CHAPTER 2

EQUATIONS

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

 Understand the concept of equations and its various degrees – linear, simultaneous,
quadratic and cubic equations;
 Know how to solve the different equations using different methods of solution; and

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Definition of Equation

Applications Equations

Methods of Solving Simultaneous Simple

Quadratic
Three Linear Equations equations in Equation
Equation
with three Variables two unknowns

Nature of Constructions of Roots of the

the Roots Quadratic Equation Quadratic Equation

Methods of Solution

Cross Multiplication Elimination

Method Method

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2.2 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

Equation is defined to be a mathematical statement of equality. If the equality is true for

certain value of the variable involved, the equation is often called a conditional equation
and equality sign ‘=’ is used; while if the equality is true for all values of the variable
involved, the equation is called an identity.
x+2 x+3
For Example: + = 3 holds true only for x =1.
3 2
x+2 x+3 5x+13
So it is a conditional. On the other hand, + =
3 2 6
is an identity since it holds for all values of the variable x.
Determination of value of the variable which satisfies an equation is called solution of the
equation or root of the equation. An equation in which highest power of the variable is 1
is called a Linear (or a simple) equation. This is also called the equation of degree 1. Two or
more linear equations involving two or more variables are called Simultaneous Linear
Equations. An equation of degree 2 (Highest Power of the variable is 2) is called Quadratic
equation and the equation of degree 3 is called Cubic Equation.
For Example: 8x+17(x–3) = 4 (4x–9) + 12 is a Linear equation.
3x2 + 5x +6 = 0 is a Quadratic equation.
4x3 + 3x2 + x–7 = 1 is a Cubic equation.
x + 2y = 1, 2x + 3y = 2 are jointly called Simultaneous equations.

A simple equation in one unknown x is in the form ax + b = 0.

Where a, b are known constants and a ¹ 0
Note: A simple equation has only one root.

Example:
4 x -1 = 14 x + 19 .
3 15 5
Solution: By transposing the variables in one side and the constants in other side we have
4x 14 x 19 (20-14) x 19  5 6x 24
– = +1 or  or  .
3 15 5 15 5 15 5
24x15
x =  12
5x6

Choose the most appropriate option (a) (b) (c) or (d).

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 EQUATIONS 2.3

1. The equation –7 x + 1 = 5 – 3 x will be satisfied for x equal to:

a) 2 b) –1 c) 1 d) none of these
x+4 x -5
2. The root of the equation + = 11 is
4 3
a) 20 b) 10 c) 2 d) none of these

x 2
3. Pick up the correct value of x for =
30 45
1
a) x = 5 b) x = 7 c) x =1 d) none of these
3
x + 24 x
4. The solution of the equation =4+
5 4
a) 6 b) 10 c) 16 d) none of these
5. 8 is the solution of the equation
x+4 x-5 x  4 x  10
a) + = 11 b)  8
4 3 2 9
x  24 x x-15 x  5
c)  4 d)  4
5 4 10 5
y  11 y  1 y  7
6. The value of y that satisfies the equation -  is
6 9 4
1
a) –1 b) 7 c) 1 d) –
7
7. The solution of the equation (p+2) (p–3) + (p+3) (p–4) = p(2p–5) is
a) 6 b) 7 c) 5 d) none of these
12x+1 15x - 1 2x - 5
8. The equation = + is true for
4 5 3x - 1
a) x=1 b) x=2 c) x=5 d) x=7
x 1 x 1
9. Pick up the correct value x for which  +  =0
0.5 0.05 0.005 0.0005
a) x=0 b) x = 1 c) x = 10 d) none of these

ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. The denominator of a fraction exceeds the numerator by 5 and if 3 be added to both the
3
fraction becomes . Find the fraction.
4

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2.4 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

x x+3 3
Let x be the numerator and the fraction be . By the question = or
x+5 x+5+3 4
4x + 12 = 3x + 24 or x = 12
12
The required fraction is .
17
2. If thrice of A’s age 6 years ago be subtracted from twice his present age, the result would
be equal to his present age. Find A’s present age.
Let x years be A’s present age. By the question
2x–3(x–6) = x
or 2x–3x + 18 = x
or –x + 18 = x
or 2x = 18
or x=9
 A’s present age is 9 years.
3. A number consists of two digits the digit in the ten’s place is twice the digit in the unit’s
place. If 18 be subtracted from the number the digits are reversed. Find the number.
Let x be the digit in the unit’s place. So the digit in the ten’s place is 2x. Thus the number
becomes 10(2x) + x. By the question
20x + x– 18 = 10x + 2x
or 21x – 18 = 12x
or 9x = 18
or x = 2
So the required number is 10 (2 × 2) + 2 = 42.
4. For a certain commodity the demand equation giving demand ‘d’ in kg, for a price ‘p’ in
rupees per kg. is d = 100 (10 – p). The supply equation giving the supply s in kg. for a price
p in rupees per kg. is s = 75( p – 3). The market price is such at which demand equals
supply. Find the market price and quantity that will be bought and sold.
Given d = 100(10 – p) and s = 75(p – 3).
Since the market price is such that demand (d) = supply (s) we have
100 (10 – p) = 75 (p – 3) or 1000 – 100p = 75p – 225
- 1225
or – 175p = – 1225.  p = 7 .
- 175
So market price of the commodity is ` 7 per kg.
 the required quantity bought = 100 (10 – 7) = 300 kg.
and the quantity sold = 75 (7 – 3) = 300 kg.

