14

PTER
CHA

QUADRATIC AND
CUBIC EQUATIONS

QUADRATIC POLYNOMIALS Illustration 2: If ax2 + bx + c = 0 has equal roots, then c =

An expression in the form of ax2 + bx + c, where a,b,c are real b b
numbers but a ≠ 0, is called a quadratic polynomial. For examples (a) − (b)
2a 2a
2
2x2 – 5x + 3, –x2 + 2x, 3x2 – 7, 2x + 7x + 2, etc.
b2 b2
(c) − (d)
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 4a 4a
A quadratic expression when equated to zero is called a quadratic Solution: (d) ax2 + bx + c = 0 has equal roots if disc. b2 – 4ac = 0
equation. Hence an equation in the form of ax2 + bx + c = 0, where ⇒ b2 = 4ac
a, b, c are real numbers and a ≠ 0, is called a quadratic equation.
b2
For examples, ⇒ c=
4a
2x2 – 5x + 3 = 0, – x2 + 2x = 0,
Illustration 3: If x2 + 4x + k = 0 has real roots, then
3x2 – 7 = 0 and 2 x 2 + 7x + 2 = 0, etc.
(a) k ≥ 4 (b) k ≤ 4
 
Illustration 1: Which of the following is not a quadratic (c) k ≤ 0 (d) k ≥ 0
equation? Solution: (b) Since x2 + 4x + k = 0 has real roots.
(a) x2 – 2x + 2 (3 – x) = 0 ∴ Disc. (4)2 – 4k ≥ 0
(b) x (x + 1) + 1 = (x – 2) (x – 5) ⇒ 16 – 4k ≥ 0
(c) (2x – 1) (x – 3) = (x + 5) (x – 1) ⇒ 4k ≤ 16
(d) x3 – 4x2 – x + 1 = (x – 2)3 ⇒ k≤4
Solution: (b) Hint: x (x + 1) + 1 = (x – 2) (x – 5)
⇒ x2 + x + 1 = x2 – 7x + 10 Properties of Quadratic Equations and
⇒ 8x – 9 = 0, which is not a quadratic equation. Their Roots
(i) If D is a perfect square then roots are rational otherwise
Discriminant (D) irrational.
For the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, (ii) If p + q is one root of a quadratic equation, then their
D = b2 – 4ac
conjugate p – q must be the other root and vice-versa,
Here, D is the symbol of discriminant.
where p is rational and q is a surd.
Roots or Solution of a Quadratic Equation
(iii) If a quadratic equation in x has more than two roots, then
(i) If D > 0, then the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has
it is an identity in x.
two distinct roots given by
−b + D −b − D SUM AND PRODUCT OF ROOTS
a = and β = If a and β are the roots of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0,
2a 2a
Here a and β are symbols of roots of the quadratic Then,

equation. b coefficient of x
Sum of roots , a + β = − = −
(ii) If D = 0, then the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has a coefficient of x 2
two equal roots given by
b c constant term
a =β= − Product of roots, aβ = =
2a a coefficient of x 2

1
 l Quadratic and Cubic Equations

Illustration 4: Find the sum and product of roots of -1 1 4

–2x2 + 3x – 5 = 0. Solution: a+β = - = , a.β =
3 3 3
b 3 3
Solution: Sum of roots = − = - = 1 1 a +b
a -2 2 Now, + =
α β ab
c -5 5
Product of roots = = =
a -2 2 1
= 3 = 1
FORMATION OF AN EQUATION WITH 4 4

GIVEN ROOTS 3
If a and β are the roots of a quadratic equation, then the quadratic 1 . 1 = 1 =1 =3
equation will be α β a .b 4 4
x2 – (a + β) x + a.β = 0 3
i.e., x2 – (Sum of the roots) x + Product of the roots = 0 Hence required quadratic equation,
Illustration 5: If α and β are the roots of the equation 1 3
x2 - x + = 0
3x 2 – x + 4 = 0, then find the quadratic equation whose 4 4
1 1 ⇒ 4x2 – x + 3 = 0
roots are and .
α β

