70 MATHEMATICS

4
4.1 Introduction
In Chapter 2, you have studied different types of polynomials. One type was the
quadratic polynomial of the form ax
2
+ bx + c, a z 0. When we equate this polynomial
to zero, we get a quadratic equation. Quadratic equations come up when we deal with
many real-life situations. For instance, suppose a
charity trust decides to build a prayer hall having
a carpet area of 300 square metres with its length
one metre more than twice its breadth. What
should be the length and breadth of the hall?
Suppose the breadth of the hall is x metres. Then,
its length should be (2x + 1) metres. We can depict
this information pictorially as shown in Fig. 4.1.
Now, area of the hall = (2x + 1). x m
2
= (2x
2
+ x) m
2
So, 2x
2
+ x = 300 (Given)
Therefore, 2x
2
+ x 300 = 0
So, the breadth of the hall should satisfy the equation 2x
2
+ x 300 = 0 which is a
quadratic equation.
Many people believe that Babylonians were the first to solve quadratic equations.
For instance, they knew how to find two positive numbers with a given positive sum
and a given positive product, and this problem is equivalent to solving a quadratic
equation of the form x
2
px + q = 0. Greek mathematician Euclid developed a
geometrical approach for finding out lengths which, in our present day terminology,
are solutions of quadratic equations. Solving of quadratic equations, in general form, is
often credited to ancient Indian mathematicians. In fact, Brahmagupta (A.D.598665)
gave an explicit formula to solve a quadratic equation of the form ax
2
+ bx = c. Later,
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Fig. 4.1
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 71
Sridharacharya (A.D. 1025) derived a formula, now known as the quadratic formula,
(as quoted by Bhaskara II) for solving a quadratic equation by the method of completing
the square. An Arab mathematician Al-Khwarizmi (about A.D. 800) also studied
quadratic equations of different types. Abraham bar Hiyya Ha-Nasi, in his book
Liber embadorum published in Europe in A.D. 1145 gave complete solutions of
different quadratic equations.
In this chapter, you will study quadratic equations, and various ways of finding
their roots. You will also see some applications of quadratic equations in daily life
situations.
4.2 Quadratic Equations
A quadratic equation in the variable x is an equation of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, where
a, b, c are real numbers, a z 0. For example, 2x
2
+ x 300 = 0 is a quadratic equation.
Similarly, 2x
2
3x + 1 = 0, 4x 3x
2
+ 2 = 0 and 1 x
2
+ 300 = 0 are also quadratic
equations.
In fact, any equation of the form p(x) = 0, where p(x) is a polynomial of degree
2, is a quadratic equation. But when we write the terms of p(x) in descending order of
their degrees, then we get the standard form of the equation. That is, ax
2
+ bx + c = 0,
a z 0 is called the standard form of a quadratic equation.
Quadratic equations arise in several situations in the world around us and in
different fields of mathematics. Let us consider a few examples.
Example 1 : Represent the following situations mathematically:
(i) John and Jivanti together have 45 marbles. Both of them lost 5 marbles each, and
the product of the number of marbles they now have is 124. We would like to find
out how many marbles they had to start with.
(ii) A cottage industry produces a certain number of toys in a day. The cost of
production of each toy (in rupees) was found to be 55 minus the number of toys
produced in a day. On a particular day, the total cost of production was
Rs 750. We would like to find out the number of toys produced on that day.
Solution :
(i) Let the number of marbles John had be x.
Then the number of marbles Jivanti had = 45 x (Why?).
The number of marbles left with John, when he lost 5 marbles = x 5
The number of marbles left with Jivanti, when she lost 5 marbles = 45 x 5
= 40 x
72 MATHEMATICS
Therefore, their product = (x 5) (40 x)
= 40x x
2
200 + 5x
= x
2
+ 45x 200
So, x
2
+ 45x 200 = 124 (Given that product = 124)
i.e., x
2
+ 45x 324 = 0
i.e., x
2
45x + 324 = 0
Therefore, the number of marbles John had, satisfies the quadratic equation
x
2
45x + 324 = 0
which is the required representation of the problem mathematically.
(ii) Let the number of toys produced on that day be x.
Therefore, the cost of production (in rupees) of each toy that day = 55 x
So, the total cost of production (in rupees) that day = x (55 x)
Therefore, x (55 x) = 750
i.e., 55x x
2
= 750
i.e., x
2
+ 55x 750 = 0
i.e., x
2
55x + 750 = 0
Therefore, the number of toys produced that day satisfies the quadratic equation
x
2
55x + 750 = 0
which is the required representation of the problem mathematically.
Example 2 : Check whether the following are quadratic equations:
(i) (x 2)
2
+ 1 = 2x 3 (ii) x(x + 1) + 8 = (x + 2) (x 2)
(iii) x (2x + 3) = x
2
+ 1 (iv) (x + 2)
3
= x
3
4
Solution :
(i) LHS = (x 2)
2
+ 1 = x
2
4x + 4 + 1 = x
2
4x + 5
Therefore, (x 2)
2
+ 1 = 2x 3 can be rewritten as
x
2
4x + 5 = 2x 3
i.e., x
2
6x + 8 = 0
It is of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0.
Therefore, the given equation is a quadratic equation.
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 73
(ii) Since x(x + 1) + 8 = x
2
+ x + 8 and (x + 2)(x 2) = x
2
4
Therefore, x
2
+ x + 8 = x
2
4
i.e., x + 12 = 0
It is not of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0.
Therefore, the given equation is not a quadratic equation.
(iii) Here, LHS = x (2x + 3) = 2x
2
+ 3x
So, x (2x + 3) = x
2
+ 1 can be rewritten as
2x
2
+ 3x = x
2
+ 1
Therefore, we get x
2
+ 3x 1 = 0
It is of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0.
So, the given equation is a quadratic equation.
(iv) Here, LHS = (x + 2)
3
= x
3
+ 6x
2
+ 12x + 8
Therefore, (x + 2)
3
= x
3
4 can be rewritten as
x
3
+ 6x
2
+ 12x + 8 = x
3
4
i.e., 6x
2
+ 12x + 12 = 0 or, x
2
+ 2x + 2 = 0
It is of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0.
So, the given equation is a quadratic equation.
Remark : Be careful! In (ii) above, the given equation appears to be a quadratic
equation, but it is not a quadratic equation.
In (iv) above, the given equation appears to be a cubic equation (an equation of
degree 3) and not a quadratic equation. But it turns out to be a quadratic equation. As
you can see, often we need to simplify the given equation before deciding whether it
is quadratic or not.
EXERCISE 4.1
1. Check whether the following are quadratic equations :
(i) (x + 1)
2
= 2(x 3) (ii) x
2
2x = (2) (3 x)
(iii) (x 2)(x + 1) = (x 1)(x + 3) (iv) (x 3)(2x +1) = x(x + 5)
(v) (2x 1)(x 3) = (x + 5)(x 1) (vi) x
2
+ 3x + 1 = (x 2)
2
(vii) (x + 2)
3
= 2x (x
2
1) (viii) x
3
4x
2
x + 1 = (x 2)
3
2. Represent the following situations in the form of quadratic equations :
(i) The area of a rectangular plot is 528 m
2
. The length of the plot (in metres) is one
more than twice its breadth. We need to find the length and breadth of the plot.
74 MATHEMATICS
(ii) The product of two consecutive positive integers is 306. We need to find the
integers.
(iii) Rohans mother is 26 years older than him. The product of their ages (in years)
3 years from now will be 360. We would like to find Rohans present age.
(iv) A train travels a distance of 480 km at a uniform speed. If the speed had been
8 km/h less, then it would have taken 3 hours more to cover the same distance. We
need to find the speed of the train.
4.3 Solution of a Quadratic Equation by Factorisation
Consider the quadratic equation 2x
2
3x + 1 = 0. If we replace x by 1 on the
LHS of this equation, we get (2 1
2
) (3 1) + 1 = 0 = RHS of the equation.
We say that 1 is a root of the quadratic equation 2x
2
3x + 1 = 0. This also means that
1 is a zero of the quadratic polynomial 2x
2
3x + 1.
In general, a real number D is called a root of the quadratic equation
ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, a z 0 if a D
2
+ bD + c = 0. We also say that x = D DD DD is a solution of
the quadratic equation, or that D DD DD satisfies the quadratic equation. Note that the
zeroes of the quadratic polynomial ax
2
+ bx + c and the roots of the quadratic
equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 are the same.
You have observed, in Chapter 2, that a quadratic polynomial can have at most
two zeroes. So, any quadratic equation can have atmost two roots.
You have learnt in Class IX, how to factorise quadratic polynomials by splitting
their middle terms. We shall use this knowledge for finding the roots of a quadratic
equation. Let us see how.
Example 3 : Find the roots of the equation 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0, by factorisation.
Solution : Let us first split the middle term 5x as 2x 3x [because (2x) (3x) =
6x
2
= (2x
2
) 3].
So, 2x
2
5x + 3 = 2x
2
2x 3x + 3 = 2x (x 1) 3(x 1) = (2x 3)(x 1)
Now, 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 can be rewritten as (2x 3)(x 1) = 0.
So, the values of x for which 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 are the same for which (2x 3)(x 1) = 0,
i.e., either 2x 3 = 0 or x 1 = 0.
Now, 2x 3 = 0 gives
3
2
x =
and x 1 = 0 gives x = 1.
So,
3
2
x =
and x = 1 are the solutions of the equation.
In other words, 1 and
3
2
are the roots of the equation 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0.
Verify that these are the roots of the given equation.
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 75
Note that we have found the roots of 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 by factorising
2x
2
5x + 3 into two linear factors and equating each factor to zero.
Example 4 : Find the roots of the quadratic equation 6x
2
x 2 = 0.
Solution : We have
6x
2
x 2 = 6x
2
+ 3x 4x 2
= 3x (2x + 1) 2 (2x + 1)
= (3x 2)(2x + 1)
The roots of 6x
2
x 2 = 0 are the values of x for which (3x 2)(2x + 1) = 0
Therefore, 3x 2 = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0,
i.e., x =
2
3
or x =
1
2