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 EQUATIONS 2.5

Choose the most appropriate option (a) (b) (c) or (d).

1. The sum of two numbers is 52 and their difference is 2. The numbers are
a) 17 and 15 b) 12 and 10 c) 27 and 25 d) none of these
2. The diagonal of a rectangle is 5 cm and one of at sides is 4 cm. Its area is
a) 20 sq.cm. b) 12 sq.cm. c) 10 sq.cm. d) none of these
3. Divide 56 into two parts such that three times the first part exceeds one third of the second
by 48. The parts are.
a) (20, 36) b) (25, 31) c) (24, 32) d) none of these
4. The sum of the digits of a two digit number is 10. If 18 be subtracted from it the digits in
the resulting number will be equal. The number is
a) 37 b) 73 c) 75 d) none of these numbers.
5. The fourth part of a number exceeds the sixth part by 4. The number is
a) 84 b) 44 c) 48 d) none of these
6. Ten years ago the age of a father was four times of his son. Ten years hence the age of the
father will be twice that of his son. The present ages of the father and the son are.
a) (50, 20) b) (60, 20) c) (55, 25) d) none of these
7. The product of two numbers is 3200 and the quotient when the larger number is divided
by the smaller is 2.The numbers are
a) (16, 200) b) (160, 20) c) (60, 30) d) (80, 40)
8. The denominator of a fraction exceeds the numerator by 2. If 5 be added to the numerator
the fraction increases by unity. The fraction is.
1 7 3
a) b) c) d)
3 9 5
9. Three persons Mr. Roy, Mr. Paul and Mr. Singh together have ` 51. Mr. Paul has ` 4 less
than Mr. Roy and Mr. Singh has got ` 5 less than Mr. Roy. They have the money
as.
a) (` 20, ` 16, ` 15) b) (` 15, ` 20, ` 16)
c) (` 25, ` 11, ` 15) d) none of these
10. A number consists of two digits. The digits in the ten’s place is 3 times the digit in the
unit’s place. If 54 is subtracted from the number the digits are reversed. The number is
a) 39 b) 92 c) 93 d) 94
11. One student is asked to divide a half of a number by 6 and other half by 4 and then to add
the two quantities. Instead of doing so the student divides the given number by 5. If the
answer is 4 short of the correct answer then the number was
a) 320 b) 400 c) 480 d) none of these.

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2.6 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

1
12. If a number of which the half is greater than th of the number by 15 then the number is
5
a) 50 b) 40 c) 80 d) none of these.

The general form of a linear equations in two unknowns x and y is ax + by + c = 0 where

a, b are non-zero coefficients and c is a constant. Two such equations a1x + b1y + c1 = 0
and a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0 form a pair of simultaneous equations in x and y. A value for each
unknown which satisfies simultaneously both the equations will give the roots of the
equations.

1. Elimination Method: In this method two given linear equations are reduced to a linear
equation in one unknown by eliminating one of the unknowns and then solving for the
other unknown.
Example 1: Solve: 2x + 5y = 9 and 3x – y = 5.
Solution: 2x + 5y = 9 …….. (i)
3x – y = 5 ………(ii)
By making (i) x 1, 2x + 5y = 9
and by making (ii) x 5, 15x – 5y = 25
__________________________________
Adding 17x = 34 or x = 2. Substituting this values of x in (i) i.e. 5y = 9 – 2x we find;
5y = 9 – 4 = 5  y = 1  x = 2, y = 1.
2. Cross Multiplication Method: Let two equations be:
a1 x + b 1 y + c 1 = 0
a2 x + b 2 y + c 2 = 0
We write the coefficients of x, y and constant terms and two more columns by repeating
the coefficients of x and y as follows:
1 x 2 y 3 1 4
b1 c1 a1 b1
b2 c2 a2 b2
x y 1
and the result is given by: = =
b1c 2 – b 2 c1 (c 1 a 2  c 2 a 1 ) (a 1 b 2  a 2 b 1 )

b 1c 2 - b 2 c 1 c 1a 2 - c 2 a1
so the solution is : x= y= .
a1b 2 - a 2 b1 a1 b 2 - a 2 b1

