4. Solve the equation 32 given that sum of two roots is 1.
5. Solve the equation 9 two of the roots being in the ration
3:5.
6. Solve the equation given that difference between
two of its roots is 2.
7. Solve the equation 27 –19 + 494 given that the roots
are in G.P.
8. Solve the equation 8
.
9. Solve the equation given that sum of two of
the roots being equal to the sum of the other two.
10. Solve the equation 2 given that product of
two of its roots equals the product of the other two.
86
11. Solve the equation given that product of Equations
two of its roots is 13.
12. If roots of a Show that
13. If the roots of are in H.P. show that
27
14. If α, β, are the roots of
Find the value of

15. If α,β, ,δ are the roots of the equation p ,s≠0

Find the value of (i) (ii)

3.5 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress – 1

1 We have α + β = –b/a, αβ = c/a

+ + =(

2
= [( –

87
Algebra - II

= αβ[(α + β)2 – 2αβ]

88
 Equations

49 + 7x – 6 = 0

(ii) Sum of the roots = (2 + ) + (2 – )=4

and product of roots = (2 + ) (2 – )=4–2=2

required equation is

– 4x + 2 = 0

or 19 – 10x + 1 = 0

x –1 = 0

(v) Sum of the roots = 3 + (1– )=4– ,

and product of the roots = 3 ( 1–

required equation is

)x + 3(1–

89
Algebra - II (vi) Sum of the roots = (1– 3i) + (1 + 3i) = 2

Product of the roots = (1–3i) (1+3i) = 1 + 9 = 10

required equation is

3. We have

α + β = 4/3, αβ = 1/3

required equation is

or 9
4. α + β = 2, αβ = 3.

Now, (α + 2) + (β + 2) = α + β + 4 = 6

and (α + 2) (β + 2) = αβ + 2(α + β ) + 4
= 3 + 2(2) + 4 = 11
Thus, required equation is

5. α + β = 3/2 and αβ = 5/2

and (α + (β + = αβ + +2
90
 Equations

required equation is

Or 10

6. α +β = 3/2, αβ = ½

Thus, required equation is

– x+ =0

91
Algebra - II 7. α + β = – b/a, α β = c/a

Thus, required equation is

ab

8. We have p + q = –b and pq = c.

Now, b + c = – (p+q ) + pq

and bc = – (p+q)pq

Thus, required equation is

Check Your Progress – 2

1. Let the roots be α – β, α, α + β. Then

(α – β) + α + (α + β) = 48/32 3α = 3/2 α=½

(α– β)α + α(α + β) + (α – β)(α + β) = 22/32

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 Thus, required roots are Equations

These roots satisfy the relation product of roots = 3/32.

2. Let the roots be α/β, α, αβ

Also,

These values of α, β satisfy the relation

We have

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Algebra - II

Thus, 3 α = –3 α = –1

Also, (–1–β) (–1) (–1+β) = –3/4

It is easy to check these are roots of the equation.

4. Let the roots be α, β and . Suppose α + β = 1

We have α + β + = 48/32 = 3/2 r=½

Also, αβ + β + α = 22/32

equation whose roots are α and β is

– (α + β)x + αβ = 0

– x + 3/16 = 0 16

4x(4x – 1) –3(4x – 1) = 0

(4x – 3) (4x–1) = 0

94
5. Let the roots of the equation be 3α, 5α, and β. Equations

We have

3α + 5α + β = 9 (i)

(3α)(5α) + (3α) β + (5α) β = 23 (ii)

and (3α)(5α) β = 15 (iii)

From (i), β = 9–8α

Putting this in (ii) we get

15 + 8 α(9 – 8α) = 23

49
49
49
(49α – 1)(α – 1) = 0 = 1/49, 1

When α = 1, β = 1

Note that these values satisfy (iii)

When α = 1/49, β = 9–8/49 = 433/49

These values do not satisfy the relation (iii)

Thus, roots are 3,5, and 1

6. Let the roots be α, α+2, and β

We have

α + ( α + 2) + β = 9 (i)

α(α + 2) + αβ + (α + 2)β = 23 (ii)

α (α + 2)β = 15 (iii)

From (i) we get β = 7 – 2α

Putting this in (ii), we obtain

α(α + 2) + (α + α + 2) (7 – 2α) = 23

3
α = 1, 3

When α = 1, β = 5
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Algebra - II These values satisfy (iii)
Thus roots are 1,3,5
When α = 3, β = 1
These values satisfy (iii)
In this case roots are 3,5, 1

7. Let the roots be α, β , δ

As these are in G.P.