Therefore, the roots of 6x

2
x 2 = 0 are
2 1
.
and
3 2
We verify the roots, by checking that
2 1
and
3 2

satisfy 6x
2
x 2 = 0.
Example 5 : Find the roots of the quadratic equation
2
3 2 6 2 0 x x + =
.
Solution :
2
3 2 6 2 x x +
=
2
3 6 6 2 x x x +
= ( ) ( )
3 3 2 2 3 2 x x x
=
( )( )
3 2 3 2 x x
So, the roots of the equation are the values of x for which
( )
( )
3 2 3 2 0 x x =
Now,
3 2 0 x =
for
2
3
x =
.
So, this root is repeated twice, one for each repeated factor 3 2 x .
Therefore, the roots of
2
3 2 6 2 0 x x + =
are
2
3
,
2
3
.
76 MATHEMATICS
Example 6 : Find the dimensions of the prayer hall discussed in Section 4.1.
Solution : In Section 4.1, we found that if the breadth of the hall is x m, then x
satisfies the equation 2x
2
+ x 300 = 0. Applying the factorisation method, we write
this equation as
2x
2
24x + 25x 300 = 0
2x (x 12) + 25 (x 12) = 0
i.e., (x 12)(2x + 25) = 0
So, the roots of the given equation are x = 12 or x = 12.5. Since x is the breadth
of the hall, it cannot be negative.
Thus, the breadth of the hall is 12 m. Its length = 2x + 1 = 25 m.
EXERCISE 4.2
1. Find the roots of the following quadratic equations by factorisation:
(i) x
2
3x 10 = 0 (ii) 2x
2
+ x 6 = 0
(iii)
2
2 7 5 2 0 x x + + = (iv) 2x
2
x +
1
8
= 0
(v) 100x
2
20x + 1 = 0
2. Solve the problems given in Example 1.
3. Find two numbers whose sum is 27 and product is 182.
4. Find two consecutive positive integers, sum of whose squares is 365.
5. The altitude of a right triangle is 7 cm less than its base. If the hypotenuse is 13 cm, find
the other two sides.
6. A cottage industry produces a certain number of pottery articles in a day. It was observed
on a particular day that the cost of production of each article (in rupees) was 3 more than
twice the number of articles produced on that day. If the total cost of production on that
day was Rs 90, find the number of articles produced and the cost of each article.
4.4 Solution of a Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square
In the previous section, you have learnt one method of obtaining the roots of a quadratic
equation. In this section, we shall study another method.
Consider the following situation:
The product of Sunitas age (in years) two years ago and her age four years
from now is one more than twice her present age. What is her present age?
To answer this, let her present age (in years) be x. Then the product of her ages
two years ago and four years from now is (x 2)(x + 4).
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 77
Therefore, (x 2)(x + 4) = 2x + 1
i.e., x
2
+ 2x 8 = 2x + 1
i.e., x
2
9 = 0
So, Sunitas present age satisfies the quadratic equation x
2
9 = 0.
We can write this as x
2
= 9. Taking square roots, we get x = 3 or x = 3. Since
the age is a positive number, x = 3.
So, Sunitas present age is 3 years.
Now consider the quadratic equation (x + 2)
2
9 = 0. To solve it, we can write
it as (x + 2)
2
= 9. Taking square roots, we get x + 2 = 3 or x + 2 = 3.
Therefore, x = 1 or x = 5
So, the roots of the equation (x + 2)
2
9 = 0 are 1 and 5.
In both the examples above, the term containing x is completely inside a square,
and we found the roots easily by taking the square roots. But, what happens if we are
asked to solve the equation x
2
+ 4x 5 = 0? We would probably apply factorisation to
do so, unless we realise (somehow!) that x
2
+ 4x 5 = (x + 2)
2
9.
So, solving x
2
+ 4x 5 = 0 is equivalent to solving (x + 2)
2
9 = 0, which we have
seen is very quick to do. In fact, we can convert any quadratic equation to the form
(x + a)
2
b
2
= 0 and then we can easily find its roots. Let us see if this is possible.
Look at Fig. 4.2.
In this figure, we can see how x
2
+ 4x is being converted to (x + 2)
2
4.
Fig. 4.2
78 MATHEMATICS
The process is as follows:
x
2
+ 4x = (x
2
+
4
2
x
) +
4
2
x
= x
2
+ 2x + 2x
= (x + 2) x + 2 x
= (x + 2) x + 2 x + 2 2 2 2
= (x + 2) x + (x + 2) 2 2 2
= (x + 2) (x + 2) 2
2
= (x + 2)
2
4
So, x
2
+ 4x 5 = (x + 2)
2
4 5 = (x + 2)
2
9
So, x
2
+ 4x 5 = 0 can be written as (x + 2)
2
9 = 0 by this process of completing
the square. This is known as the method of completing the square.
In brief, this can be shown as follows:
x
2
+ 4x =
2 2 2
4 4 4
4
2 2 2
x x
| | | | | |
+ = +
|
| |
\ .
\ . \ .
So, x
2
+ 4x 5 = 0 can be rewritten as
2
4
4 5
2
x
| |
+
|
\ .
= 0
i.e., (x + 2)
2
9 = 0
Consider now the equation 3x
2
5x + 2 = 0. Note that the coefficient of x
2
is not
a perfect square. So, we multiply the equation throughout by 3 to get
9x
2
15x + 6 = 0
Now, 9x
2
15x + 6 =
2
5
(3 ) 2 3 6
2
x x +
=
2 2
2
5 5 5
(3 ) 2 3 6
2 2 2
x x
| | | |
+ +
| |
\ . \ .
=
2
5 25
3 6
2 4
x
| |
+
|
\ .
=
2
5 1
3
2 4
x
| |

|
\ .
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 79
So, 9x
2
15x + 6 = 0 can be written as
2
5 1
3
2 4
x
| |

|
\ .
= 0
i.e.,
2
5
3
2
x
| |

|
\ .
=
1
4
So, the solutions of 9x
2
15x + 6 = 0 are the same as those of
2
5 1
3
2 4
x
| |
=
|
\ .
.
i.e., 3x
5
2
=
1
2
or
5
3
2
x
=
1
2

(We can also write this as

5 1
3
2 2
x =
, where r denotes plus minus.)
Thus, 3x =
5 1
2 2
+ or
5 1
3
2 2
x =
So, x =
5 1
6 6
+
or
5 1
6 6
x =
Therefore, x = 1 or x =
4
6
i.e., x = 1 or x =
2
3
Therefore, the roots of the given equation are 1 and
2
.
3
Remark : Another way of showing this process is as follows :
The equation 3x
2
5x + 2 = 0
is the same as
2
5 2
3 3
x x +
= 0
Now, x
2

5 2
3 3
x + =
2 2
1 5 1 5 2
2 3 2 3 3
x
| | | |
+
` ` | |
\ . \ .
) )
80 MATHEMATICS
=
2
5 2 25
6 3 36
x
| |
+
|
\ .
=
2 2 2
5 1 5 1
6 36 6 6
x x
| | | | | |
=
|
| |
\ . \ . \ .
So, the solutions of 3x
2
5x + 2 = 0 are the same as those of
2 2
5 1
0
6 6
x
| | | |
=
|
|
\ . \ .
,
which are x
5
6
=
1
6
, i.e., x =
5 1
6 6
+ = 1 and x =
5 1
6 6

=
2
3
.
Let us consider some examples to illustrate the above process.
Example 7 : Solve the equation given in Example 3 by the method of completing the
square.
Solution : The equation 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 is the same as
2
5 3
0.
2 2
x x + =
Now,
2
5 3
2 2
x x +
=
2 2
5 5 3
4 4 2
x
| | | |
+
| |
\ . \ .
=
2
5 1
4 16
x
| |

|
\ .
Therefore, 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 can be written as
2
5 1
0
4 16
x
| |
=
|
\ .
.
So, the roots of the equation 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 are exactly the same as those of
2
5 1
0
4 16
x
| |
=
|
\ .
. Now,
2
5 1
4 16
x
| |

|
\ .
=0 is the same as
2
5 1
4 16
x
| |
=
|
\ .
Therefore,
5
4
x
=
1
4

i.e., x =
5 1
4 4

i.e., x =
5 1 5 1
or
4 4 4 4
x + =
i.e., x =
3
2
or x = 1
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 81
Therefore, the solutions of the equations are
3
2
x = and 1.
Let us verify our solutions.
Putting
3
2
x =
in 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0, we get
2
3 3
2 5 3 0
2 2
| | | |
+ =
| |
\ . \ .
, which is
correct. Similarly, you can verify that x = 1 also satisfies the given equation.
In Example 7, we divided the equation 2x
2
5x + 3 = 0 throughout by 2 to get
x
2