2
 Quadratic and Cubic Equations l

Practice Exercise
Level - I
1. Which of the following is a quadratic equation ? 10. If the roots x1 and x2 of the quadratic equation x2 – 2x + c = 0
1 also satisfy the equation 7x2 – 4x1 = 47, then which of the
(a) x2 + 2x + 3 = 0 following is true?
(a) c = – 15 (b) x1 = –5, x2 = 3
(b) ( x - 1)( x + 4) = x2 + 1 (c) x1 = 4.5, x2 = –2.5 (d) None of these
11. For what value of k, are the roots of the quadratic equation
(c) x4 - 3x + 5 = 0
(k + 1) x2 – 2(k – 1) x + 1 = 0 real and equal?
(d) (2 x + 1)(3x - 4) = 2 x2 + 3 (a) k = 0 only (b) k = – 3 only
(c) k = 0 or k = 3 (d) k = 0 or k = – 3
1 1 12. If the roots of the equation
2. Solve x - =1
x 2 (a2 + b2) x2 – 2ab(a + c) x + (b2 + c2) = 0
1 1 are equal, then which one of the following is correct?
(a) - ,2 (b) ,2 (a) 2b = a + c (b) b2 = ac
2 2
(c) b + c = 2a (d) b = ac
1 2 13. If a and b are the roots of the equation x2 – 2x + 4 = 0, then
(c) , (d) None of these
2 3 what is the value of a3 + b3?
(a) 16 (b) – 16
3. If 2 x2 - 7 xy + 3 y 2 = 0 , then the value of x : y is (c) 8 (d) – 8
(a) 3 : 2 (b) 2 : 3 14. If p and q are the roots of the equation x2 – px + q = 0, then
(c) 3 : 1 or 1 : 2 (d) 5 : 6 what are the values of p and q respectively?
4. Father’s age is 4 less than five times the age of his son and (a) 1, 0 (b) 0, 1
the product of their ages is 288. Find the father’s age. (c) – 2, 0 (d) – 2, 1
(a) 40 years (b) 36 years
(c) 26 years (d) 42 years 15. What is the value of 5 5 5 5...¥ ?
13
5. The sum of a rational number and its reciprocal is , find (a) 5 (b)
6 5
the number.
(c) 1 (d) (5)1/ 4
2 3 3 4
(a) or (b) or 16. If r and s are roots of x2 + px + q = 0, then what is the value
3 2 4 3
2 5 1 1
(c) or (d) None of these
of
2
+ ?
5 2 r s2
p 2 - 4q
6. 6 + 6 + 6 + .......... = ? (a) p2 – 4q (b)
2
(a) 2.3 (b) 3
p 2 - 4q p 2 - 2q
(c) 6 (d) 6.3 (c) (d)
7. If x2 + 2 = 2x, then the value of x4 – x3 + x2 + 2 is q2 q2
(a) 1 (b) 0 2x 1 3x + 9
17. Find the solution of + + =0
(c) – 1 (d) 2 x - 3 2 x + 3 ( x - 3)(2 x + 3)
1 (a) 0 (b) – 1
8. Minimum value of x2 + 2 – 3 is
x +1 (c) 3 (d) – 3
(a) 0 (b) – 1 18. If the roots of x2 – kx + 1 = 0 are non-real, then
(c) – 3 (d) – 2 (a) –3 < k < 3 (b) –2 < k < 2
9. One root of x2 + kx – 8 = 0 is square of the other. Then the (c) k > 2 (d) k < –2
value of k is 19. If ax2 + bx + c = 0 has real and different roots, then
(a) 2 (b) 8 (a) b2 – 4ac = 0 (b) b2 – 4ac > 0
(c) –8 (d) –2 (c) b2 – 4ac < 0 (d) b2 – 4ac £ 0

3
 l Quadratic and Cubic Equations

20. If 3x 2 + x + 5 = x – 3, then the given equator has ...... 30. The roots of the equation x 2 + 2 3 x + 3 = 0 are
solution/solutions. (a) real and equal (b) rational and equal
1 (c) rational and unequal (d) imaginary
(a) x = – 4 (b) x = 31. The roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 will be reciprocal
2
if
1 (a) a = b (b) a = bc
(c) x = – 4, (both) (d) No solution
2 (c) c = a (d) b = c
21. The sum of two numbers p and q is 18 and the sum of their
b x+a
1 32. If = then the value of x in terms of a and b is
reciprocals is . Then the numbers are x-a b
4
(a) 10, 8 (b) 12, 6 (a) (b)
± a 2 + b2 + a 2 + b2
(c) 9, 9 (d) 14, 4
2 (c) (d) None of these
22. If the roots of the equation x – bx + c = 0 differ by 2, then - a 2 + b2
which of the following is true? 33. For what value of b and c would the equation x2 + bx + c = 0
(a) c2 = 4(c + 1) (b) b2 = 4c + 4 have roots equal to b and c.
2
(c) c = b + 4 (d) b2 = 4(c + 2) (a) (0, 0) (b) (1, – 2)
23. The sum of a number and its reciprocal is one-fifth of 26.
(c) (1, 2) (d) Both (a) and (b)
What is the sum of that number and its square?
34. One of the factors of the expression
(a) 3 (b) 4
(c) 5 (d) 6 4 3 x 2 + 5 x – 2 3 is: [SSC-Sub. Ins.-2013]
24. Two numbers are such that the square of greater number (a) (b) 4 x + 3
4x + 3
is 504 less than 8 times the square of the other. If the
numbers are in the ratio 3 : 4. Find the number. (c) 4x – 3 (d) 4x – 3
(a) 15 and 20 (b) 6 and 8
(c) 12 and 16 (d) 9 and 12 1 3x 2 - 4 x + 3
35. If x + = 3, then the value of is
x x2 - x + 1
25. The equation x + x - 2 = 4 has
(a) two real roots and one imaginary root [SSC 10+2-2014]
(b) one real and one imaginary root 4 3
(c) two imaginary roots (a) (b)
3 2
(d) one real root
5 5
6 (c) (d)
26. The equation x + 10 - = 5 has 2 3
x + 10
(a) an extraneous root between –5 and –1 1 1
(b) an extraneous root between –10 and –6 36. If x = p + and y = p – , then value of x4 – 2x2 y2 + y4 is
p p
(c) two extraneous roots
[SSC 10+2-2014]
(d) a real root between 20 and 25
(a) 24 (b) 4
[An extraneous root means a root which does not satisfy
the equation.] (c) 16 (d) 8
27. If log10 (x2 – 3x + 6) = 1, then the value of x is
x6 + x4 + x2 + 1
(a) 10 or 2 (b) 4 or –2 37. If x = 3 + 2 2 , then is equal to
x3
(c) 4 only (d) 4 or –1
[SSC 10+2-2014]
1
- (a) 216 (b) 192
28. The roots of the equation 2 x + 2 x = 5 can be found by
2
(c) 198 (d) 204
solving 38. A certain number of capsules were purchased for ` 216.
(a) 4x2 – 25x + 4 = 0 (b) 4x2 + 25x – 4 = 0 15 more capsules could have been purchased in the same
(c) 4x2 – 17x + 4 = 0 (d) None of these amount if each capsule was cheaper by ` 10. What was the
29. Two numbers whose sum is 6 and the absolute value of number of capsules purchased? [IBPS Clerk-2013]
whose difference is 8 are the roots of the equation (a) 6 (b) 14
(a) x2 – 6x + 7 = 0 (b) x2 – 6x – 7 = 0 (c) 8 (d) 12
2
(c) x + 6x – 8 = 0 (d) x2 – 6x + 8 = 0 (e) 9

