Chapter 4

Second Degree Equations

Prepared by
Cecilia Joseph
St. John De Britto’s, A.I.H.S,
Fortkochi
Second Degree Equations 1

Chapter 4
Second Degree Equations

Note 1
T.B Page 81
Q1) When each side of a square was reduced by 2 metres, the
area became 49 square metres. What was the length of a side
of the original square?
Ans) Let the side of the original square be ‘ x ’
Side of the reduced square = x − 2
2 2
Area of the square = (x
(x − 2)
2
Given , area of the square = 49 m 2
2
∴ (x − 2) 2 = 49
x − 2 = √ 49
x− 2 = 7
x=7+2=9
∴ Side of the original square = 9 m

Q2) A square ground has a 2 metre wide path all around it. The
total area of the ground and the path is 1225 square metres.
What is the area of the ground alone?
Ans)
Let length of side of the square ground be ‘ x’ m.
Then, 2m
Length of side of large
=x+4
square including path

Area of large square = ( x + 4 ) 2

2 2m 2m

xm
Given area of large square =1225 m2
2m

(x + 4) m

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 2

2
( x + 4 ) 2 = 1225 5 1225
x + 4 = √ 1225 5 245
x + 4 = 35 7 49
x = 35 − 4 7
x = 31 5×5 ×7 ×7
5 × 7 = 35
So , Length of side of the square ground = 31 m
2
Area of the square ground = (31) 2
2
= 961 m 2

Q3) The square of a term in the arithmetic sequence 2, 5, 8,..........

is 2500. What is its position ?
Ans) Given arithmetic sequence is 2, 5, 8, .........
(First term ) f = 2
(Common difference ) d = 5 − 2
=3
th
Let square of n th term be 2500
th
n th term = dn + f − d = 3n + 2 − 3 = 3n − 1
th
Square of n th term = (3n − 1)2 = 2500
3n − 1 = √ 2500
3n − 1 = 50
3n = 50 + 1
3n = 51
51
n=
3
n = 17
th
∴ Square of the 17 th term is 2500

Q4) 2000 rupees was deposited in a scheme in which interest is

compounded annually. After two years the amount in the
account was 2205 rupees. What is the rate of interest?

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 3

Ans)
If an amount ‘P’ is deposited for a period of ‘n’ years at the
rate of interest ’r’ compounded annually, then
r n
Amount after ‘n’ years = P (1+ )
100
Given,
Principal amount , P = 2000 rupees
No: of years , n = 2
r 2
So , Amount after 2 years = 2000(1+ )
100
Given , Amount after 2 years = 2205 rupees
r 2
∴ 2000(1+ ) = 2205
100
r 2 2205 441
(1+ ) = =
100 2000 400

r 441
(1+
100
r
) =

21
√
400
(1+ )=
100 20
r 21
= −1
100 20
r 21 20
= −
100 20 20
r 21 − 20
=
100 20
r 1
=
100 20
1
r = × 100
20
r = 5
∴ Rate of interest, r = 5 %

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 4

Completing the square method

2 2
To convert ‘ x 2 + 2 a x ’ to the perfect square( x + a) 2
add the square of half the coefficient of ‘x’. i.e ‘ a2 ’
2 2
x 2 + 2ax 2
2ax + a = ( x + a)
2

T.B Page 86
Q1) 1 added to the product of two consecutive even natural
numbers gives 289. What are the numbers?
Ans)
If numbers are x, x+2 , their product is x( x+2 ),
1 added to the product is x( x+2 ) + 1
Given , 1 added to the product = 289
∴ x( x+2 ) + 1 = 289
2
x 2 + 2x
2x + 1 = 289
2
( x+1) 2 = 289
x + 1 = √ 289 17 x 17 = 289
x + 1 = 17 ∴ √ 289 = 17
x = 17 − 1 = 16 so, x + 2 = 16 + 2 =18
∴ The numbers are 16 and 18

Q2) 9 added to the product of two consecutive multiples of 6

gives 729. What are the numbers?
Ans)
Given two consecutive multiples of 6
So if one multiple of 6 is ‘x’ , other multiple may be x + 6 or x − 6