5 3
2 2
x +
= 0 to make the first term a perfect square and then completed the
square. Instead, we can multiply throughout by 2 to make the first term as 4x
2
= (2x)
2
and then complete the square.
This method is illustrated in the next example.
Example 8 : Find the roots of the equation 5x
2
6x 2 = 0 by the method of completing
the square.
Solution : Multiplying the equation throughout by 5, we get
25x
2
30x 10 = 0
This is the same as
(5x)
2
2 (5x) 3 + 3
2
3
2
10 = 0
i.e., (5x 3)
2
9 10 = 0
i.e., (5x 3)
2
19 = 0
i.e., (5x 3)
2
= 19
i.e., 5x 3 = 19
i.e., 5x = 3 19
So, x =
3 19
5

Therefore, the roots are

3 19
5
+
and
3 19
5

.
Verify that the roots are
3 19
5
+
and
3 19
5

.
82 MATHEMATICS
Example 9 : Find the roots of 4x
2
+ 3x + 5 = 0 by the method of completing the
square.
Solution : Note that 4x
2
+ 3x + 5 = 0 is the same as
(2x)
2
+ 2 (2x)
2 2
3 3 3
5
4 4 4
| | | |
+ +
| |
\ . \ .
= 0
i.e.,
2
3 9
2 5
4 16
x
| |
+ +
|
\ .
= 0
i.e.,
2
3 71
2
4 16
x
| |
+ +
|
\ .
= 0
i.e.,
2
3
2
4
x
| |
+
|
\ .
=
71
0
6

<
But
2
3
2
4
x
| |
+
|
\ .
cannot be negative for any real value of x (Why?). So, there is
no real value of x satisfying the given equation. Therefore, the given equation has no
real roots.
Now, you have seen several examples of the use of the method of completing
the square. So, let us give this method in general.
Consider the quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 (a z 0). Dividing throughout by
a, we get
2
0
b c
x x
a a
+ + =
This is the same as
2 2
0
2 2
b b c
x
a a a
| | | |
+ + =
| |
\ . \ .
i.e.,
2
2
2
4
2 4
b b ac
x
a a
| |
+
|
\ .
= 0
So, the roots of the given equation are the same as those of
2
2
2
4
0,
2 4
b b ac
x
a a
| |
+ =
|
\ .
i.e., those of
2
2
2
4
2 4
b b ac
x
a a
| |
+ =
|
\ .
(1)
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 83
If b
2
4ac t 0, then by taking the square roots in (1), we get
2
b
x
a
+
=
2
4
2
b ac
a

Therefore, x =
2
4
2
b b ac
a

So, the roots of ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 are
2 2
4 4
and
2 2
b b ac b b ac
a a
+
, if
b
2
4ac t 0. If b
2
4ac < 0, the equation will have no real roots. (Why?)
Thus, if b
2
4ac t t t t t 0, then the roots of the quadratic equation
ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 are given by
2
4
2
b b ac
a
This formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation is known as the
quadratic formula.
Let us consider some examples for illustrating the use of the quadratic formula.
Example 10 : Solve Q. 2(i) of Exercise 4.1 by using the quadratic formula.
Solution : Let the breadth of the plot be x metres. Then the length is (2x + 1) metres.
Then we are given that x(2x + 1) = 528, i.e., 2x
2
+ x 528 = 0.
This is of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, where a = 2, b = 1, c = 528.
So, the quadratic formula gives us the solution as
x =
1 1 4(2)(528) 1 4225 1 65
4 4 4
+
= =
i.e., x =
64 66
or
4 4
x =
i.e., x = 16 or x =
33
2

Since x cannot be negative, being a dimension, the breadth of the plot is

16 metres and hence, the length of the plot is 33m.
You should verify that these values satisfy the conditions of the problem.
84 MATHEMATICS
Example 11 : Find two consecutive odd positive integers, sum of whose squares
is 290.
Solution : Let the smaller of the two consecutive odd positive integers be x. Then, the
second integer will be x + 2. According to the question,
x
2
+ (x + 2)
2
= 290
i.e., x
2
+ x
2
+ 4x + 4 = 290
i.e., 2x
2
+ 4x 286 = 0
i.e., x
2
+ 2x 143 = 0
which is a quadratic equation in x.
Using the quadratic formula, we get
x =
2 4 572 2 576 2 24
2 2 2
+
= =
i.e., x = 11 or x = 13
But x is given to be an odd positive integer. Therefore, x z 13, x = 11.
Thus, the two consecutive odd integers are 11 and 13.
Check : 11
2
+ 13
2
= 121 + 169 = 290.
Example 12 : 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 (see Fig. 4.3). Find its length and breadth.
Solution : Let the breadth of the rectangular park be x m.
So, its length = (x + 3) m.
Therefore, the area of the rectangular park = x(x + 3) m
2
= (x
2
+ 3x) m
2
.
Now, base of the isosceles triangle = x m.
Therefore, its area =
1
2
x 12 = 6 x m
2
.
According to our requirements,
x
2
+ 3x = 6x + 4
i.e., x
2
3x 4 = 0
Using the quadratic formula, we get
Fig. 4.3
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 85
x =
3 25
2

=
3 5
2

= 4 or 1
But x z 1 (Why?). Therefore, x = 4.
So, the breadth of the park = 4m and its length will be 7m.
Verification : Area of rectangular park = 28 m
2
,
area of triangular park = 24 m
2
= (28 4) m
2
Example 13 : Find the roots of the following quadratic equations, if they exist, using
the quadratic formula:
(i) 3x
2
5x + 2 = 0 (ii) x
2
+ 4x + 5 = 0 (iii) 2x
2
2 2 x + 1 = 0
Solution :
(i) 3x
2
5x + 2 = 0. Here, a = 3, b = 5, c = 2. So, b
2
4ac = 25 24 = 1 ! 0.
Therefore, x =
5 1 5 1
6 6

= , i.e., x = 1 or x =
2
3
So, the roots are
2
3
and 1.
(ii) x
2
+ 4x + 5 = 0. Here, a = 1, b = 4, c = 5. So, b
2
4ac = 16 20 = 4 < 0.
Since the square of a real number cannot be negative, therefore
2
4 b ac will
not have any real value.
So, there are no real roots for the given equation.
(iii) 2x
2
2 2 x + 1 = 0. Here, a = 2, b = 2 2 , c = 1.
So, b
2
4ac = 8 8 = 0
Therefore, x =
2 2 0 2
0
4 2

=
,
1
.
i.e.,
2
x =
So, the roots are
1
2
,
1
2
.
86 MATHEMATICS
Example 14 : Find the roots of the following equations:
(i)
1
3, 0 x x
x
+ = =
(ii)
1 1
3, 0, 2
2
x
x x
= =

Solution :
(i)
1
3 x
x
+ =
. Multiplying throughout by x, we get
x
2
+ 1 = 3x
i.e., x
2
3x + 1 = 0, which is a quadratic equation.
Here, a = 1, b = 3, c = 1
So, b
2
4ac = 9 4 = 5 > 0
Therefore, x =
3 5
2

(Why?)
So, the roots are
3 5 3 5
and
2 2
+
.
(ii)
1 1
3, 0, 2
2
x
x x
= =

.
As x z 0, 2, multiplying the equation by x (x 2), we get
(x 2) x = 3x (x 2)
= 3x
2
6x
So, the given equation reduces to 3x
2
6x + 2 = 0, which is a quadratic equation.
Here, a = 3, b = 6, c = 2. So, b
2
4ac = 36 24 = 12 > 0
Therefore, x =
6 12 6 2 3 3 3
.
6 6 3

= =
So, the roots are
3 3 3 3
and
3 3
+
.
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 87
Example 15 : A motor boat whose speed is 18 km/h in still water takes 1 hour more
to go 24 km upstream than to return downstream to the same spot. Find the speed of
the stream.
Solution : Let the speed of the stream be x km/h.
Therefore, the speed of the boat upstream = (18 x) km/h and the speed of the boat
downstream = (18 + x) km/h.
The time taken to go upstream =
distance 24
speed 18 x
=

hours.
Similarly, the time taken to go downstream =
24
18 x +
hours.
According to the question,
24 24
18 18 x x

+
= 1
i.e., 24(18 + x) 24(18 x) = (18 x) (18 + x)
i.e., x
2
+ 48x 324 = 0
Using the quadratic formula, we get
x =
2
48 48 1296
2
+
=
48 3600
2

=
48 60
2

= 6 or 54
Since x is the speed of the stream, it cannot be negative. So, we ignore the root
x = 54. Therefore, x = 6 gives the speed of the stream as 6 km/h.
EXERCISE 4.3
1. Find the roots of the following quadratic equations, if they exist, by the method of
completing the square:
(i) 2x
2
7x + 3 = 0 (ii) 2x
2
+ x 4 = 0
(iii)
2
4 4 3 3 0 x x + + =
(iv) 2x
2
+ x + 4 = 0
2. Find the roots of the quadratic equations given in Q.1 above by applying the quadratic
formula.
88 MATHEMATICS
3. Find the roots of the following equations:
(i)
1
3, 0 x x
x
= = (ii)
1 1 11
4 7 30 x x
=
+
, x z 4, 7
4. The sum of the reciprocals of Rehmans ages, (in years) 3 years ago and 5 years from
now is
1
.
3
Find his present age.
5. In a class test, the sum of Shefalis marks in Mathematics and English is 30. Had she got
2 marks more in Mathematics and 3 marks less in English, the product of their marks
would have been 210. Find her marks in the two subjects.
6. The diagonal of a rectangular field is 60 metres more than the shorter side. If the longer
side is 30 metres more than the shorter side, find the sides of the field.
7. The difference of squares of two numbers is 180. The square of the smaller number is 8
times the larger number. Find the two numbers.
8. A train travels 360 km at a uniform speed. If the speed had been 5 km/h more, it would
have taken 1 hour less for the same journey. Find the speed of the train.
9. Two water taps together can fill a tank in 9
3
8
hours. The tap of larger diameter takes 10
hours less than the smaller one to fill the tank separately. Find the time in which each tap
can separately fill the tank.
10. An express train takes 1 hour less than a passenger train to travel 132 km between
Mysore and Bangalore (without taking into consideration the time they stop at
intermediate stations). If the average speed of the express train is 11km/h more than that
of the passenger train, find the average speed of the two trains.
11. Sum of the areas of two squares is 468 m
2
. If the difference of their perimeters is 24 m,
find the sides of the two squares.
4.5 Nature of Roots
In the previous section, you have seen that the roots of the equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0
are given by
x =
2
4
2
b b ac
a