4
 Quadratic and Cubic Equations l

Level - II
1. The discriminant of ax 2 - 2 2 x + c = 0 with a, c are real 1 1
10. If x2 + y2 + + = 4, then the value of x2 + y2 is
constants is zero. The roots must be x 2
y2
(a) equal and integral (b) rational and equal
(a) 2 (b) 4
(c) real and equal (d) imaginary
2
(c) 8 (d) 16
2. If one root of the equation ax + bx + c = 0 is three times the
11. Let x, y be two positive numbers such that x + y = 1. Then,
other, then ______
2 2
(a) b2 = 16 ac (b) b2 = ac æ 1ö æ 1ö
the minimum value of ç x + ÷ + ç y + ÷ is
(c) 3b2 = 16 ac (d) None of these è xø è yø
3. If the product of roots of the equation (a) 12 (b) 20
x2 – 3 (2a + 4) x + a2 + 18a + 81 = 0 is unity, then a can take (c) 12.5 (d) 13.3
the values as
12. Solve the simultaneous equations
(a) 3, – 6 (b) 10, – 8
(c) – 10, – 8 (d) – 10, – 6 x y 5
+ = ; x + y = 10
4. If the roots of the equation y x 2
(a2 + b2) x2 – 2(ac + bd)x + (c2 + d 2 ) = 0 are equal, then (a) 8, 6 (b) 8, 2
which of the following is true?
(c) 4, 6 (d) 5, 5
(a) ab = cd (b) ad = bc
13. If roots of an equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are positive, then
(c) ad = bc (d)
ab = cd which one of the following is correct?
5. For what values of c in the equation (a) Signs of a and c should be like
2x2 – (c3 + 8c – 1)x + c2 – 4c = 0 the roots of the equation (b) Signs of b and c should be like
would be opposite to signs? (c) Signs of a and b should be like
(d) None of the above
(a) c Î ( 0, 4 ) (b) c Î ( - 4, 0 )
14. If the sum of the squares of the roots of
(c) c Î ( 0,3) (d) c Î ( - 4, 4 ) x2 – (p – 2) x – (p + 1) = 0 (p Î R) is 5, then what is the value
of p?
6. If x2 – 3x + 2 is a factor of x4 – ax2 + b = 0, then the values of
(a) 0 (b) –1
a and b are
(a) – 5, – 4 (b) 5, 4 3
(c) 1 (d)
(c) –5, 4 (d) 5, – 4 2
7. If a and b are the roots of the quadratic equation 15. If a and b are the roots of the equation x2 + 6x + 1 = 0, then
what is | a – b| equal to?
a 2 b2
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 , then the value of + is (a) 6 (b) 3 2
b a
(c) 4 2 (d) 12
3bc - a 3 3abc - b3
(a) (b)
b2c a2c 1
16. If is one of the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, where
3abc - b 2
ab - b c 2 2 - -2
(c) (d)
a3c 2b 2 c a, b, c are real, then what are the values of a, b, c respectively?
8. If a, b are the two roots of a quadratic equation such that (a) 6, –4, 1 (b) 4, 6, –1
a + b = 24 and a – b = 8, then the quadratic equation having (c) 3, –2, 1 (d) 6, 4, 1
a and b as its roots is 17. If a and b are the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then
(a) x2 + 2 x + 8 = 0 (b) x - 4x + 8 = 0
2 1 1 1
the equation whose roots are , + is equal to
a +b a b
(c) x2 - 24 x +128 = 0 (d) 2x2 + 8x + 9 = 0
(a) acx2 + (a2 + bc)x + bc = 0
1
9. If m + = 4 then, what is value of (b) bcx2 + (b2 + ac)x + ab = 0
m-2 (c) abx2 + (c2 + ab)x + ca = 0
1 (d) None of these
(m – 2)2 + =?
(m - 2)2 18. Find the roots of the equation a3x2 + abcx + c3 = 0
(a) – 2 (b) 0 (a) a2b, b2a (b) a, b2
(c) 2 (d) 4 (c) a2b,ba (d) a3b, b3a