Let the two consecutive multiples of 6 be ‘ x ’ and ‘ x + 6 ’

Their product is ‘ x (x
(x + 6 ) ’
9 added to their product is ‘ x (x
(x + 6 ) + 9 ’

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 5

Given, 9 added to their product = 729

∴ x (x
(x + 6 ) + 9 = 729
2
x 2 + 6x
6x + 9 = 729
2 2
x 2 + 6x 2
6x + 3 = 729
2
( x + 3 )2 = 729
x+3 = √ 729 3 729
3 243
x+3 = 27 3 81
x = 27 − 3 3 27
= 24 3 9
3
x = 24 , x + 6 = 30 3x3x3x3x3x3
∴ The numbers are 24 and 30 3 x 3 x 3 = 27

Q4)
16 were added to the sum of the first few terms of the arithmetic
sequence 9 , 11 , 13 , . . . gave 256 . How many terms were added ?
Ans)
Common difference = 11 – 9 = 2
nth term = dn + f − d
= 2n + 9 − 2 = 2n + 7

n
Sum of the first n terms = (first term + last term)
2
n
= (9 + 2n +7)
2
n
= ( 2n + 16)
2
n
= x 2( n + 8)
2
= n (n + 8)
= n2 + 8n

n2 + 8n + 16 = n2 + 8n + 42 = (n + 4)2
(n + 4)2 = 256

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 6

n + 4 = √ 256
= 16
n = 16 − 4
= 12
∴ Number of terms added is 12

Q5) An isosceles triangle has to be made like this .

The height should be 2 metres less than the base and the area
of the triangle should be 12 square metres . What should be
the length of its sides ?
Ans) Take base as x m , then , height = x – 2
1
Area = × x × (x
(x − 2) = 12 sq. m
2
x × (x
(x − 2) = 12 × 2
x × (x
(x − 2) = 24 height = x - 2
2
x – 2 x = 24

x2 – 2 x + 12 = 24 + 12
base = x
( x – 1)2 = 24 + 1 = 25
x – 1 = √ 25 = 5
x=5+1=6
Base = x = 6 m
Height = x – 2 = 6 – 2 = 4 m

Activity 5
A 2.6 metres long rod leans against a wall ,
Rod
its foot 1 metre from the wall . When the
Wall

foot is moved a little from the wall , its

upper end slides the same length down .
How much farther is the foot moved ?
Ground

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 7

Ans)
By Pythagores theorem
Height of the wall = √ (2.6) 2−12
= √ 6.76−1
2.6 m
= √ 5.76
576 24
=
√ 100
=
10
= 2.4 m

Let the slided distance be ‘x

‘x ’ .
1m
Distance between the bottom
=1+x
end of the rod and the foot of
the wall x
2.4
The height from the foot
of the wall to the top end = 2.4 – x
of the rod 2.6 m
2.4 – x

1m x

By Pythagoras theorem
2.6
2.4 – x

2 2 2 1+x
(2.4 − x) 2 + (1 + x) 2 = (2.6) 2

2 2 2 2
( (2.4) 2 − 2 x 2.4 x x + x 2 ) + (1 2 + 2 x 1 x x + x 2 ) = 6.76
2 2 2
(a + b) = a + 2ab +b
2 2 2
(a −b) = a − 2ab +b

2 2
( 5.76 − 4.8 x + x 2 ) + (1 + 2 x + x 2 ) = 6.76

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 8

2
2 x 2 − 2.8x + 6.76 = 6.76
2
2x
2x – 2.8x
2.8x = 0
2
2x
2x = 2.8x
2.8x
2x
2x = 2.8
2.8
x= = 1.4
2