If b
2
4ac > 0, we get two distinct real roots
2
4
2 2
b ac b
a a

+ and
2
4

2 2
b ac b
a a

.
QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 89
If b
2
4ac = 0, then x =
0
2
b
a

,
i.e., or
2 2
b b
x
a a
=
So, the roots of the equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 are both
2
b
a

Therefore, we say that the quadratic equation ax

2
+ bx + c = 0 has two equal
real roots in this case.
If b
2
4ac < 0, then there is no real number whose square is b
2
4ac. Therefore,
there are no real roots for the given quadratic equation in this case.
Since b
2
4ac determines whether the quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 has
real roots or not, b
2
4ac is called the discriminant of this quadratic equation.
So, a quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 has
(i) two distinct real roots, if b
2
4ac > 0,
(ii) two equal real roots, if b
2
4ac = 0,
(iii) no real roots, if b
2
4ac < 0.
Let us consider some examples.
Example 16 : Find the discriminant of the quadratic equation 2x
2
4x + 3 = 0, and
hence find the nature of its roots.
Solution : The given equation is of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, where a = 2, b = 4 and
c = 3. Therefore, the discriminant
b
2
4ac = ( 4)
2
(4 2 3) = 16 24 = 8 < 0
So, the given equation has no real roots.
Example 17 : A pole has to be erected at a point on the boundary of a circular park
of diameter 13 metres in such a way that the differences of its distances from two
diametrically opposite fixed gates A and B on the boundary is 7 metres. Is it possible to
do so? If yes, at what distances from the two gates should the pole be erected?
Solution : Let us first draw the diagram
(see Fig. 4.4).
Let P be the required location of the
pole. Let the distance of the pole from the
gate B be x m, i.e., BP = x m. Now the
difference of the distances of the pole from
the two gates = AP BP (or, BP AP) =
7 m. Therefore, AP = (x + 7) m.
Fig. 4.4
90 MATHEMATICS
Now, AB = 13m, and since AB is a diameter,
APB = 90 (Why?)
Therefore, AP
2
+ PB
2
= AB
2
(By Pythagoras theorem)
i.e., (x + 7)
2
+ x
2
= 13
2
i.e., x
2
+ 14x + 49 + x
2
= 169
i.e., 2x
2
+ 14x 120 = 0
So, the distance x of the pole from gate B satisfies the equation
x
2
+ 7x 60 = 0
So, it would be possible to place the pole if this equation has real roots. To see if this
is so or not, let us consider its discriminant. The discriminant is
b
2
4ac = 7
2
4 1 ( 60) = 289 > 0.
So, the given quadratic equation has two real roots, and it is possible to erect the
pole on the boundary of the park.
Solving the quadratic equation x
2
+ 7x 60 = 0, by the quadratic formula, we get
x =
7 289
2

=
7 17
2

Therefore, x = 5 or 12.
Since x is the distance between the pole and the gate B, it must be positive.
Therefore, x = 12 will have to be ignored. So, x = 5.
Thus, the pole has to be erected on the boundary of the park at a distance of 5m
from the gate B and 12m from the gate A.
Example 18 : Find the discriminant of the equation 3x
2
2x +
1
3
= 0 and hence find
the nature of its roots. Find them, if they are real.
Solution : Here a = 3, b = 2 and
1
3
c =
.
Therefore, discriminant b
2
4ac = ( 2)
2
4 3
1
3
= 4 4 = 0.
Hence, the given quadratic equation has two equal real roots.
The roots are
2 2 1 1
, , , , .
i.e., , i.e.,
2 2 6 6 3 3
b b
a a

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS 91
EXERCISE 4.4
1. Find the nature of the roots of the following quadratic equations. If the real roots exist,
find them:
(i) 2x
2
3x + 5 = 0 (ii) 3x
2
4 3 x + 4 = 0
(iii) 2x
2
6x + 3 = 0
2. Find the values of k for each of the following quadratic equations, so that they have two
equal roots.
(i) 2x
2
+ kx + 3 = 0 (ii) kx (x 2) + 6 = 0
3. Is it possible to design a rectangular mango grove whose length is twice its breadth,
and the area is 800 m
2
? If so, find its length and breadth.
4. Is the following situation possible? If so, determine their present ages.
The sum of the ages of two friends is 20 years. Four years ago, the product of their ages
in years was 48.
5. Is it possible to design a rectangular park of perimeter 80 m and area 400 m
2
? If so, find
its length and breadth.
4.6 Summary
In this chapter, you have studied the following points:
1. A quadratic equation in the variable x is of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, where a, b, c are real
numbers and a z 0.
2. A real number D is said to be a root of the quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, if
aD
2
+ bD + c = 0. The zeroes of the quadratic polynomial ax
2
+ bx + c and the roots of the
quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 are the same.
3. If we can factorise ax
2
+ bx + c, a z 0, into a product of two linear factors, then the roots
of the quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 can be found by equating each factor to zero.
4. A quadratic equation can also be solved by the method of completing the square.
5. Quadratic formula: The roots of a quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 are given by
2
4
,
2
b b ac
a

provided b
2
4ac t 0.
6. A quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 has
(i) two distinct real roots, if b
2
4ac > 0,
(ii) two equal roots (i.e., coincident roots), if b
2
4ac = 0, and
(iii) no real roots, if b
2
4ac < 0.
92 MATHEMATICS
A NOTE TOTHE READER
In case of word problems, the obtained solutions should always be
verified with the conditions of the original problem and not in the
equations formed (see Examples 11, 13, 19 of Chapter 3 and
Examples 10, 11, 12 of Chapter 4).
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Quadratic Equations
(Polynomials, Equations, Remainder theorem)
Polynomials
Definition: Let a
0
, a
1
, a
2
, .. a
n
be real numbers and x is a real variable. Then f(x) = a
0
+ a
1
x + a
2
x
2
+ ..
+ a
n
x
n
is called a real polynomial of real variable x with coefficients a
0
, a
1
, a
2
, .. a
n.
Examples: x
3
+ 4x
2
3 is a polynomial
Degree of a Polynomial:
Degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial.
Example:
Degree of 3x
3
+ 4x
2
3 is 3 as the maximum power of the variable x is 3.
On the basis of degree, the polynomials are classified as Linear (Degree 1), Quadratic (degree 2), Cubical
(Degree 3), bi-Quadratic (degree 4), and so on.
Remainder Theorem
If any polynomial f(x) is divided by (x a) then f(a) is the remainder.
For example,
f(x) = x
2
5x + 7 = 0 is divided by x 2. What is the remainder?
R = f(2) = 2
2
5 2 + 7 = 1.
Factor Theorem
If (x a) is a factor of f(x), then remainder f(a) = 0. (Or) if f(a) = 0, then (x a) is a factor of f(x),
For example,
When f(x) = x
2
5x + 6 = 0 is divided by x 2, the remainder f(2) is zero which shows that x 2 is the factor of
f(x)
General Theory of Equations
An equation is the form of a polynomial which has been equated to some real value.
For example:
2x + 5 = 0, x
2
2x + 5 = 7, 2x
2
5x
2
+ 1 = 2x + 5 etc. are polynomial equations.
Root or Zero of a polynomial equation:
If f (x) = 0 is a polynomial equation and f ( o ) = 0, then o is called a root or zero of the polynomial equation
f(x) = 0.

Linear Equation
Linear Equation with one variable:
A linear equation is 1
st
degree equation. It has only one root. Its general form is a
x + b = 0 and root is
a
b
.
TI P
If we plot the graph
of y = f(x) A linear
equation is 1
st
degree
equation. It has only
one root. Its general
form is a x + b = 0 and
root is
a
b
.
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Linear equation with two variables:
It is a first degree equation with two variables.
Ex: 2x + 3y = 0.
We need two equations to find the values of x and y.
If there are n variables in an equation, we need n equations to find the values of the variables uniquely.
Some times, even the number of equations are equal to the number of variables, we cannot find the values of
x and y uniquely.
For example, 3x + 5y = 6
6x +10y = 12
These are two equations, but both are one and the same. So different values of x and y satisfy the equation
and there is no unique solution. It will has infinite number of solutions.
The number of solutions is clearly described below for the set of equations with 2 variables.
a
1
x + b
1
y + c
1
= 0
a
2
x + b
2
y + c
2
= 0
These equations can be
1. Inconsistent means have no solution if
2
1
2
1
2
1
c
c
b
b
a
a
= =
2. Consistent and has infinitely many solutions if
2
1
2
1
2
1
c
c
b
b
a
a
= =
3. Consistent and have unique solution if
2
1
2
1
b
b
a
a
=

Quadratic Equation
Quadratic Equation in x is one in which the highest power of x is 2. The equation is generally satisfied by
two values of x.
The quadratic form is generally represented by ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 where a = 0, and a, b, c are constants.
For Example:
x
2
6x + 4 = 0
3x
2
+ 7x 2 = 0
A quadratic equation in one variable has two and only two roots, which are
a 2
ac 4 b b
x
2
1
+
= &
a 2
ac 4 b b
x
2
2