5
 l Quadratic and Cubic Equations

19. A natural number when increased by 12, equals 160 times its 26. The condition that both the roots of quadratic equation
reciprocal. Find the number. ax2 + bx + c = 0 are positive is
(a) 3 (b) 5 (a) a and c have an opposite sign that of b
(c) 8 (d) 16 (b) b and c have an opposite sign that of a
1 1 1 1 (c) a and b have an opposite sign that of c
20. Solve: = + + ; a ¹ 0, x ¹ 0 (d) None of these
a+b+ x a b x
(a) a, b (b) – a, b 27. If the equation x2 – bx + 1 = 0 does not possess real roots,
(c) 0, a (d) – a, –b then which one of the following is correct?
21. Which is not true? (a) –3 < b < 3 (b) –2 < b < 2
(a) Every quadratic polynomial can have at most two zeros. (c) b > 2 (d) b < –2
(b) Some quadratic polynomials do not have any zero. 28. If the roots of the quadratic equation 3x2 – 5x + p = 0 are real
[i.e. real zero] and unequal, then which one of the following is correct?
(c) Some quadratic polynomials may have only one zero. (a) p = 25/12 (b) p < 25/12
[i.e. one real zero] (c) p > 25/12 (d) p £ 25/12
(d) Every quadratic polynomial which has two zeros. 29. If the roots of the equation x3 - ax2 + bx - c = 0 are three
22. The expression a2 + ab + b2 is _____ for a < 0, b < 0
consecutive integers, then what is the smallest possible
(a) ¹ 0 (b) < 0 value of b?
(c) > 0 (d) = 0
23. For what value of c the quadratic equation 1
(a) - (b) – 1
x2 – (c + 6) x + 2(2c – 1) = 0 has sum of the roots as half of 3
their product? (c) 0 (d) 1
(a) 5 (b) – 4 30. If a, b are the roots of the equation 2x2 – 3x – 6 = 0, find the
(c) 7 (d) 3 equation whose roots are a2 + 2 and b2 + 2.
24. If a and b are the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then (a) 4x2 + 49x + 118 = 0 (b) 4x2 – 49x + 118 = 0
2
(c) 4x – 49x – 118 = 0 (d) 4x2 + 49x – 118 = 0
1 1
the equation whose roots are a + and b + is
b a 31. Sum of the areas of two squares is 468 m2. If the difference of
(a) abx2 + b(c + a)x + (c + a)2 = 0 their perimeters is 24 m, find the sides of the two squares.
(b) (c + a)x2 + b(c + a) x + ac = 0 (a) 9 m, 6 m (b) 18 m, 12 m
(c) cax2 + b(c + a)x + (c + a)2 = 0 (c) 18 m, 6 m (d) 9 m, 12 m
(d) cax2 + b(c + a)x + c(c + a)2 = 0 32. The sum of the ages of Puneet and his father is 45 years and
25. If x2 + ax + b leaves the same remainder 5 when divided by the product of their ages is 126. What is the age of Puneet ?
x – 1 or x + 1, then the values of a and b are respectively [SSC CGL-2013]
(a) 0 and 4 (b) 3 and 0 (a) 3 years (b) 5 years
(c) 0 and 5 (d) 4 and 0 (c) 10 years (d) 45 years

6
 Quadratic and Cubic Equations l

Hints & Solutions

Level-I -36
Either x – 8 = 0 or 5x + 36 = 0 Þ x = 8 or x =
1. (d) Equations in options (a) and (c) are not quadratic 5
equations as in (a) max. power of x is fractional and in x cannot be negative; therefore, x = 8 is the solution.
(c), it is not 2 in any of the terms. \ Son’s age = 8 years and Father’s age = 5x – 4
= 36 years.
For option (b), (x – 1) (x + 4) = x + 1
2

5. (a) Let the number be x.

or x2 + 4 x - x - 4 = x 2 + 1
1 13 x 2 + 1 13
or 3x - 5 = 0 Then, x + = Þ = Þ 6 x 2 - 13x + 6 = 0
x 6 x 6
which is not a quadratic equations but a linear.
Þ 6x – 9x – 4x + 6 = 0 Þ (3x – 2)(2x – 3) = 0
2
For option (d), (2x + 1) (3x – 4) = 2 x 2 + 3 2 3
Þ x= or x = .
or 6 x 2 - 8x + 3x - 4 = 2 x 2 + 3 3 2
or 4 x 2 - 5 x - 7 = 0 2 3
Hence, the required number is or .
which is clearly a quadratic equation. 3 2