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 EQUATIONS 2.7

Example 2: Solve 3x + 2y + 17 = 0, 5x – 6y – 9 = 0
Solution: 3x + 2y + 17 = 0 ....... (i)
5x – 6y – 9 = 0 ........(ii)
Method of elimination: By (i) x 3 we get 9x + 6y + 51 = 0 ...... (iii)
Adding (ii) & (iii) we get 14x + 42 = 0
42
or x = – =–3
14
Putting x = –3 in (i) we get 3(–3) + 2y + 17 =0
8
or, 2y + 8 = 0 or, y = – =–4
2
So x = –3 and y = –4
Method of cross-multiplication: 3x + 2y + 17 = 0
5x – 6y – 9 = 0
x y 1
2(– 9) –17(– 6) = 17  (5) – 3(– 9)
= 3(– 6)– 5  (2)

x y 1
or, = = –28
84 112

x y 1
or = =
3 4 –1
or x = –3, y = –4

Example 1: Solve for x, y and z:

2x – y + z = 3, x + 3y – 2z = 11, 3x – 2y + 4z = 1
Solution: (a) Method of elimination
2x – y + z = 3 .......(i)
x + 3y – 2z = 11 .... (ii)
3x – 2y + 4z = 1 .... (iii)
By (i) × 2 we get
4x – 2y + 2z = 6 …. (iv)
By (ii) + (iv), 5x + y = 17 ….(v) [the variable z is thus eliminated]
By (ii) × 2, 2x + 6y – 4z = 22 ….(vi)
By (iii) + (vi), 5x + 4y = 23 ....(vii)

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2.8 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

By (v) – (vii), –3y = – 6 or y = 2

Putting y = 2 in (v) 5x + 2 = 17, or 5x = 15 or, x = 3
Putting x = 3 and y = 2 in (i)
2×3–2+z=3
or 6 – 2 + z = 3
or 4 + z = 3
or z = –1
So x = 3, y = 2, z = –1 is the required solution.
(Any two of 3 equations can be chosen for elimination of one of the variables)
(b) Method of cross multiplication
We write the equations as follows:
2x – y + (z – 3) = 0
x + 3y + (–2z –11) = 0
By cross multiplication
x y 1
= =
–1(–2z – 11) –3(z – 3) (z – 3)–2(–2z – 11) 2 ´ 3 –1(–1)

x y 1
= =
20-z 5z+19 7
20 - z 5z  19
x= , y=
7 7
Substituting above values for x and y in equation (iii) i.e. 3x - 2y + yz = 1, we have

 20  z   5z  19 
3  – 2   + 4z = 1
 7   7 
or 60 – 3z – 10z – 38 + 28z = 7
or 15z = 7 – 22 or 15z = –15 or z = –1
20-(-1) 21 5(-1)+19 14
Now x= = =3 , y= = =2
7 7 7 7
Thus x = 3, y = 2, z = –1

Example 2: Solve for x, y and z :

1 1 1 2 3 4 3 2 1
+ + =5, – – =–11, + – =–6
x y z x y z x y z

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 EQUATIONS 2.9

1 1 1
Solution: We put u = ;v= ;w= and get
x y z

u+v+w=5 ........ (i)

2u – 3v – 4w = –11........ (ii)
3u + 2v – w = –6........ (iii)
By (i) + (iii) 4u + 3v = –1 ........ (iv)
By (iii) x 4 12u + 8v – 4w = –24 ......... (v)
By (ii) – (v) –10u – 11v = 13
or 10u + 11v = –13 .......... (vi)
By (iv) × 11 44x + 33v = –11 …..…(vii)
By (vi) × 3 30u + 33v = –39 ……..(viii)
By (vii) – (viii) 14u = 28 or u = 2
Putting u = 2 in (iv) 4  2 + 3v = –1
or 8 + 3v = –1
or 3v = –9 or v = –3
Putting u = 2, v = –3 in (i) or 2–3 + w = 5
or –1 + w = 5 or w = 5 + 1 or w = 6
1 1 1 1 1 1
Thus x = = , y=– = , z= = is the solution.
u 2 v -3 w 6
Example 3: Solve for x, y and z:
xy xz yz
= 70, = 84,
x+y x+z y+z = 140
Solution: We can write as
x+y 1 1 1 1
= or + = ....... (i)
xy 70 x y 70
x+z 1 1 1 1
= or + = ........ (ii)
xz 84 z x 84
y+z 1 1 1 1
= or + = ....... (iii)
yz 140 y z 140