∴ Distance that the rod moved = 1.4m

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 1

Chapter 4
Second Degree Equations
Note 2
Two Answers
One side of a rectangle is 2 metres longer than the other side
and its area is 224 square metres. What are the lengths of the
sides?
Ans) Taking length of small side as ‘ x ’,
Then the large side is ‘ x + 2 ’. x
Given, area of rectangle = 224 sq.m
∴ x (x(x+2) = 224 x+2
2
x 2 + 2 x = 224
Completing the square
2
x 2 + 2 x +12 = 224 + 12 (x + 1) 2 = x2 + 2 x +1
2
( x + 1) 2 = 225
3 225
x + 1 = √ 225 = ± 15
3 75
−
x + 1 = 15 or x + 1 = 15 5 25
−
x = 15 − 1 x = 15 − 1 5
−
= 14 = −16 3×3 ×5×5
3 × 5 =15
Since ‘x’
‘x’ is taken as the length of small side, x cannot be a
negative value .
∴ Small side = x = 14m
Large side = x + 2 = 14 + 2 = 16m
Note :
When a practical problem is turned into an algebraic problem
and we think only mathematically, we may get more than one
answer. It may happen that some of these solutions may not
be suitable for the original practical problem. So, usually all
solutions are found algebraically and then those which suit
the context are chosen.

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 2

T.B Page 81
Q1) The product of a number and 2 more than it is 168, what
are the numbers ?
Ans) Let the numbers be x, x + 2
Product of the numbers : x ( x + 2)
Given product of the numbers is 168
∴ x ( x + 2) = 168
2
x 2 + 2 x = 168
Completing the square
2
x 2 + 2 x + 12 = 168 + 12
2
( x + 1) 2 =168 + 1
2
( x + 1) 2 = 169
x + 1 = √ 169
We know,
13 x 13 = 169
∴ x + 1 = ± 13 Also −13 x−13 = 169

−
x + 1 = 13 or x + 1 = 13
−
x = 13 −1 x = 13 − 1
−
x = 12 x = 14
− −
When x = 12, x + 2 = 12 + 2 When x = 14 , x + 2 = 14 + 2
−
= 14 = 12

− −
∴ The numbers are 12 , 14 or 14 , 12

Q2) Find two numbers with sum 4 and product 2.

Ans)
Let first number be ‘ x ’ . 1st No: + 2nd No: = 4
2nd No: = 4−x
Since sum = 4, second number is ‘ 4 − x ’
Given product is ‘ 2 ’ .

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 3

∴ x ( 4 − x) = 2
2
4 x − x2 = 2
−
Multiplying both sides with −1 we have
2 −
x 2 − 4 x = −2
Completing the square
2 −
x 2 − 4 x + 22 = −2 + 22
2
2 − −
(x
(x − 2) = 2 + 4
2 2
(x
(x − 2) = 2
Taking square root on both sides
x − 2 = ±√ 2

−
When x − 2 = √ 2 When x − 2 = − √ 2
x = 2 + √2 x = 2 − √2
So,
First number = x = 2 + √ 2 or First number = x = 2 − √ 2
Second number = 4 − x Second number = 4 − x
= 4 − ( 2 +) √ 2 = 4 − ( 2 −) √ 2
= 4 − 2 − √2 = 4 − 2 + √2
= 2 − √2 = 2 + √2
∴ The numbers are 2 + √ 2 nd 2 − √ 2

Checking Answer
Sum = 2 + √2 + 2 − √2 = 4
Product = (2 + √ 2 )( 2 − √ 2 ) =22 −( √ 2 2
) =4−2=2

Q3) How many terms of the arithmetic sequence 99, 97, 95,.......
must be added to get 900 ?
Ans) Given A. S is 99, 97, 95, ..........
First term, f = 99

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 4

−
Common difference, d = 97 − 99 = 2
Given, Sum = 900
We Know,
Sum = a
n(n+ 1)
+ bn a = d = −2
2
− n(n+ 1) b = f − d = 99 −(−2)
= 2 x + 101n
2 = 99 + 2
= − n(n+1) + 101n = 101
2
= −n 2 − n + 101n – n + 101n = 101n – n
2
= −n + 100n = 100n

2
So, −n 2 + 100n = 900
−
Multiplying both sides with −1 we have
2 −
n 2 − 100n = −900

Completing the square

2 −
n 2 − 100n + 502 = −900 + 502
2 − 2 −
(n
(n − 50) = 900 + 2500
2 2
(n
(n − 50) = 1600
Taking square root on both sides
n − 50 = √ 1600
n − 50 = ± 40
−
When n − 50 = 40 or When n − 50 = −40
−
n = 40 + 50 = 90 n = −40 + 50 = 10
∴ Number of terms to be added is 90 or 10

Q4) A rod 28 centimetres long is to be bent to make a rectangle.