=
Nature of Roots
The two roots of any quadratic equation always depend on the value of
b
2
4ac called discriminant (D).
D > 0 Real and unequal roots
D = 0 Real and equal
D < 0 Imaginary and unequal
F UNDA
Imaginary roots are
always unequal and
conjugate of each other.
i.e. If one root is 3 + 5i
the other will be 3 5i.
T I P S
1. If roots of given
equation are equal in
magnitude but opposite
in sign, then b = 0 & vice
versa.
2. If roots of given
equation are reciprocal
of each other, then c =
a.
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Sum and Product of roots:
If o and are the two roots of ax
2
+ bx + c = 0,
Then sum of roots = o + =
a
b
=
) t coefficien x (
) t coefficien x (
2
And product of roots = o =
a
c
=
t coefficien x
t tan cons
2
Formation of equation from roots:
If o and are the roots of any quadratic equation then that equation can be written in the form
( ) 0 X X
2
= o + + o
i.e. X
2
(sum of the roots) X + Product of the roots = 0
Some Important results
If x
1
, x
2
are the roots of the equation f(x) = ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, then,
1. The equation whose roots are equal in magnitude and opposite in
sign to that of f(x) i.e., x
1
, x
2
is f( x) = 0.i.e., ax
2
bx + c = 0.
2. The equation whose roots are reciprocals to that of f(x) i.e.,
2 1
x
1
and
x
1
is f(1/x) = 0. i.e. cx
2
+ bx + a = 0.
3. The equation whose roots are k more/less than that of f(x) i.e., x
1
k,
x
2
k is f(x # k) = 0. i.e. a (x # k).
2
+ b(x # k) + c = 0.
4. The equation whose roots are k times to that of f(x) i.e., k x
1
, kx
2
, is
f(x/k) = 0. i.e. ax
2
+ kbx + k
2
c = 0
5. The equation whose roots are x
1
k
, x
2
k
is f(
k
x ) = 0. i.e.
a (
k
x )
2
+ b(
k
x ) + c = 0.
Relation between roots and coefficient of an equation
Let o
1'
o
2'
o
3'
., o
n
be the n roots of the equation:
a
0
x
n
+ a
1
x
n1
+ a
2
x
n1
. + a
n1
x + a
n
= 0
Then we have the following relations:
Sum of the roots taken one at a time ( o
1
+ o
2
+.+o
n)
= (a
1
/a
0
).
Sum of the roots taken two at a time ( o
1
o
2
+o
2
o
3
+. o
n
o
1
) = (a
2
/a
0
)
Sum of the roots taken three at a time ( o
1
o
2
o
3
+o
2
o
3
o
4
+..+ o
n
o
1
o
2
) = (a
3
/a
0
)
-----------------------------------------------
Product of the roots = ( o
1
o
2
o
3.
o
n
) = {( 1)
n
a
n
/ a0}.
E.g. Polynomial equation ax
4
+ bx
3
+ cx
2
+ dx + e = 0
Sum of the roots =
a
b
.
Sum of the roots taking two at a time =
a
c
Sum of the roots taking three at a time =
a
d
and Product of all the roots =
a
e
.
Do you know?

1. If one of the
roots of a quadratic
equation is k
1
+ \k
2
,
then the other root
will be k
1
\k
2
& vice
versa.
2. If one of the
roots be (m + in),
then the other root
will be (m in) & vice
versa.
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Maximum and Minimum value of a Quadratic equation
The quadratic equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 will have maximum or minimum value at x = b/2a. If a < 0, it has
maximum value and if a > 0, it has minimum value.
The maximum or minimum value is given by
a 4
b ac 4
2

.
Ex.1 Solve for x:
3 x
4 x 3

+
=
3
2
Sol. 3(3x + 4) = 2(x 3)
7x = 18 x =
7
18
Ex.2 A and B went to a hotel paid Rs. 84 for 3 plates of Idli and 5 plates of Dosa. Where as B took 5
plates of Idli and 3 plates of Dosa and paid Rs. 76. What is the cost of one plate of Idli.
Sol. 3I + 5D = 84 .(1)
5I + 3D = 76 (2)
Equation (1) 3 - equation (2) 5, we get
16I = 128
I = 8
Each plate of Idli cost Rs. 8.
Ex.3 Find the values of x and y from the equations
x
4

y
3
= 1 and
x
1
+
y
9
= 3.5.
Sol. Take
x
1
= a,
y
1
= b
Then, the equations will become
4a 3b = 1 ..(1)
And a + 9b = 3.5 (2)
(1) 3 + (2)
a =
2
1
and by substituting a in either (1) or (2), we can get b =
3
1
.
a =
x
1
=
2
1
x = 4 and b =
y
1
=
3
1
y = 9
Ex.4 Find x and y from
y x
1

+
y 2 x 3
5

= 2, and
y 2 x 3
15

y x
2

= 1.
Sol. Take
y x
1

= a and
y 2 x 3
1

= b
a + 5b = 2 (1)
and 15b 2a = 1 (2)
(1) 2 + (2) b =
5
1
So, a = 1.
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x y =
a
1
= 1 ..(3)
and 3x 2y =
b
1
= 5 (4)
(3) (3) (4) gives Y = 2 and X = 3.

Ex.5 Aman won a competition and so he got some prize money. He gave Rs. 2000 less than the half
of prize money to his son and Rs. 1000 more than the two third of the remaining to his daughter.
If both they got same amount, what is the prize money Aman got?
Sol. Assume Aman got x rupees.
He gave
2
x
2000 to his son.
And
3
2
|
.
|

\
|
+ 2000
2
x
+ 1000 to his daughter.

2
x
2000 =
3
x
+
3
7000
x = Rs. 26000
Ex.6 How many non negative integer pairs (x, y) satisfy the equation, 3x + 4y = 21?
Sol. Since x and y are non negative integers.
Start from x = 0.
If x = 0 or 2, y cannot be integer.
For x = 3, y = 3.
And for x = 7, y = 0.
These two pairs only satisfy the given equation.
Ex.7 If (x 2) is a factor of x
3
3x
2
+ px + 4. Find the value of p.
Sol. Since (x 2) is a factor, f(2) = 0.
2
3
3(2
2
) + (2)p + 4 = 0
p = 0
Ex.8 When x
3
7x
2
+ 3x - P is divided by x + 3, the remainder is 4, then what is the value of P ?
Sol. f( 3) = 4
( 3)
3
7( 3)
2
+ 3( 3) P = 4
P = 103.
Ex.9 If (x 1) is the HCF of (x
3
px
2
+ qx 3) and (x
3
2x
2
+ px + 2). What is the value of q?
Sol. Since (x 1) is HCF, it is a factor for both the polynomials.
1
3
p(1)
2
+ q(1) 3 = 0 p + q = 2
And 1
3
2(1
2
) + p(1) + 2 = 0
p = 1
q = 1
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Ex.10 Find the roots of the quadratic equation x
2
x 12 = 0.
Sol. x
2
x 12 = 0
x
2
4x + 3x 12 = 0
x(x 4) 3(x 4) = 0
(x 4) (x 3) = 0
x = 4 or 3. The roots are 4 and 3.
Ex.11 Find the roots of the quadratic equation x
2
8x + 5 = 0.
Sol. x =
a 2
ac 4 b b
2

y =
1 2
5 1 4 8 ) 8 (
2

=
2
44 8
= 4 11 The roots are 4 + 11 and 4 11 .
Ex.12 If 3 + 4i is a root of quadratic equation x
2
px + q = 0. What is the value of pq? (Given i is known
as iota and i
2
= 1)
Sol. If 3 + 4i is one root of a quadratic equation, 3 4i will be the other root.
(Imaginary roots exist in conjugate pairs)
Sum of roots = p = (3 + 4i) + (3 4i) p = 6
Product of the roots = q = (3 + 4i) (3 4i)
q = 25
pq = 150.
Ex.13 If one root of a quadratic equation x
2
px + 8 = 0 is square of the other, what is the value of p?
Sol. Let the roots of o, o
2
.
Sum = o + o
2
= p
Product = o(o
2
) = 8 o = 2
p = 2 + 2
2
= 6.
Ex.14 Describe the nature of the roots of the equation x
x
1
= 3.
Sol. Given equation can be written as x
2
3x 1 = 0.
Discriminent = ( 3)
2
4(1) ( 1) = 13 > 0.
So, roots are real and distinct.
Ex.15 If o, are the roots of x
2
7x + P = 0, and o = 3, then what is the value of P?
Sol. Sum = o + = 7 .(1)
Product = o = P .(2)
Given, o = 3 ..(3)
(1) and (3) o = 5, = 2
P = 10 (from (2))
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Ex.16 Form a quadratic equation, whose one of the roots is 2 + 3 .
Sol. If 2 + 3 is one root, other root will be 2 3 .
The equation is x
2
(2 + 3 + 2 3 )x + (2 + 3 ) (2 3 ) = 0
x
2
4x + 1 = 0
Ex.17 Find the values of x, which satisfy the equation 4
x
(10) 2
x
+ 16 = 0.
Sol. Assume 2
x
= k
The given equation will become k
2
10k + 16 = 0.
k
2
8k 2k + 16 = 0
(k 2) (k 8) = 0
k = 2 or 8
2
x
= 2 or 2
x
= 8
x = 1 or 3.
Ex.18 What values of x satisfy the given equations 4k.x x
2
= 4k
2
and
(x k)
2
+ 3(x k) 7 = 0?
Sol. The first equation can be written as (x 2k)
2
= 0.
x = 2k k =
2
x
The second equation will become
2
2
x
x |
.
|