1 1 2 6. (b) 6 + 6 + 6 + ............
2. (a) x- =1 Þ x -1 = 3
x 2 x 2
6+x = x
2 2x2 – 2 = 3x 6 + x = x2
Þ 2( x - 1) = 3x Þ
x2 – x – 6 = 0
Þ 2x2 – 3x – 2 = 0
x2 – 3x + 2x – 6 = 0
Þ 2x2 – 4x + x – 2 = 0
(x – 3) (x + 2) = 0
Þ 2x (x – 2) +1 (x – 2) = 0 x=3
Þ (2x + 1) (x – 2) = 0 7. (b) x + 2 = 2x Þ x2 – 2x + 2 = 0
2
Either 2x + 1 = 0 or x – 2 = 0 x2 – 2x + 2 ) x4 – x3 + x2 + 2 ( x2 + x + 1
Þ 2x = – 1 or x = 2 x4 – 2x3 + 2x2
-1 – + –
Þ x= or x = 2 x3 – x2 + 2
2
x – 2x2 + 2x
3
-1 – + –
\ x= , 2 are solutions.
2 x2 – 2x + 2
3. (c) 2 x 2 - 7 xy + 3 y 2 = 0 x2 – 2x + 2

2
0
æ xö æxö \ x4 – x3 + x2 + 2
2ç ÷ -7ç ÷ + 3 = 0
è yø è yø = (x2 – 2x + 2) (x2 + x + 1) = 0
8. (d) x2 ³ 0
x -b ± b - 4ac 7 ± 49 - 24 7 ± 5
2
1 \ Minimum value
= = = = 3,
y 2a 2´ 2 4 2 1
=0+ –3=–2
x 3 x 1 1
Þ = or =
y 1 y 2 9. (d) Given x + kx - 8 = 0
2

4. (b) Let the son’s age be x years. Let a and b be the roots of given equation and
So, father’s age = 5x – 4 years. b = a2 (given)
\ x(5x – 4) = 288 Sum of roots = a + b = -k = a + a 2 .....(1)
Þ 5x2 – 4x – 288 = 0 Þ 5x2 – 40x + 36x – 288 = 0 Product of roots = ab = -8 = a 3 Þ a = -2
Þ 5x (x – 8) + 36 (x – 8) = 0 Using a = –2 in (1) , –k = –2 + 4 = 2 or k = –2
Þ (5x + 36) (x – 8) = 0

7
 l Quadratic and Cubic Equations

10. (a) 7x2 – 4x1 = 47

p+q 1 18 1
x1 + x2 = 2 i.e = Þ =
pq 4 pq 4
Solving 11x2 = 55
x2 = 5 & x1 = –3 Þ pq = 72 ...(3)
\ c = –15 From (1) and (3), p (18 –p) = 72
11. (c) Since, the roots of the equation (k + 1)x2 – 2(k –1) Þ p2 – 18p + 72 = 0 Þ (p – 6) (p – 12) = 0
x + 1= 0 are real and equal. Þ p = 6, 12 when p = 6, q = 12; when p = 12, q = 6
\ {–2(k –1)}2 – 4(k + 1) = 0 (Q b2 – 4ac = 0) Hence the numbers are 12, 6.
Þ 4(k – 2k + 1) – 4(k + 1) = 0
2 22. (b) Let the roots be a and a + 2.
Þ k2 – 2k + 1 – 1= 0 Then a + a + 2 = b Þ a = (b – 2)/2 (1)
Þ k2 – 3k = 0 and a(a + 2) = c Þ a2 + 2a = c (2)
Þ k = 0, k = 3 Putting the value of a from (1) in (2).
12. (b) Since roots of the given equation are equal. ((b – 2)/2)2 + 2(b – 2)/2) = c
\ D=0 Þ (b2 + 4 – 4b) / 4 + b – 2 = c
On solving we get b2 = ac Þ b2 + 4 – 8 = 4c
13. (b) Use a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 – 3ab(a + b) Þ b2 = 4c + 4
14. (a) 23. (c) Let the number be x. Then,
1 26
15. (a) Let x = 5 5 5...¥ x+ =
x 5
Þ x2 = 5x Þ x = 0, 5
x 2 + 1 26
1 1 s2 + r 2 ( s + r ) 2 - 2 sr p 2 - 2q Þ =
16. (d) + = = = x 5
r 2 s2 (rs ) 2 ( rs) 2 q2 2
Þ 5x – 26x + 5 = –0
17. (b) Clearly, the given equation is valid if x – 3 ¹ 0 and Þ (x – 5)(5x – 1) = 0
-3 1
2x + 3 ¹ 0 i.e.,. when x ¹ ,3
Þ x = 5 or
2 5
2x 1 3x + 9 24. (d)
Now, + + =0
x - 3 2 x + 3 ( x - 3)(2 x + 3) 25. (d) x+ x-2 =4
Þ 2x (2x + 3) + (x – 3) + 3x + 9 = 0
x-2 =4–x
[Multiplying throughout by (x – 3) (2x + 3 )]
Squaring on the both sides
Þ 4x + 6x + x – 3 + 3x + 9 = 0
2
x – 2 = 16 + x2 –8x
Þ 4x2 + 10x + 6 = 0
x2 – 9x + 18 = 0
Þ 2x2 + 5x + 3 = 0
(x – 6)(x – 3) = 0
Þ 2x2 + 2x + 3x + 3 = 0
x = 6 or 3
Þ 2x (x + 1) + 3 (x + 1) = 0
But by checking, only x = 3 satisfies the equation.
Þ (2x + 3) (x + 1) = 0
Þ x + 1 = 0 Þ x = – 1 [Q 2x + 3 ¹ 0] 6
26. (b) x + 10 - =5
Hence, x = – 1 is the only solution of the given equation. x + 10
18. (b) Since the roots of x2 – kx + 4 = 0 are non-real.
\ Disc., (–k2) – 4 < 0 Þ k2 – 4 < 0 x + 10 – 6 = 5 x + 10
Þ k2 < 4 Þ | k | < 2 Þ –2 < k < 2 x + 4 = 5 x + 10
19. (b) Squaring on both sides,
1 x2 + 8x + 16 = 25x + 250
20. (d) Square both sides, we shall get x = – 4, . But both of x2 – 17x – 234 = 0
2
them do not satisfy the given equation. x2 – 26x + 9x – 234 = 0
21. (b) p + q = 18 ...(1) x(x – 26) + 9(x – 26) = 0
(x – 26)(x + 9) = 0
1 1 1 x = 26 (or) – 9
and + = ...(2) (Given)
p q 4 Here x = –9 is not satisfying. So it is extraneous.