 1 1 1 1 1 1 14
By (i) + (ii) + (iii), we get 2     = + + =
 x y z  70 84 140 420

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2.10 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

1 1 1
or + + = 7 = 1 ……(iv)
x y z 420 60
1 1 1 4
By (iv)–(iii) = - = or x = 105
x 60 140 420
1 1 1 2
By (iv)–(ii) = - = or y = 210
y 60 84 420
1 1 1
By (iv)–(i) = - or z = 420
z 60 70
Required solution is x = 105, y = 210, z = 420

Choose the most appropriate option (a), (b), (c) or (d).

1. The solution of the set of equations 3x + 4y = 7, 4x – y = 3 is
a) (1, –1) b) (1, 1) c) (2, 1) d) (1, –2)
x y
2. The values of x and y satisfying the equations + =2 , x + 2y = 8 are given by the pair.
2 3
a) (3, 2) b) (–2, –3) c) (2, 3) d) none of these
x y
3. + =2
p q , x + y = p + q are satisfied by the values given by the pair.
a) (x=p, y=q) b) (x=q, y=p) c) (x=1, y=1) d) none of these
4. The solution for the pair of equations
1 1 9 1 1 4
+  - =
16x 15y 20 20x 27y 45 is given by
,

 1 1 1 1
(a)  ,  (b)  ,  (c) (3 4) (d) (4 3)
 4 3 3 4
4 5 x+y 3
5. Solve for x and y: - = +
x y xy 10 and 3xy = 10 (y–x).
a) (5, 2) b) (–2, –5) c) (2, –5) d) ( 2, 5)
x+y 5
6. The pair satisfying the equations x + 5y = 36, =
x -y 3 is given by
a) (16, 4) b) (4, 16) c) ( 4, 8) d) none of these.
7. Solve for x and y : x–3y = 0, x+2y = 20.
a) x = 4, y = 12 b) x = 12, y = 4 c) x = 5, y = 4 d) none of these

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 EQUATIONS 2.11

8. The simultaneous equations 7x–3y = 31, 9x–5y = 41 have solutions given by

a) (–4, –1) b) (–1, 4) c) (4, –1) d) ( 3, 7)
9. 1.5x + 2.4 y = 1.8, 2.5(x+1) = 7y have solutions as
1 2
a) (0.5, 0.4) b) (0.4, 0.5) , )
c) ( d) ( 2, 5)
2 5
10. The values of x and y satisfying the equations
3 2 2 3 2
+ =3 , + =3 are given by
x+y x -y x+y x -y 3
1
a) (1, 2) b) (–1, –2) c) (1, ) d) ( 2, 1)
2

Choose the most appropriate option (a), (b), (c) or (d) as the solution to the given set of
equations :
1. 1.5x + 3.6y = 2.1, 2.5 (x+1) = 6y
a) (0.2, 0.5) b) (0.5, 0.2) c) (2, 5) d) (–2, –5)
x y x y
2. + + 1 = + = 28
5 6 6 5
a) (6, 9) b) (9, 6) c) (60, 90) d) (90, 60)
x y z
3. = = ; 7x + 8y + 5z= 62
4 3 2
a) (4, 3, 2) b) (2, 3, 4) c) (3, 4, 2) d) (4, 2, 3)
xy yz zx
4. =20 , =40 , =24
x+y y+z z+x
a) (120, 60, 30) b) (60, 30, 120) c) (30, 120, 60) d) (30, 60, 120)
5. 2x + 3y + 4z = 0, x + 2y – 5z = 0, 10x + 16y – 6z = 0
a) (0,0,0) b) (1, –1, 1) c) (3, 2, –1) d) (1, 0, 2)
1 1 1
6. (x+y) + 2z = 21, 3x – (y+z) = 65, x + (x+y–z) = 38
3 2 2
a) (4, 9, 5) b) (2, 9, 5) c) (24, 9, 5) d) (5, 24, 9)
4 5 x+y 3
7. - = +
x y xy 10 3 xy = 10 (y–x)
a) (2, 5) b) (5, 2) c) (2, 7) d) (3, 4)

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2.12 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

x y+0.03 y x+0.03
8. + = + =2
0.01 0.05 0.02 0.04
a) (1, 2) b) (0.1, 0.2) c) (0.01, 0.02) d) (0.02, 0.01)
xy yz zx 60
9. =110, =132, =
y-x z-y z+x 11

a) ( 12, 11, 10) b) (10, 11, 12) c) (11, 10, 12) d) (12, 10, 11)
10. 3x–4y+70z = 0, 2x+3y–10z = 0, x+2y+3z = 13
a) (1, 3, 7) b) (1, 7, 3) c) (2, 4, 3) d) (–10, 10, 1)

ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. If the numerator of a fraction is increased by 2 and the denominator by 1 it becomes 1.
Again if the numerator is decreased by 4 and the denominator by 2 it becomes 1/2 . Find
the fraction.