\
|
+ 3 |
.
|

\
|

2
x
x 7 = 0
x
2
+ 6x + 28 = 0
x =
2
112 36 6
x = 3 37 .
Ex.19 If x
1
and x
2
are the roots of the equation x
2
2x + 14 = 0, what is the equation with roots 3x
1
2
and 3x
2
2?
Sol. The equation with roots 3x
1
and 3x
2
is
2
3
x
|
.
|

\
|
2 |
.
|

\
|
3
x
+ 4 = 0.
x
2
6x + 36 = 0
The equation with roots 3x
1
2 and 3x
2
2 is
(x + 2)
2
6(x + 2) + 36 = 0
x
2
2x + 28 = 0.
Ex.20 If o, and are the roots of a cubic equation, x
3
2x
2
+ x 5 = 0, then what is the value of o
2
+
2
+
2
?
Sol. Sum of roots = o + + = 2.
o + + o = 1
o
2
+
2
+
2
= (o + + )
2
2(o + + o)
= 2
2
2(1) = 2.
o
2
+
2
+
2
= 2.
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Ex.21 Find the value of
.... 3
1
2
1
3
1
2
1
3
1
2
1
+

.
Sol. Assume the given is x.
So it can be written as x =
x 3
1
2
1
+

x =
x 2 5
x 3
+
+
5x + 2x
2
= 3 + x
2x
2
+ 4x 3 = 0
x =
4
24 16 4 +
x = 1
2
5
.
But x cannot be negative.
So x = 1 +
2
5
.
Ex.22 What is the value of x
2
2x + 3, when the value of 2x
2
5x + 6 is minimum?
Sol. The value of 2x
2
5x + 6 will be minimum at x =
2 2
) 5 (

=
4
5
|
.
|

\
|
=
a 2
b
x
At x =
4
5
x
2
2x + 3 =
16
33
.
Ex.23 What is the value of k, if the quadratic equation x
2
6x + k has only one real root?
Sol. If one root is imaginary, the other should be its conjugate, which is also imaginary.
So, the given equation has only one real root and there is no chance for the other root to be imaginary,
so the roots should be equal.
Discriminent = 0
( 6)
2
4 1 k = 0
k = 9.
Ex.24 What is the value of p q, if the roots of the quadratic equation px
2
(p + q)x + q = 0 are
reciprocals?
Sol. Assume the roots be o,
o
1
.
Product =
p
q
= 1 q = p p q = 0
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Theory of Equations..
by Total Gadha - Saturday, 3 March 2007, 03:06 PM

GENERAL EQUATION OF N
th
DEGREE
Let polynomial f(x) = a
0
x
n
+ a
1
x
n - 1
+ a
2
x
n - 2
+ ... + a
n
. where a
0
, a
1
, a
2
, ..a
n
are rational numbers and n > 0. Then the values of x for which f(x) reduces
to zero are called root of the equation f(x) = 0. The highest whole number power of x is called the degree of the equation.
For example
x
4
- 3x
3
+ 4x
2
+ x + 1 = 0 is an equation with degree four.
x
5
- 6x
4
+ 3x
2
+ 1 = 0 is an equation with degree five.
ax + b = 0 is called the linear equation.
ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 is called the quadratic equation.
ax
3
+ bx
2
+ cx + d = 0 is called the cubic equation.
Properties of equations and their roots
Every equation of the n
th
degree has exactly n roots.
For example, the equation x
3
+ 4x
2
+ 1 = 0 has 3 roots,
The equation x
5
- x + 2 = 0 has 5 roots, and so on

In an equation with real coefficients imaginary roots occur in pairs i.e. if a + ib is a root of the equation f(x) = 0, then a - ib will also be a root of the
same equation. For example, if 2 + 3i is a root of equation f(x) = 0, 2 - 3i is also a root.

If the coefficients of an equation are all positive then the equation has no positive root. Hence, the equation 2x
4
+ 3x
2
+ 5x + 1 = 0 has no positive
root.
If the coefficients of even powers of x are all of one sign, and the coefficients of the odd powers are all of opposite sign, then the equation has no
negative root. Hence, the equation 6x
4
- 11x
3
+ 5x
2
- 2x + 1 = 0 has no negative root
If the equation contains only even powers of x and the coefficients are all of the same sign, the equation has no real root. Hence, the equation 4x
4
+
5x
2
+ 2 = 0 has no real root.
If the equation contains only odd powers of x, and the coefficients are all of the same sign, the equation has no real root except x = 0. Hence, the
equation 5x
5
+ 4x
3
+ x = 0 has only one real root at x = 0.
Descartes' Rule of Signs : An equation f(x) = 0 cannot have more positive roots than there are changes of sign in f(x), and cannot have more
negative roots than there changes of sign in f( - x). Thus the equation x
4
+ 7x
3
- 4x
2
- x - 7 = 0 has one positive root because there is only change
in sign. f( - x) = x
4
- 7x
3
- 4x
2
+ x - 7 = 0 hence the number of negative real roots will be either 1 or 3.

EXAMPLES:
I shall have to end here and leave the rest of it for my CBT Club students. I shall cover some problems based on this
in the CBT Club this week.