8
 Quadratic and Cubic Equations l

27. (d) log10(x2 –3x + 6) = 1 36. (c) x4 – 2x2y2 + y4 = (x2 – y2)2 = [(x + y)(x – y)]2
x2 – 3x + 6 = 101 2
x2 – 3x – 4 = 0 æ 2ö
= ç 2p ´ ÷ = 16
(x – 4)(x + 1) = 0 è p ø
x = 4 or – 1
37. (d) We have, x = 3 + 2 2
2
28. (c) 2 x+ =5 1 1 3- 2 2
x = ´ = 3- 2 2
x 3+ 2 2 3- 2 2
2x + 2 = 5 x
Þ 4x2 + 8x + 4 = 25x 1
x+ =6
Þ 4x2 – 17x + 4 = 0 x
29. (b) Let a and b are the roots
x6 + x4 + x 2 + 1 1 1
a+b =6 = x3 + x + +
3 x x3
a–b=8 x
2a = 14
æ 3 1 ö æ 1ö
a=7 = çx + 3 ÷+çx + ÷
è x ø è xø
b = –1
a + b = 6, a b = –7 æ 1ö æ 2 1 ö æ 1ö
The quadratic equation is x2 – 6x – 7 = 0 = çè x + ÷ø ç x + 2 - 1÷ + çè x + ÷
x è x ø xø
30. (a) b2 – 4ac = (2 3) 2 - 4(1)(3) = 0. So the roots are real
1 ö éæ ù æ
2
and equal. æ 1ö 1ö
= çè x + ê
÷ø çè x + ÷ø - 3ú + çè x + ÷ø
x ê x x
31. (c) Since roots are reciprocal, ë ûú
c = 6[62 – 3] + 6 = 198 + 6 = 204
product of the roots = 1 Þ =1
a 38. (d) Let x be the price of one capsule
Þ c = a. y be the total number of capsule.
xy = 216 ...(1)
b x+a
32. (a) = (x – 10) (y + 15) = 216 ...(2)
x-a b
2 2 2 From eqs (1) and (2)
x –a =b
x2 = b2 + a2 æ 216 ö
çè y - 10÷ø (y + 15) = 216
x = ± a 2 + b2
33. (d) Solve using options. It can be seen that b = 0 and c = 0 (216 – 10y) (y + 15) = 216 y
the condition is satisfied. It is also satisfied at b = 1 and 216y + 216 ´ 15 – 10y2 – 150y = 216y
c = – 2. 216y + 3240 – 10y2 – 150y = 216y
–10y2 – 150y + 3240 = 0
34. (d) 4 3 x 2 + 5x - 2 3
y2 + 15y – 324 = 0
= 4 3 x 2 + 8x - 3x - 2 3 y = 12, – 27
Number of capsules cannot be negative.
= 4x( 3x + 2) - 3( 3x + 2)
Level-II
(
= 4x - 3 )( 3x + 2 )
1. (c) ax 2 - 2 2 x + c = 0
3x 2 4x 3 (2 2)2 - 4ac = 0
2 - +
3x - 4x + 3
35. (c) = x x x
4ac = 8
x2 - x +1 x2 x 1
- + ac = 2
x x x
2
c=
æ 1ö a
3ç x + ÷ - 4
è xø 3´3 - 4 5 Let a, b be the roots.
= =
æ 1 ö 3 -1 2
ç x + ÷ - 1 2 2 c 2
è xø a+ b , ab = = 2
a a a

9
l Quadratic and Cubic Equations

(a – b)2 = (a + b)2 – 4a b
Now, (a 2 + b2 - ab) = [(a + b)2 - 2ab - ab]
8 8
= - =0 2
a 2
a2 = [(a + b) - 3ab]
a=b Hence (1) becomes