SOLUTION: Let x/y be the required fraction.

x+2 x -4 1
By the question =1, =
y+1 y-2 2
Thus x + 2 = y + 1 or x – y = –1 ......... (i)
and 2x – 8 = y – 2 or 2x – y = 6 ......... (ii)
By (i) – (ii) – x = –7 or x = 7
from (i) 7 – y = –1 or y = 8
So the required fraction is 7/8.
2. The age of a man is three times the sum of the ages of his two sons and 5 years hence his
age will be double the sum of their ages. Find the present age of the man?

SOLUTION: Let x years be the present age of the man and sum of the present ages of the
two sons be y years.
By the condition x = 3y .......... (i)
and x + 5 = 2 (y + 5 + 5) ..........(ii)
From (i) & (ii) 3y + 5 = 2 (y + 10)
or 3y + 5 = 2y + 20
or 3y – 2y = 20 – 5
or y = 15
 x = 3 × y = 3 × 15 = 45

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 EQUATIONS 2.13

Hence the present age of the man is 45 years

3. A number consist of three digit of which the middle one is zero and the sum of the other
digits is 9. The number formed by interchanging the first and third digits is more than the
original number by 297 find the number.

SOLUTION: Let the number be 100x + y.we have x + y = 9……(i)

Also 100y + x = 100x + y + 297 …………………………….. (ii)
From (ii) 99(x – y) = –297
or x – y = –3 ….……………………………………………… (iii)
Adding (i) and (iii) 2x = 6 or x = 3  from (i) y = 6
 Hence the number is 306.

Choose the most appropriate option (a), (b), (c) or (d).

1. Monthly incomes of two persons are in the ratio 4 : 5 and their monthly expenses are in
the ratio 7 : 9. If each saves ` 50 per month find their monthly incomes.
a) (500, 400) b) (400, 500) c) (300, 600) d) (350, 550)
2. Find the fraction which is equal to 1/2 when both its numerator and denominator are
increased by 2. It is equal to 3/4 when both are increased by 12.
a) 3/8 b) 5/8 c) 2/8 d) 2/3
3. The age of a person is twice the sum of the ages of his two sons and five years ago his age
was thrice the sum of their ages. Find his present age.
a) 60 years b) 52 years c) 51 years d) 50 years
4. A number between 10 and 100 is five times the sum of its digits. If 9 be added to it the
digits are reversed find the number.
a) 54 b) 53 c) 45 d) 55
5. The wages of 8 men and 6 boys amount to ` 33. If 4 men earn ` 4.50 more than 5 boys
determine the wages of each man and boy.
a) (` 1.50, ` 3) b) (` 3, ` 1.50)
c) (` 2.50, ` 2) d) (` 2, ` 2.50)
6. A number consisting of two digits is four times the sum of its digits and if 27 be added to
it the digits are reversed. The number is :
a) 63 b) 35 c) 36 d) 60
7. Of two numbers, 1/5th of the greater is equal to 1/3rd of the smaller and their sum is 16.
The numbers are:
a) (6, 10) b) (9, 7) c) (12, 4) d) (11, 5)

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2.14 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

8. y is older than x by 7 years 15 years back x’s age was 3/4 of y’s age. Their present ages are:
a) (x=36, y=43) b) (x=50, y=43)
c) (x=43, y=50) d) (x=40, y=47)
9. The sum of the digits in a three digit number is 12. If the digits are reversed the number is
increased by 495 but reversing only of the ten’s and unit digits increases the number by 36.
The number is
a) 327 b) 372 c) 237 d) 273
10. Two numbers are such that twice the greater number exceeds twice the smaller one by 18
and 1/3rd of the smaller and 1/5th of the greater number are together 21. The numbers are:
a) (36, 45) b) (45, 36) c) (50, 41) d) (55, 46)
11. The demand and supply equations for a certain commodity are 4q + 7p = 17 and
q 7
p= + . respectively where p is the market price and q is the quantity then the
3 4
equilibrium price and quantity are:
3 1 3
(a) 2, (b) 3, (c) 5, (d) None of these.
4 2 5

An equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 where x is a variable and a, b, c are constants

with a  0 is called a quadratic equation or equation of the second degree.
When b=0 the equation is called a pure quadratic equation; when b  0 the equation is
called an affected quadratic.
Examples: i) 2x2 + 3x + 5 = 0
ii) x2 – x = 0
iii) 5x2 – 6x –3 = 0
The value of the variable say x is called the root of the equation. A quadratic equation has
got two roots.
How to find out the roots of a quadratic equation:
ax2 + bx + c = 0 (a  0)
b c
or x2 + x + =0
a a
b b2 b2 c
or x + 2
2
x+ = –
2a 4a 2 4a 2 a
2
 b b2 c
or  x   = –
 2a  4a 2 a

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 EQUATIONS 2.15

b ± b2 – 4ac
or x + =
2a 2a

-b± b2 -4ac
or x =
2a
Sum and Product of the Roots:
Let one root be  and the other root be 

-b+ b2 -4ac -b- b2 -4ac -b+ b 2 -4ac -b- b 2 -4ac

Now  +  = + =
2a 2a 2a

-2b -b
= =
2a a

b coefficient of x
Thus sum of roots = – =–
a coeffient of x 2

  b  b 2  4ac    b  b2  4ac  c
   
Next  =  2 a   2 a  = a
   

c constant term
So the product of the roots = =
a coefficient of x 2

For the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 we have

b c
or x2 + x+ =0
a a

 b c
or x2 –    x+ = 0
 a a
or x2 – (Sum of the roots) x + Product of the roots = 0

-b± b2 -4ac
x=
2a
i) If b –4ac = 0 the roots are real and equal;
2

ii) If b2–4ac >0 then the roots are real and unequal (or distinct);
iii) If b2–4ac <0 then the roots are imaginary;

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2.16 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

iv) If b2–4ac is a perfect square (  0) the roots are real, rational and unequal (distinct);
v) If b2–4ac >0 but not a perfect square the roots are real, irrational and unequal.
Since b2 – 4ac discriminates the roots b2 – 4ac is called the discriminant in the equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0 as it actually discriminates between the roots.
Note: (a) Irrational roots occur in conjugate pairs that is if (m + n ) is a root then
(m – n ) is the other root of the same equation.
c
(b) If one root is reciprocal to the other root then their product is 1 and so =1
a
i.e. c = a
(c) If one root is equal to other root but opposite in sign then.
b
their sum = 0 and so = 0. i.e. b = 0.
a
Example 1: Solve x2 – 5x + 6 = 0
Solution: 1st method : x2 – 5x + 6 = 0
or x2 –2x –3x +6 = 0
or x(x–2) – 3(x–2) = 0
or (x–2) (x–3) = 0
or x = 2 or 3
2nd method (By formula) x2 – 5x + 6 = 0
Here a = 1, b = –5 , c = 6 (comparing the equation with ax2 + bx + c = 0)

-b± b 2 -4ac -(-5)± 25-24

x= =
2a 2
5±1 6 4
= = and ;  x = 3 and 2
2 2 2
Example 2: Examine the nature of the roots of the following equations.
i) x2 – 8x + 16 = 0 ii) 3x2 – 8x + 4 = 0
iii) 5x2 – 4x + 2 = 0 iv) 2x2 – 6x – 3 = 0
Solution: (i) a = 1, b = –8, c = 16
b2 – 4ac = (–8)2 – 4 × 1 × 16 = 64 – 64 = 0
The roots are real and equal.
(ii) 3x2 – 8x + 4 = 0
a = 3, b = –8, c = 4

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 EQUATIONS 2.17

b2 – 4ac = (–8)2 – 4 × 3 × 4 = 64 – 48 = 16 > 0 and a perfect square

The roots are real, rational and unequal
(iii) 5x2 – 4x + 2 = 0
b2 – 4ac = (–4)2 – 4 × 5 × 2 = 16 – 40 = –24 < 0
The roots are imaginary and unequal
(iv) 2x2 – 6x – 3 = 0
b2 – 4ac = (–6)2 – 4 × 2 (–3)
= 36 + 24 = 60 > 0
The roots are real and unequal. Since b2 – 4ac is not a perfect square the roots are real
irrational and unequal.

ILLUSTRATIONS:

1. If  and ß be the roots of x2 + 7x + 12 = 0 find the equation whose roots are ( + )2 and

()2 .