(i) Can a rectangle of diagonal 8 centimetres be made?
(ii) Can a rectangle of diagonal 10 centimetres be made?
(iii) How about a rectangle of diagonal 14 centimetres?

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 5

Calculate the lengths of the sides of the rectangles that

can be made.
Ans) Perimeter = 2( l + b )
Given perimeter = 28cm
∴ 2( l + b ) = 28
l + b = 28 = 14
2
Let the length be ‘ x ’ then breadth is 14 − x
(i) Let us assume diagonal is 8 cm
By Pythagoras theorem 8 14 − x
2 2 2
( 14 − x ) + x = 8
2 2 2 2
14 2 − (2 × 14 × x ) + x 2 + x 2 = 8 2 x
2 2
196 − 28x + 2x
2x = 64
22
2x
2x − 28x + 196 = 64
2
2
2x
2x − 28x + 196 − 64 = 0
2 2
2x
2x − 28x + 132 = 0
Dividing each term by 2 we get,
2
x 2 − 14x + 66 = 0
2 −
x 2 − 14x = −66
Completing the square
2 2 − 2
x 2 − 14x + 7 2 = −66 + 7 2
2 − 2 −
(x
(x − 7) = 66 + 49
2 − 2 −
(x
(x − 7) = 17
This is not possible because perfect square is always positive.
∴ We cannot construct a rectangle with diagonal 8 cm.

ii) Let us assume diagonal is 10 cm

By Pythagoras theorem 10 14 − x
2 2 2
( 14 − x ) 2 + x 2 = 10 2
2 2 2 2
14 2 − (2 × 14 × x ) + x 2 + x 2 = 10 2 x

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 6

2 2
196 − 28x + 2x
2x = 100
22
2x
2x − 28x + 196 = 100
22
2x
2x − 28x + 196 − 100 = 0
2 2
2x
2x − 28x + 96 = 0
Dividing each term by 2 we get,
2
x 2 − 14x + 48 = 0
2 −
x 2 − 14x = −48
Completing the square
2 2 − 2
x 2 − 14x + 7 2 = −48+ 7 2
2 2
− −
(x
(x − 7) = 48 + 49
2 2
(x
(x − 7) = 1
x − 7 = √1
x− 7 = ± 1
−
When x − 7 = 1 or When x − 7 = −1
−
x = 1+ 7 = 8 x = −1 + 7 = 6

When x = 8 , other side = 14 − 8 = 6

When x = 6 , other side = 14 − 6 = 8
∴ We can construct a rectangle with diagonal 10 cm.

(iii) How about a rectangle of diagonal 14 centimetres?

Ans)
Let us assume diagonal is 14 cm
By Pythagoras theorem 14 14 − x
2 2 2
( 14 − x ) 2 + x 2 = 14 2
2 2 2 2
14 2 − (2 × 14 × x ) + x 2 + x 2 = 14 2 x
2 2
196 − 28x + 2x
2x = 196
22
2x
2x − 28x + 196 = 196
22
2x
2x − 28x + 196 − 196 = 0

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 7

2 2
2x
2x − 28x = 0
Dividing each term by 2 we get,
2
x 2 − 14x = 0
x ( x − 14) = 0
∴
x =0 or x − 14 = 0
x = 14
Here ,length = x = 0 Here ,length = x = 14
This is not possible breadth = 14 − x = 14 − 14
=0
This is not possible

∴ We cannot construct a rectangle with diagonal 14cm.