2 -b é b2 3c ù
So, a = b = ê - ú
a (a + b)[(a + b)2 - 3ab)] a ëê a 2 a úû
Þ =
Hence the roots are real and equal. ab c
2. (c) Let a, 3a are the roots. a
-b -b
a + 3a = Þ 4a = -b é b2 - 3ac ù 3abc - b3
a a = ê ú=
c ëê a 2 ûú a 2c
-b
Þa= ...(1) 8. (c) a + b = 24 and a – b = 8
4a
Þ a = 16 and b = 8 Þ ab = 16 × 8 = 128
c c
a × 3a = Þ 3a2 = A quadratic equation with roots a and b is
a a
x2 – (a + b) x + ab = 0 or x2 - 24 x + 128 = 0
3b2 c
= [by (1)] 1
16a 2 a 9. (c) m+ =4
m-2
3b2 = 16ac. m2 – 2m – 3 = 0
3. (c) The product of the roots is given by: (a2 + 18a + 81)/1. (m – 3) (m + 1) = 0
Since product is unity we get: a2 + 18a + 81 = 1 m=3
Thus, a2 + 18a + 80 = 0 m–2=1
Solving, we get a = – 10 and a = – 8.
4. (b) Solve this by assuming each option to be true and then 1
Now (m – 2)2 +
check whether the given expression has equal roots ( m - 2 )2
for the option under check.
Thus, if we check for option (b). 1
= 12 + =2
ad = bc. 12
We assume a = 6, d = 4 b = 12 c = 2 (any set of values
1 1
that satisfies ad = bc) 10. (a) x2 + y2 + + –4 =0
2
Then (a2 + b2)x2 – 2(ac + bc)x + (c2 + d2) = 0 x y2
180x2 – 120x + 20 = 0
1 1
We can see that this has equal roots. Thus, option (b) Þ x2 + 2
– 2 + y2 + –2=0
is a possible answer. The same way if we check for a, c x y2
and d we see that none of them gives us equal roots 2
2
and can be rejected. æ 1ö æ 1ö
Þ çx- ÷ +ç y - ÷ =0
5. (a) For the roots to be opposite in sign, the product of è xø è yø
roots should be negative.
(c2 – 4c)/2 < 0 Þ 0 < c < 4 1
Þ x– =0
6. (b) x2 – 3x + 2 = 0 gives its roots as x = 1, 2. Put these x
values in the equation and then use the options. Þ x2 – 1 = 0 Þ x = 1
b c Similarly,
7. (b) Here, a + b = - and ab = y=1
a a
\ x2 + y2 = 1 + 1 = 2
a 2 b2 a3 + b3 11. (c) Given, x + y = 1
Thus, + =
b a ab 2 2
æ 1ö æ 1ö 1 1
Then, ç x + ÷ + ç y + ÷ = x 2 + y 2 + 2 + 2 + 4
(a + b) (a 2 - ab + b 2 ) …(1)
è xø è yø x y
=
ab Minimum value of x2 + y2 occur when x = y
[Q x + y = 1]

10
 Quadratic and Cubic Equations l

1 2 - 2i
Put x = y = \ Another root =
2 6
2 2 Now, find sum and product of the roots and put in
æ5ö æ5ö 25
Minimum value = ç ÷ + ç ÷ = = 12.5 x2 – (sum of the roots) x + (multiplication of the roots) = 0
2
è ø è ø2 2
1 a +b a b (ac + b2 )
17. (b) S = + =- - =-
x y 5 a +b ab b c bc
12. (b) We have + = ...(1)
y x 2
1 a +b
and x + y = 10 ...(2) P= ×
a + b ab
x y 5 x+ y 5
Now, + = Þ xy = 2 1
=
a
y x 2 =
ab c
10 5 Put the values of P and S in x2 – Sx + P = 0, we get the
Þ = [using eq. (2)] required result.
xy 2
18. (a) Dividing the equation a3x2 + abcx + c3 = 0 by c2, we get
Þ xy = 4 Þ xy = 16 2
æ ax ö æ ax ö
Thus, the given system of simultaneous equations aç ÷ + bç ÷ + c = 0
è cø è cø
reduces to
x + y = 10 and xy = 16 ax
Þ y = 10 – x Þ = a, b
c
and xy = 16
Þ x(10 – x) = 16 c c
Þ x=
a, b
Þ x2 – 10x + 16 = 0 a a
Þ (x – 2) (x – 8) = 0 Þ x = 2 or x = 8 Þ x = a2b, ab2
Now, x = 2 and x + y = 10 Þ y = 8 c
and x = 8 and x + y = 10 Þ y = 2 = ab = product of roots]
[Q
a
Hence, the required solution are x = 2, y = 8 Hence, a2b and ab 2 are the roots of the equation
and x = 8, y = 2 a3x2 + abcx + c3 = 0.
13. (a) If roots of an equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are positive, 19. (b) Let the natural number be = x.
then signs of a and c should be like.
160
14. (c) Let a and b be the roots of x2 – (p – 2) x– (p + 1) = 0 By the given condition: x + 12 = ( x ¹ 0)
Then, a + b = p – 2 x
and ab = – (p + 1) 12 ± 144 + 640
Þ x2 + 12x – 160 = 0 Þ x = -
\ a2 + b2 = 5 2
Þ (a + b)2 – 2 ab = 5
Þ (p – 2)2 + 2(p + 1) = 5 12 ± 784 -12 ± 28 40 16
= - = =- or
Þ p2 – 4p + 4 + 2p + 2 = 5 2 2 2 2
Þ p2 – 2p + 1 = 0 Þ (p – 1)2 = 0 = – 10 or 5. But x is a natural number \ x = 5.
Þ p=1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15. (c) Q a and b are the roots of the equation x2 + 6x + 1 = 0 20. (d) = + + Þ - = +
a+b+ x a b x a+b+ x x a b
\ a + b = – 6 and ab = 1
Now, (a – b)2 = (a + b)2 – 4ab x-a -b- x b+ a
Þ =
= (– 6)2 – 4 (a + b + x ) x ab
= 36 – 4 = 32
-(a + b) ( a + b)
Þ |a–b|= 32 = 4 2 Þ 2 =
( x + ax + bx ) ab
16. (a) The given root is
-1 1
1 2 + 2i Þ 2 =
= = x + ax + bx ab
2 - -2 6
Þ x2 + ax + bx = – ab Þ x (x + a) + b (x + a) = 0
Þ (x + a) (x + b) = 0 Þ x = – a or x = – b