SOLUTION: Now sum of the roots of the required equation

=    2  (  )2  (7 )2  (  )2  4

= 49 + (–7)2 – 4x12
= 49 + 49 – 48 = 50
Product of the roots of the required equation = (   )2 (   ) 2
= 49 (49–48) = 49
Hence the required equation is
x2 – (sum of the roots) x + product of the roots = 0
or x2 – 50x + 49 = 0
 2 2
2. If ,  be the roots of 2x2 – 4x – 1 = 0 find the value of +
 

–(–4) –1
SOLUTION:  + = = 2, =
2 2
3
 2 2

 3 +3      – 3(  )
 = =
   

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2.18 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

 1
2 3  3  .2
 2
 1 = – 22
 
 2

3. Solve x : 4x – 3.2x+2 + 25 = 0

SOLUTION: 4x – 3.2x+2 + 25 = 0

or (2x)2 – 3.2x. 22 + 32 = 0
or (2x)2 – 12. 2x + 3 2 = 0
or y2 – 12y + 32 = 0 (taking y = 2x)
or y2 – 8y – 4y + 32 = 0
or y(y – 8) – 4(y – 8) = 0  (y – 8) (y – 4) = 0
either y – 8 = 0 or y – 4 = 0 y = 8 or y = 4.
 2x = 8 = 23 or 2x = 4 = 22 Therefore x = 3 or x = 2.
 1  1
2
1
4. Solve  x    2  x    7 .
 x  x 4

 1  1
2
1
SOLUTION:  x    2  x    7 .
 x  x 4

   
2
 x  1   2  x  1   29 .
 x   x  4

   
2
 x  1   4  2  x  1   29
or
 x   
x 4
2 2
[as (a – b) = (a + b) – 4ab)]
45 1
or p2 + 2p - =0 Taking p = x+
4 x
or 4p2 + 8p – 45 = 0
or 4p2 + 18p – 10p – 45 = 0
or 2p(2p + 9) – 5(2p + 9) = 0
or (2p – 5) (2p + 9) = 0.
9 5
Either 2p + 9 = 0 or 2p – 5 = 0 p= - or p =
2 2

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 EQUATIONS 2.19

1 9 1 5
Either x+ = - or x+ =
x 2 x 2
i.e. Either 2x2 + 9x +2 = 0 or 2x2 – 5x + 2 = 0
- 9± 81-16 5± 25-16
i.e. Either x = or, x =
4 4
- 9± 65 1
i.e. Either x = or x = 2 or .
4 2
5. Solve 2x–2 + 23–x = 3

SOLUTION: 2x–2 + 23–x = 3

or 2x. 2–2 + 23. 2–x = 3

2x 23
or + =3
22 2 x
t 8
or + = 3 when t = 2x
4 t
or t2 + 32 = 12t
or t2 – 12t + 32 = 0
or t2 – 8t – 4t + 32 = 0
or t(t–8) – 4(t–8) = 0
or (t–4) (t–8) = 0
 t = 4, 8
For t = 4, 2x = 4 = 22 i.e. x = 2
For t = 8, 2x = 8 = 23 i.e. x = 3
6. If one root of the equation is 2 - 3 form the equation given that the roots are irrational

SOLUTION: Other root is 2 + 3  sum of two roots =2– 3+2+ 3=4

Product of roots = (2 – 3 )(2 + 3 ) = 4 – 3 = 1

 Required equation is : x2 – (sum of roots)x + (product of roots) = 0

or x2 – 4x + 1 = 0.
7. If  are the two roots of the equation x2 – px + q = 0 form the equation
 
w hose roots are and .
 

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2.20 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

SOLUTION: As  are the roots of the equation x2 – px + q = 0

+  = – (– p) = p and  = q.
   2   2 (  )2  2 p 2  2q  
Now  .   ; and . = 1
    q  

 p2  2q 

 Required equation is x2 –  q  x + 1 = 0
 

or q x2 – (p2 – 2q) x + q = 0
8. If the roots of the equation p(q – r)x2 + q(r – p)x + r(p – q) = 0
2 1 1
are equal show that = + .
q p r

SOLUTION: Since the roots of the given equation are equal the discriminant must be
zero ie. q2(r – p)2 – 4. p(q – r) r(p – q) = 0
or q2 r2 + q2 p2 – 2q2 rp – 4pr (pq – pr – q2 + qr) = 0
or p2q2 + q2r2 + 4p2r2 + 2q2pr – 4p2qr – 4pqr2 = 0
or (pq + qr – 2rp)2 = 0
 pq + qr = 2pr
pq+qr q (p + r) 1 1 2
or =1 o r, . = 1 o r, + =
2p r 2 pr r p q

Choose the most appropriate option (a) (b) (c) or (d).