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 1

Chapter 4
Second Degree Equations
Note 3
Equations and Polynomials
Examples of second degree polynomials:
22 2 2
p(x
p(x) = x + 2x
2x + 1 , p(x
p(x) = 2x
2x + 3x
3x + 1

General method of finding the number which gives 0 from a

second degree polynomial
Any second degree polynomial can be put in the form
2 2
p(x
p(x) = ax
ax + bx
bx + c
Finding the number x for which p (x
(x) = 0,
22
• p(x
p(x) = 0 ⇒ ax
ax + bx
bx + c = 0
2 2
ax
ax + bx
bx = —c
• Dividing each term by ‘a’
a b
x = −c
2
x +
a a a
• Completing the square
2 2
b b
x + b x+ ( −c
2
) = + ( )
a 2a a 2a

2 2
b b
( x+ ) = − 4 ac +
2a 4a
2
4 a2
2
b − 4 ac
=
4 a2

• Taking square root on both sides

b b2− 4 ac
x +
2a
= ±
√
4a
2

2
= ± √ b − 4 ac
2a
2
x = − b ± √ b − 4 ac
2a 2a

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 2

2
− b± √ b − 4 ac
x =
2a

Standard form of second degree equation is

2
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 where a ≠ 0

2
To get ax 2 + bx + c = 0, we must take
2
x = − b± √ b − 4 ac
2a
2
a = Coefficient of x 2
b = Coefficient of x
c = Constant

T.B Page 97
Q1) The perimeter of a rectangle is 42 metres and its diagonal is
15 metres. What are the lengths of its sides ?
Ans) Given ,perimeter = 42 m
So, sum of length of sides = 42 = 21 m
2
If one side of rectangle is x , then other side is 21 − x

By Pythagoras theorem,
2 2 2
15
x + (21 − x) = (15) x
2 2 2
x 2 + 21 2 − 42x 2
42x + x = 225
22
2x
2x + 441 − 42x
42x = 225 21 − x
2
2x
2x − 42x
42x + 441 − 225 = 0
22
2x
2x − 42x
42x + 216 = 0
2
x 2 − 21x
21x + 108 = 0
−
a = 1, b =−21, c =108

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 3

b2 − 4ac = (-21)2 − 4 × 1 × 108

= 441 − 432 = 9

2
x = − b± √ b − 4 ac
2a
−(−21)± √ 9
=
2
21±3
=
2

x = 21+ 3 or x = 21−3
2 2
= 24 = 18
2 2
= 12 =9

If one side is 12 m then ,other side is 21 − 12 = 9 m

If one side is 9 m then , other side is 21 −9 = 12 m

∴ Lengths of sides of the rectangle are 12 m and 9 m .

Q(2)How many consecutive natural numbers starting from 1

should be added to get 300 ?
Ans)
Let number of consecutive natural numbers added be ‘ n ’.
So, 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = 300 (Given)
We know ,
n( n+ 1)
Sum of first ‘n’ natural numbers =
2
n( n+ 1)
∴ = 300
2
n(n+1) = 2 × 300
n2 + n = 600
n2 + n − 600 = 0

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 4

2 2
Comparing this with the standard form ax
ax + bx
bx + c = 0
we have,
a = Coefficient of n2
−
a = 1, b = 1, c = 600 b = Coefficient of n
c = Constant
2 2 −
b 2 – 4ac = 1 2 – 4 × 1 × ( −600 )
= 1 + 2400 = 2401

2
n = − b± √ b − 4 ac 7 2401
2a 7 343
7 49
−1± √ 2401 7
=
2 x1 7 x 7 x 7x 7

7 × 7 =49
= −1±49
2

n = −1+ 49 or n = −1−49
2 2
= 48 = − 50
2 2
= 24 = —25

Here, since ‘n’ is the number of terms , it is always positive.

∴ Number of consecutive natural numbers added = 24

Q3) What number added to 1 gives its own square?