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Quadratic Equations
Quadratic Equation
An equation of the form ax
2
+ bx + c = 0, where a 0, is called a quadratic equation. The numbers a, b, c are
called the coefficients of the quadratic equation. A root of the quadratic
equation is a number a (real or complex) such that a
2
+ b + c = 0.
The roots of the given quadratic equation are given by x = .
Basic Results:
The quantity D (D = b
2
- 4ac) is known as the discriminant of the quadratic equation. For a, b, c real,
The quadratic equation has real and equal roots if and only if D = 0 i.e. b
2
- 4ac = 0.
The quadratic equation has real and distinct roots if and only if D > 0 i.e. b
2
- 4ac > 0.
The quadratic equation has complex roots with non-zero imaginary parts if and only if D < 0 i.e. b
2
- 4ac < 0.
If p + iq (p and q being real) is a root of the quadratic equation where i = , then p - iq is also a root of
the quadratic equation.
If p + is an irrational root of the quadratic equation, then p - is also a root of the quadratic
equation provided that all the coefficients are rational.
The quadratic equation has rational roots if D is a perfect square and a, b, c are rational. If a = 1 and b, c are
integers and the roots of the quadratic equation are rational, then the
roots must be integers.
Factorization Method:
In the factorization method we write the coefficient of x as a sum of two numbers l and m such that lm = ac i.e. we
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b = l + m with lm = ac
so that the equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 becomes
ax
2
+ (l + m) x + or a
2
x
2
+ a (l + m) x + lm = 0
or (ax + l) (ax + m) = 0 ax + l = 0 or ax + m = 0.
Hence the roots are x = and x = . In order to obtain l and m, we write
l - m = .
With l + m = b, we get
l = and m =
so that the two roots are .
Let and be two roots of the given quadratic equation. Then + = - and = .
A quadratic equation, whose roots are a and b can be written as (x - ) (x - ) = 0
i.e., ax
2
+ bx + c a(x - ) (x - ).
Condition for two Quadratic Equations to have a Common Root
Let ax
2
+bx+c = 0 and dx
2
+ex + f = 0 have a common root (say). Then a
2
+ b + c = 0 and d
2
+ e + f
= 0.
Solving for
2
and , we get
i.e.
2
= and = (dc - af)
2
= (bf - ce) (ae - bd),
which is the required condition for the two equations to have a common root.
Relation between the Roots of a Polynomial Equation of Degree n Consider the equation
a
n
x
n
+ a
n - 1
x
n - 1
+ a
n - 2
x
n - 2
+ .... + a
1
x + a
0
= 0 . . . . (1)
(a
0
, a
1
...., a
n
are real coefficients and a
n
0).
Let
1
,
2
,....,
n
be the roots of equation (1). Then
a
n
x
n
+ a
n - 1
x
n - 1
+ a
n - 2
x
n - 2
+ ..... + a
1
x + a
0
a
n
(x -
1
) (x -
2
) ..... (x -
n
).
Comparing the coefficients of like powers of x, we get
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a
1
+
2
+
3
+ .... +
n
= - ,
1
a
2
+
1 3
+
1 4
+ .... +
2 3
+ ... +
n - 1 n
= ,
1 2
. . . . .
r
+ .... +
n-r+1 n-r+2
...
n
= ( -1)
r
,
1 2
...
n
= (-1)
n
.
Note:
A polynomial equation of degree n has n roots (real or imaginary).
If all the coefficients are real then the imaginary roots occur in pairs i.e. number of complex roots is always
even.
If the degree of a polynomial equation is odd then the number of real roots will also be odd. It follows that at
least one of the roots will be real.
If is a repeated root (repeating r times) of a polynomial equation f(x) = 0 of degree n i.e. f(x) = (x - )
r
g(x) , where g(x) is a polynomial of degree n - r and g( ) 0, then f( )
= f'( ) = f''( ) = . . . . = f
(r-1)
( ) = 0 and f
r
( ) 0 .
Remainder Theorem: If we divide a polynomial p(x) by x - , the remainder obtained is p( ). Note that if
p( ) = 0, then x - is a factor of p(x).
If a polynomial equation of degree n has n + 1 roots say x
1
,...x
n + 1
, (x
i
x
j
if i j), then the polynomial is
identically zero. ie. p(x) = 0, x R.
(In other words, the coefficients a
0
, .... a
n
are all zero).
If p(a) and p(b) (a < b) are of opposite sign, then p(x) = 0 has odd number of roots in (a, b), i.e. it have at least
one root in (a, b).
If coefficients in p(x) have 'm' changes in signs, then p(x) = 0 have at most 'm' positive real roots and if p(-x)
have 't' changes in sign, then p(x) = 0 have at most 't' negative real roots.
By this we can find maximum number of real roots and minimum number of complex roots of a polynomial equations
p(x) = 0.
The Method of Intervals (Wavy Curve Method)
The Method of intervals (or wavy curve method) is used for solving inequalities of the form
f(x) = > 0 ( < 0, 0, or 0) where n
1
, n
2
,..., n
k
, m
1
, m
2
, ...m
p
are natural numbers and the numbers a
1
, a
2
, ... , a
k
; b
1
, b
2
,...b
p
are any real
numbers such that a
I
b
j
, where i = 1, 2, 3,..., k and j = 1, 2, 3,..., p .
It consists of the following steps:
All zeros
1
of the function f(x) contained on the left hand side of the inequality should be marked on the number
line with inked (black) circles.
All points of discontinuities
2
of the function f(x) contained on the left hand side of the inequality should be
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marked on the number line with un-inked (white) circles.
Check the value of f(x) for any real number greater than the right most marked number on the number line.
From right to left, beginning above the number line (in case the value of f(x) is positive in step (iii), otherwise,
from below the number line), a wavy curve should be drawn to pass
through all the marked points so that when it passes through a simple point
3
, the curve intersects the number line,
and, when passing through a double point
4
, the curve remains located
on one side of the number line.
The appropriate intervals are chosen in accordance with the sign of inequality (the function f(x) is positive
whenever the curve is situated above the number line, it is negative if the
curve is found below the number line). Their union represents the solution of the given inequality.
Remark:
(i) Points of discontinuity will never be included in the answer.
(ii) If you are asked to find the intervals where f(x) is non-negative or non-positive then make the intervals closed
corresponding to the roots of the numerator and let it remain open
corresponding to the roots of the denominator.
1.The point for which f(x) vanishes (becomes zero) are called function zeros e.g. x = a
i
.
2. The points x = b
j
are the point of the discontinuity of the function f(x).
3. If the exponents of a factor is odd then the point is called a simple point.
4. If the exponent of a factor is even then the point is called a double point.
Quadratic Expression
The expression ax
2
+ bx + c is said to be a real quadratic expression in x where a, b, c are real and a 0. Let f(x)
= ax
2
+ bx + c where a, b, c, R (a 0).
f(x) can be rewritten as f(x) = a =a , where D = b
2
-4ac is
the discrimnant of the quadratic expression. Then y = f(x) represents a
parabola whose axis is parallel to the y - axis, with vertex at A .
Depending on the sign of a and b
2
- 4ac, f(x) may be positive, negative or zero. This gives rise to the following cases:
(i) a > 0 and b
2
- 4ac < 0
f(x) > 0 x R.
In this case the parabola always remains above the x - axis
.
(ii) a > 0 and b
2
- 4ac = 0
f(x) 0 x R.
In this case the parabola touches the
x - axis at one point and remains concave upwards
.
(iii) a > 0 and b
2
- 4ac > 0.
Let f(x) = 0 have two real roots and ( < ).
Then f(x) > 0 x (- , ) ( , ),
and f(x) < 0 x ( , )
.
(iv) a < 0 and b
2
- 4ac < 0
f(x) < 0 x R.
In this case the parabola always remains below the x-axis
.
(v) a < 0 and b
2
- 4ac = 0
f(x) 0 x R.
In this case the parabola touches the
x - axis and lies below the x - axis.
(vi) a < 0 and b
2
- 4ac > 0
Let f(x) = 0 have two real roots a and
( < ). Then f(x) < 0 x (- , ) ( , )
and f(x) > 0 x ( , )
.
Interval in Which the Roots Lie
In some problems we want the roots of the equation ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 to lie in a given interval. For this we impose
conditions on a, b and c. Let f(x) = ax
2
+ bx + c.
If both the roots are positive i.e. they lie in (0, ), then the sum of the roots as well as the product of the
roots must be positive
+ = - and = with
2
- 4ac 0.
Similarly, if both the roots are negative i.e. they lie in (- , 0) then the sum of the roots will be negative and the
product of the roots must be positive
i.e. + = - < 0 and = with
2
- 4ac 0.
Both the roots are greater than a given number k if the following three conditions are satisfied: D 0, -
and a.f(k) > 0.
Both the roots will be less than a given number k if the following conditions are satisfied: D 0, - < k
and a.f(k) > 0.
Both the roots will lie in the given interval (k
1
, k
2
) if the following conditions are satisfied: D 0 k
1
< -
and a. f(k
1
) > 0, a.f(k
2
) > 0.
Exactly one of the roots lies in the given interval (k
1
, k
2
) if f(k
1
) . f(k
2
) < 0.
A given number k will lie between the roots if a.f(k) < 0.
In particular, the roots of the equation will be of opposite signs if 0 lies between the roots a.f(0) < 0. It also
implies that the product of the roots is negative.
Cube Root of Unity:
Consider the equation x
3
= 1 x
3
- 1 = 0. We note that x = 1 is one of the roots of this equation, so that
0 = x
3
- 1 = (x - 1) (x
2
+ x + 1)
x = 1 or x
2
+ x + 1 = 0 x = .
Hence the cube roots of unity are: x = 1, x = - + , x = - - .
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Return to the Lessons Index | Do the Lessons i n Order | Get "Purpl emath on CD" for offl i ne use | Pri nt-fri endl y page
Graphing Quadratic Functions: The
Leading Coefficient / The Vertex (page 2 of 4)
Sections: Introduction, The meaning of the leading coefficient / The vertex, Examples
The general form of a quadratic is "y = ax
2
+ bx + c". For graphing, the leading coefficient "a" indicates
how "fat" or how "skinny" the parabola will be.
For | a | > 1 (such as a = 3 or a = 4), the parabola will be "skinny", because it grows more quickly
(three times as fast or four times as fast, respectively, in the case of our sample values of a). For
| a | < 1 (such as a =
1
/
3
or a =
1
/
4
), the parabola will be "fat", because it grows more slowly (one-
third as fast or one-fourth as fast, respectively, in the examples). Also, if a is negative, then the parabola
is upside-down.



You can see these trends when you look at
how the curve y = ax
2
moves as "a"
changes:

As you can see, as the leading coefficient goes from very negative to slightly negative to zero (not really
a quadratic) to slightly positive to very positive, the parabola goes from skinny upside-down to fat
upside-down to a straight line (called a "degenerate" parabola) to a fat right-side-up to a skinny right-
side-up. Copyri ght El i zabeth Stapel 2002-2011 Al l Ri ghts Reserved
There is a simple, if slightly "dumb", way to remember the difference between right-side-up parabolas
and upside-down parabolas:
positive quadratic y = x
2
negative quadratic y = x
2
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This can be useful information: If, for instance, you have an equation where a is negative, but you're
somehow coming up with plot points that make it look like the quadratic is right-side-up, then you will
know that you need to go back and check your work, because something is wrong.
Parabolas always have a lowest point (or a highest point, if the parabola is upside-down). This point,
where the parabola changes direction, is called the "vertex".
If the quadratic is written in the form y = a(x h)
2
+ k, then the vertex is the point (h, k). This makes
sense, if you think about it. The squared part is always positive (for a right-side-up parabola), unless it's
zero. So you'll always have that fixed value k, and then you'll always be adding something to it to make
y bigger, unless of course the squared part is zero. So the smallest y can possibly be is y = k, and this
smallest value will happen when the squared part, x h, equals zero. And the squared part is zero
when x h = 0, or when x = h. The same reasoning works, with k being the largest value and the
squared part always subtracting from it, for upside-down parabolas.
(Note: The "a" in the vertex form "y = a(x h)
2
+ k" of the quadratic is the same as the "a" in the
common form of the quadratic equation, "y = ax
2
+ bx + c".)
Since the vertex is a useful point, and since you can "read off" the coordinates for the vertex from the
vertex form of the quadratic, you can see where the vertex form of the quadratic can be helpful,
especially if the vertex isn't one of your T-chart values. However, quadratics are not usually written in
vertex form. You can complete the square to convert ax
2
+ bx + c to vertex form, but, for finding the
vertex, it's simpler to just use a formula. (The vertex formula is derived from the completing-the-square
process, just as is the Quadratic Formula. In each case, memorization is probably simpler than
completing the square.)
For a given quadratic y = ax
2
+ bx + c, the vertex (h, k) is found by computing h =
b
/
2a
, and then
evaluating y at h to find k. If you've already learned the Quadratic Formula, you may find it easy to
memorize the formula for k, since it is related to both the formula for h and the discriminant in the
Quadratic Formula: k = (4ac b
2
) / 4a.
Find the vertex of y = 3x
2
+ x 2 and graph the parabola.
To find the vertex, I look at the coefficients a, b, and c. The formula for the vertex gives me:
h =
b
/
2a
=
(1)
/
2(3)
=
1
/
6
Then I can find k by evaluating y at h =
1
/
6
:
k = 3(
1
/
6
)
2
+ (
1
/
6
) 2
=
3
/
36

1
/
6
2
=
1
/
12

2
/
12

24
/
12
=
25
/
12
So now I know that the vertex is at (
1
/
6
,
25
/
12
). Using the formula was helpful, because
this point is not one that I was likely to get on my T-chart.