11
 l Quadratic and Cubic Equations

21. (d) (a) is clearly true. The value of b will be minimum when the value of n2 is
(b) x2 + 1 is a quadratic polynomial which has no real minimum i.e., n2 = 0
value of x for which x2 + 1 is zero. Hence, minimum value of b = – 1.
[\ x2 ³ 0 Þ x2 + 1 > 0 for all real x] \ (b) is true. 30. (b) Since, a, b are root of the equation
(c) The quadratic polynomial 2x2 – 3x – 6 = 0
x2 – 2x + 1 = (x – 1)2 has only one zero i.e. 1
3
\ (c) is true. \ a+b = and ab = –3
2
[Q (x – 1)2 > 0 at x ¹ 1 and for x = 1, (x – 1)2 = 0]
Þ a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 – 2ab
(d) is false [Q of (b), (c)]
Hence (d) holds. 9 33
= +6=
22. (c) For a, b negative the given expression will always be 4 4
positive since, a2, b2 and ab are all positive. Now, (a2 + 2) + (b2 + 2) = (a2 + b2) + 4
23. (c) (c + 6) = 1/2 × 2(2c – 1) Þ c + 6 = 2c – 1 Þ c = 7
33 49
24. (c) Assume any equation: = +4=
4 4
Say x2 – 5x + 6 = 0
The roots are 2, 3. and (a2 + 2)(b2 + 2) = a2b2 + 2(a2 + b2) + 4
We are now looking for the equation, whose roots are: 2 æ 33ö 59
(2 + 1/3) = 2.33 and (3 + 1/2) = 3.5. = ( -3) + 2 çè ÷ø + 4 =
4 2
Also a = 1, b = –5 and c = 6.
So, the equation whose roots are a2 + 2 and b2 + 2 is
Put these values in each option to see which gives 2.33
x2 – x{(a2 + 2) + (b2 + 2)} + (a2 + 2) (b2 + 2) = 0
and 3.5 as its roots.
25. (c) f (x) = x2 + ax + b 49 59
Þ x2 - x+ =0
f (1) = f (–1) = 5 4 2
Þ a+b=–a+b=5 Þ 4x2 – 49x + 118 = 0
Þ a = 0, b = 5 31. (b) Let first square has side x, \ Area = x2, Perimeter = 4x
26. (a) For both the roots: (a, b) to be positive and let second square has side y,
a + b > 0 and ab > 0 \ Area = y2, Perimeter = 4y
Let x > y so that 4x > 4y
-b c
Þ > 0 and > 0 Given, x2 + y2 = 468 ...(1)
a a
and 4x – 4y = 24 Þ x – y = 6 Þ y = x – 6 ...(2)
i.e., b and a are of opposite sign and c and a are of same
Using (2) in (1), we get x2 + (x – 6)2 = 468
sign.
Þ x2 + x2 – 12x + 36 = 468 Þ 2x2 – 12x – 432 = 0
27. (b) Given quadratic equation is x2 – bx + 1 = 0
It has no real roots. It means, equation has imaginary 6 ± 36 + 864 6 ± 900
roots. Þ x2 – 6x – 216 = 0 Þ x = =
2 2
Which is possible when B2 – 4AC < 0
Here, B = –b, A = 1, C = 1 6 ± 30 36 -24
= = , = 18, – 12
2 2 2
Þ b2 - 4 < 0 Þ b2 < 4 Þ - 2 < b < 2
But x being length cannot be negative \ x = 18
28. (b) The given equation is, put x = 18 in (2), we get y = x – 6 = 18 – 6 = 12
3x2 – 5x + p = 0 \ sides of the two squares = x, y = 18 m, 12 m
We have, a = 3, b = – 5, c = p 32. (a) Let Puneet’s age = x yrs.
D = b2 – 4ac = 25 – 12 p Let Puneet’s father age = y yr.
For Real and unequal, D > 0 x + y = 45 Þ y = (45 – x)
\ 25 – 12 p > 0 xy = 126
25 Putting the value of y.
Þ 25 > 12 p Þ p < (x) (45 – x) = 126
12
45x – x2 = 126
29. (b) Let roots are (n – 1), n and (n + 1)
x2 – 45x + 126 = 0
Sum of the roots = b
x2 – 42x – 3x + 126 = 0
(n – 1) n + n (n + 1) + (n + 1) (n – 1) = b
x (x – 42) – 3 (x – 42) = 0
Þ n2 – n + n2 + n + n2 – 1 = b
x = 3, x = 42
Þ 3n2 – 1 = b
Hence, Puneet’s age in 3yrs.

12