Ans) Let the number be x
x + 1 = x2
−
x2 − x − 1 = 0 a = 1, b = −1, c = −1

2 − 2 −
b 2 – 4ac = ( −1 ) 2 – 4 × 1 × −1

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 5

=1+4=5

2
x = − b± √ b − 4 ac
2a
− (−1)± √ 5
=
2×1

1± √ 5
=
2

1+ √ 5 1− √ 5
Numbers are ,
2 2

Q4) In writing the equation to construct a rectangle of

specified perimeter and area, the perimeter was wrongly
written as 24 instead of 42 . The length of a side was then
computed as 10 metres.
(a) What is the area in the problem?
(b) What are the lengths of the sides of the rectangle in the
correct problem ?
Ans)
Perimeter of rectangle was wrongly written as 24 m
Sum of the length of the sides = 24 = 12
2
Length of one side = 10 m
Length of other side = 12 −10 = 2 m
Area = l × b
=10 × 2 = 20 sq m

Given , correct perimeter = 42 m

Sum of the length of the sides = 42 = 21
2
Length of one side = x

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 6

Length of other side = 21 − x

Area = l × b
= x × ( 21 − x )
∴ x (21 −x
−x) = 20
2
21 x − x 2 = 20
2 −
x 2 − 21 x = −20 (Multiplying both sides with −1)
2
x 2 − 21 x + 20 = 0
2 2
Comparing this with the standard form ax
ax + bx
bx + c = 0
−
a = 1, b = −21, c = 20

2
− b± √ b − 4 ac
x =
2a
2
−(−21)± √ (−21) −4 x 1 x 20
=
2x1
21± √ 441−80
=
2
21± √ 361
=
2
21±19
=
2

21+ 19
x= or x = 21−19
2 2
40
= = 2
2 2
= 20 =1

If one side is 20 m then ,other side is 21 − 20 = 1 m

If one side is 1m then , other side is 21 − 1 = 20 m

∴ Lengths of sides of the rectangle in the correct problem are

20 m and 1 m .

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 7

Q5) In copying a second degree equation to solve it, the term

without x was written as 24 instead of −24. The answers
found were 4 and 6. What are the answers of the correct
problem?
Ans) Standard form of second degree equation is
2
ax
ax + bx
bx + c = 0 where a ≠ 0
Given, the term without x (Constant) was wrongly written
as 24 .
∴ ax2 + bxbx + 24 = 0
Given, the answers found were 4 and 6.
So,
Substituting the value x = 4 in the above equation we have,
a(4)2 + b(4) + 24 = 0
16a + 4b + 24 = 0
−
16a + 4b = − 24
Dividing by 4
−
4a + b = − 6 ................ (1)
Substituting the value x = 6 in the equation we have,
a(6)2 + b(6) + 24 = 0
36a + 6b + 24 = 0
−
36a + 6b = − 24
Dividing by 6
−
6a + b = − 4 ................ (2)
Subtracting equation (1) from (2)
6a + b =− 4 ..........(2)
(2) − (1)
4a + b =− 6 ..........(1)
2a = 2
2a = − 4 – (− 6)
a= 2 =1 = −4 + 6 = 2
2
Substituting value ‘ a=1 ’ in equation(1)
−
4 × 1 + b =− 6
−
4 + b =− 6

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi

Second Degree Equations 8

−
b =− 6 − 4
−
b = −10
− −
Substituting the values a = 1, b = −10 and c= −24 ( correct value)
2
in the standard equation ax
ax + bxbx + c = 0 we have,
2 − − − −
1x
1x + ( 10)x
10)x + ( 24) = 0
x2 −10x
−10x − 24 = 0
− −
Here a = 1, b = −10, c = −24
2 − 2 −
b 2 – 4ac = ( −10) 2 – 4 × 1 ×( −24)
= 100 + 96 = 196

2
x = − b± √ b − 4 ac
2a

−(−10)± √ 196
=
2x1

= 10±14
2

x = 10 +14 or x = 10−14
2 2

= 24 = −4
2 2

−
= 12 = −2

−
∴ The answers of the correct problem are 12 and 2

Cecilia Joseph , St. John De Britto’s A.I.H.S , Fortkochi