As δ=β , from (iv), we get

= 64/9 δ = 8/3 [Use (i) and (iii) ]

Putting these values in (iii), we get

(α + δ) (β + ) = 350/27 (v)

From (i) and (v), we get equation whose roots are α + δ and β + , is

or 27

27

9x(3x – 10) – 35x (3x –10) = 0

(9x –35) (3x – 10) = 0

Let α + δ = 35/9, β + = 10/3

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 Equation whose roots are α, δ is Equations

–35x + 24 = 0
–27x – 8x + 24 = 0
9x(x – 3) –8(x – 3) = 0
(9x – 3) (x – 3) = 0

Next equation whose roots β and is

– (β + ) x + β =0

3 –10x + 8 = 0
(3x– 4) (x – 2) = 0
x = 4/3, 2

Thus, roots are

8/9, 4/3, 2, 3 (verify)

8. Let the roots be

α, –α, β and

We have
α + (– α) + β + = 2/8 = ¼ (i)
[α + (–α)](β + ) +α (–α) + β = –27/8 (ii)
[α + (–α)] β + α( –α) (β + ) = –6/8 = –3/4 (iii)
α (–α) β = 9/8 (iv)
From (i) β + =¼

From (iii) – (1/4) = –3/4 =3

From (ii) –3 + β = –27/8

Equation whose roots are β and is

– (β + )x + β =0

or – (1/4)x –3/8 = 0

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Algebra - II 8

x = ¾, –1/2

roots are , , (verify)

9. Let the roots be α, β and , and suppose that

α+β= + (i)
We have
α+β+ +
(α+ β) ( +
(α + β)
α β = 40 (v)
From (i) and (ii),

α+β= + = –1

From (iii), we get (–1)(–1) + αβ +

αβ + = – 22

Equation whose roots are αβ and

(αβ) (r

+ 22x + 40 = 0

(x + 2) (x + 20) = 0 x = – 2, 20

Let αβ = – 2 = – 20

Equation whose roots are α, β is

– (α + β)x + αβ = 0

or (x + 2) (x – 1) = 0 x = –2, 1

Equation whose roots are

–( + ) =0

or (x + 5) (x – 4) = –4, 5

Thus, roots are –2, 1, –5, 4

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10. Let roots be α, β and , and assume that Equations

αβ = (i)

We have

From (i) and (iv)

αβ = 2

From (ii) and (iv), it follows that

αβ = 2

Thus, equation whose roots are

α + β and +

– (α + β + + )x + (α+ β)( +

or – (15/2)x + 27/2 = 0 or 2

2 –9x – 6x + 27 = 0 x(2x – 9) – 3(2x – 9) = 0

x = 3, 9/2

= 9/2

Equation whose roots are α and β is

– (α + β)x + αβ = 0

x = 1, 2

Equation whose roots are and is

)x +
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Algebra - II

2
(2x –1) (x – 4) – 0
x = ½,4

Thus, roots are

½, 1, 2, 4

11. Let roots be α, β and where αβ = 13 we have

α + β+ + = 10 (i)

(α + β) ( + (ii)

(α+ β) + αβ ( +

αβ (iv)

As αβ = 13, from (iv) we get

5(α + β) +13( + (v)

From (i) and (v) 8( +

From (i) α + β = 6

Equation whose roots are α and β is

x=3 2i

Equation whose roots are and is

x=2 i

Thus, roots are 2 i, 3 i

We have

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 Equations

= –d/a
+1) =

and from (ii)

We have

From (i) and (iii), we get

As 1/α is a root of –p + qx – r = 0,

We get

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Algebra - II 1– pα + q –r

27 –9pqr + 3 – =0

27 – 9pqr + =0

14. We have

α+ β + =p

β +α + αβ = q

αβ =

Now, (β + ) ( + α) (α + β)

= (p– α) (p – β) (p – )

= –p

102
15. = –p, = q, Equations

αβ =s

Now,

(i) ∑ = (∑ – 2∑

= –2q

3.6 SUMMARY

This unit deals with solutions of equations of degrees 2, 3 and 4 in a single variable. In
sections 3.2 and 3.3, first of all, the method of solving quadratic equations is given
and then nature of these solutions is discussed. Next, method of forming quadratic
equations for which the two roots are known, is discussed. In section 3.4, relations
between roots and coefficients of cubic and biquadratic equations are mentioned.
Using these relations, methods of solving special type of cubic and biquadratic
equations are discussed. All the above-mentioned methods are illustrated with suitable
examples.

Answers/Solutions to questions/problems/exercises given in various sections of the

unit are available in section 3.5.

103