I need additional points for my graph:




Now I can do my graph, and


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I will label the vertex:
When you write down the vertex in your homework, write down the exact coordinates: "(
1
/
6
,
25
/
12
)".
But for graphing purposes, the decimal approximation of "(0.2, 2.1)" may be more helpful, since it's
easier to locate on the axes.
The only other consideration regarding the vertex is the "axis of symmetry". If you look at a parabola,
you'll notice that you could draw a vertical line right up through the middle which would split the parabola
into two mirrored halves. This vertical line, right through the vertex, is called the axis of symmetry. If
you're asked for the axis, write down the line "x = h", where h is just the x-coordinate of the vertex. So
in the example above, then the axis would be the vertical line x = h =
1
/
6
.
Helpful note: If your quadratic's x-intercepts happen to be nice neat numbers (so they're relatively easy
to work with), a shortcut for finding the axis of symmetry is to note that this vertical line is always
exactly between the two x-intercepts. So you can just average the two intercepts to get the location of
the axis of symmetry and the x-coordinate of the vertex. However, if you have messy x-intercepts (as in
the example above) or if the quadratic doesn't actually cross the x-axis (as you'll see on the next page),
then you'll need to use the formula to find the vertex.
<< Previous Top | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Return to Index Next >>
Ci te thi s arti cl e as: Stapel , El i zabeth. "Graphi ng Quadrati c Functi ons: The Leadi ng Coeffi ci ent / The Vertex."
Purpl emath. Avai l abl e from http://www.purpl emath.com/modul es/grphquad2.htm.
Accessed 22 August 2011

Copyri ght 2002-2011 El i zabeth Stapel | About | Terms of Use Feedback | Error?

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Return to the Lessons Index | Do the Lessons i n Order | Get "Purpl emath on CD" for offl i ne use | Pri nt-fri endl y page
Graphing Quadratic Functions: Examples (page 3 of 4)
Sections: Introduction, The meaning of the leading coefficient / The vertex, Examples
Find the vertex and intercepts of y = 3x
2
+ x 2 and graph; remember to label the
vertex and the axis of symmetry.
This is the same quadratic as in the last example. I already found the vertex when I worked the
problem above. This time, I also need to find the intercepts before I do my graph. To find the y-
intercept, I set x equal to zero and solve:
y = 3(0)
2
+ (0) 2 = 0 + 0 2 = 2
Then the y-intercept is the point (0, 2). To find the x-intercept, I set y equal to zero, and solve:
0 = 3x
2
+ x 2
0 = (3x 2)(x + 1)
3x 2 = 0 or x + 1 = 0
x =
2
/
3
or x = 1
Then the x-intercepts are at the points (1, 0) and (
2
/
3
, 0).
The axis of symmetry is halfway between the two x-
intercepts at (1, 0) and at (
2
/
3
, 0); using this, I can
confirm the answer from the previous page:
(1 + 2/3) / 2 = (1/3) / 2 = 1/6
The complete answer is a listing of the vertex, the axis
of symmetry, and all three intercepts, along with a nice
neat graph:

The vertex is at (
1
/
6
,
25
/
12
), the axis of
symmetry is the line x =
1
/
6
, and the intercepts
are at (0, 2), (1, 0), and (
2
/
3
, 0).


Find the intercepts, the axis of symmetry, and vertex of y = x
2
x 12.
To find the y-intercept, I set x equal to 0 and solve:
y = (0)
2
(0) 12 = 0 0 12 = 12
To find the x-intercept, I set y equal to 0 and solve:
0 = x
2
x 12
0 = (x 4)(x + 3)
x = 4 or x = 3
To find the vertex, I look at the coefficients: a = 1 and b = 1. Plugging into the formula, I get:
h =
(1)
/
2(1)
=
1
/
2
= 0.5

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To find k, I plug h =
1
/
2
in for x inside y = x
2
x 12, and simplify:
k = (
1
/
2
)
2
(
1
/
2
) 12 =
1
/
4

1
/
2
12 = 12.25
Once I have the vertex, it's easy to write down the axis of symmetry: x = 0.5. Now I'll find some
additional plot points, to fill in the graph:
For my own convenience, I picked x-values that were centered around the x-coordinate of the
vertex. Now I can plot the parabola: Copyri ght El i zabeth Stapel 2002-2011 Al l Ri ghts Reserved
The vertex is at the point (0.5, 12.25),
the axis of symmetry is the line x = 0.5,
and the intercepts are at the points (0, 12), (3, 0), and (4, 0).
<< Previous Top | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Return to Index Next >>
Ci te thi s arti cl e as: Stapel , El i zabeth. "Graphi ng Quadrati c Functi ons: Exampl es." Purpl emath. Avai l abl e from
http://www.purpl emath.com/modul es/grphquad3.htm. Accessed 22 August 2011

Copyri ght 2002-2011 El i zabeth Stapel | About | Terms of Use Feedback | Error?

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Return to the Lessons Index | Do the Lessons i n Order | Get "Purpl emath on CD" for offl i ne use | Pri nt-fri endl y page
Graphing Quadratic Functions: Examples (page 4 of 4)
Sections: Introduction, The meaning of the leading coefficient / The vertex, Examples
Find the x-intercepts and vertex of y = x
2
4x + 2.
Since it is so simple to find the y-intercept (and it will probably be a point in my T-chart anyway),
they are only asking for the x-intercepts this time. To find the x-intercept, I set y equal 0 and
solve:
0 = x
2
4x + 2
x
2
+ 4x 2 = 0
For graphing purposes, the intercepts are at about (4.4, 0) and (0.4, 0). (When I write down
the answer, I will of course use the "exact" form, with the square roots; my calculator's decimal
approximations are just for helping me graph.)
To find the vertex, I look at the coefficients: a = 1 and b = 4. Then:
h =
(4)
/
2(1)
= 2
To find k, I plug h = 2 in for x in y = x
2
4x + 2, and simplify:
k = (2)
2
4(2) + 2 = 4 + 8 + 2 = 10 4 = 6
Now I'll find some additional plot points, to help me fill in my graph:
Note that I picked x-values that were centered around the x-coordinate of the vertex. Now I'll plot
the parabola:
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The vertex is at (2, 6), and the intercepts are at the following points:
(0, 2), , and
Find the x-intercepts and vertex of y = x
2
+ 2x 4.
To find the vertex, I look at the coefficients: a = 1 and b = 2. Then:
h =
(2)
/
2(1)
= 1
To find k, I'll plug h in for x and simplify:
k = (1)
2
+ 2(1) 4 = 1 + 2 4 = 2 5 = 3
The vertex is below the x-axis, and, since this is a negative quadratic, I know that the parabola is
going to be upside-down. So can my line possibly cross the x-axis? Can there possibly be any
x-intercepts? Of course not! So I expect to get "no (real) solution" when I try to find the x-
intercepts, but I need to show my work anyway. To find the x-intercept, I set y equal 0 and solve:
0 = x
2
+ 2x 4
x
2
2x + 4 = 0
As soon as I get a negative inside the square root, I know that I can't get a graphable solution.
So, as expected, there are no x-intercepts. Now I'll find some additional plot points, to fill in my
graph:
Note that I picked x-values that were centered around the x-coordinate of the vertex. Now I'll plot
the parabola: Copyri ght El i zabeth Stapel 2002-2011 Al l Ri ghts Reserved

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The vertex is at (1, 3), and the only intercept is at (0, 4).
This last exercise illustrates one way you can cut down a bit on your work. If you solve for the vertex
first, then you can easily tell if you need to continue on and look for the x-intercepts, or if you can go
straight on to plotting some points and drawing the graph. If the vertex is below the x-axis (that is, if the
y-value is negative) and the quadratic is negative (so the parabola opens downward), then there will be
no x-intercepts. Similarly, if the vertex is above the x-axis (that is, if the y-value is positive) and the
quadratic is positive (so the parabola opens upward), then there will be no x-intercepts.
In most of the graphs that I did (though not the first one), it just so happened that the points on the T-
chart were symmetric about the vertex; that is, that the points "matched" on either side of the vertex.
While a parabola is always symmetric about the vertical line through the vertex (the parabola's "axis"),
the T-chart points might not be symmetric. In particular, the T-chart points will not "match" if the x-
coordinate of the vertex is something other than a whole number or a half-number (such as "3.5").
Warning: Don't expect the plot-points always to "match up" on either side of the vertex; in particular,
don't do half the points on your T-chart and then "fill in" the rest of your T-chart by assuming a
symmetry that might not exist.
Other tips for graphing: If the parabola is going to be "skinny", then expect that you will get some very
large values in your T-chart. You will either end up with a really tall graph or else a rather short T-chart. If
the parabola is going to be "fat", then expect that you will probably have to plot points with fractions as
coordinates. In either case, when you go to connect the dots to draw the parabola, you might find it
helpful to turn the paper sideways and first draw the really curvy part through the vertex, making sure
that it looks nice and round. Then turn the paper back right-side-up and draw the "sides" of the parabola.
Warning: Draw your graphs big enough to be clearly seen by your instructor. If you're fitting more than
two or maybe three graphs on one side of a standard sheet of paper, then you're drawing your graphs
way too small.
<< Previous Top | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Return to Index
Ci te thi s arti cl e as: Stapel , El i zabeth. "Graphi ng Quadrati c Functi ons: Exampl es." Purpl emath. Avai l abl e from
http://www.purpl emath.com/modul es/grphquad4.htm. Accessed 22 August 2011

Copyri ght 2002-2011 El i zabeth Stapel | About | Terms of Use Feedback | Error?

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