1. If the roots of the equation 2x2 + 8x – m3 = 0 are equal then value of m is
(a) – 3 (b) – 1 (c) 1 (d) – 2
2. If 22x + 3 – 32. 2x + 1 = 0 then values of x are
(a) 0, 1 (b) 1, 2 (c) 0, 3 (d) 0, – 3

1
3. The values of 4+
1
4+
1
4+
4+.....

(a) 1± 2 (b) 2+ 5 (c) 2± 5 (d) none of these

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 EQUATIONS 2.21

4. If ,  be the roots of the equation 2x2 – 4x – 3 = 0

the value of 2 +  2 is
a) 5 b) 7 c) 3 d) – 4
5. If the sum of the roots of the quadratyic equation ax + bx + c = 0 is equal to the sum of the
2

b2 bc
squares of their reciprocals then + 2 is equal to
ac a
a) 2 b) –2 c) 1 d) –1
6. The equation x2 –(p+4)x + 2p + 5 = 0 has equal roots the values of p will be.
a) ± 1 b) 2 c) ± 2 d) –2
7. The roots of the equation x2 + (2p–1)x + p2 = 0 are real if.
a) p > 1 b) p < 4 c) p > 1/4 d) p < 1/4
8. If x = m is one of the solutions of the equation 2x + 5x – m = 0 the possible values of m are
2

a) (0, 2) b) (0, –2) c) (0, 1) d) (1, –1)

9. If p and q are the roots of x2 + 2x + 1 = 0 then the values of p3 + q3 becomes
a) 2 b) –2 c) 4 d) – 4
10. If L + M + N = 0 and L, M, N are rationals the roots of the equation
(M+N–L)x2+(N+L–M)x+(L+M–N) = 0 are
a) real and irrational b) real and rational
c) imaginary and equal d) real and equal

2 2
11. If  and  are the roots of x2 = x + 1 then value of – is
 
a) 2 5 b) 5 c) 3 5 d) –2 5

p q
12. If p  q and p2 = 5p – 3 and q2 = 5q – 3 the equation having roots as and is
q p
a) x2 – 19x + 3 = 0 b) 3x2 – 19x – 3 = 0
c) 3x2 – 19x + 3 = 0 d) 3x2 + 19x + 3 = 0
13. If one root of 5x2 + 13x + p = 0 be reciprocal of the other then the value of p is
a) –5 b) 5 c) 1/5 d) –1/5

Choose the most appropriate option (a) (b) (c) or (d).

1. A solution of the quadratic equation (a+b–2c)x2 + (2a–b–c)x + (c+a–2b) = 0 is

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2.22 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

a) x = 1 b) x = –1 c) x = 2 d) x = – 2
2. If the root of the equation x –8x+m = 0 exceeds the other by 4 then the value of m is
2

a) m = 10 b) m = 11 c) m = 9 d) m = 12
3. The values of x in the equation
7(x+2p)2 + 5p2 = 35xp + 117p2 are
a) (4p, –3p) b) (4p, 3p) c) (–4p, 3p) d) (–4p, –3p)
6x 6(x +1)
4. The solutions of the equation + =13 are
x+1 x
a) (2, 3) b) (3, –2) c) (–2, –3) d) (2, –3)
5. The satisfying values of x for the equation
1 1 1 1
= + + are
x+p+q x p q

a) (p, q) b) ( –p, –q) c) (p, –p) d) ( –p, q)

6. The values of x for the equation x2 + 9x + 18 = 6 – 4x are
a) (1, 12) b) (–1, –12) c) (1, –12) d) (–1, 12)
7. The values of x satisfying the equation

(2x 2 +5x -2)- (2x 2 +5x -9) = 1 are

a) (2, –9/2) b) (4, –9) c) (2, 9/2) d) (–2, 9/2)
8. The solution of the equation 3x2–17x + 24 = 0 are
2 2 2
a) (2, 3) b) (2, 3 ) c) (3, 2 ) d) (3, )
3 3 3
3(3x 2 +15) 2x 2 +96
9. The equation + 2x2 + 9 = +6
6 7
has got the solution as
a) (1, 1) b) (1/2, –1) c) (1, –1) d) (2, –1)

lm 2 l m
10. The equation x  x  m  0has got two values of x to satisfy the equation
2 2
given as

2m m 2l 1
a) 1, b) 1, c) 1, d) 1,
lm lm lm lm

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 EQUATIONS 2.23

1. Difference between a number and its positive square root is 12; find the numbers?
Solution: Let the number be x.
Then x  x  12 …………… (i)
( x ) 2 – x –12 = 0. Taking y = x , y2 – y – 12 = 0

or (y – 4) (y + 3) = 0  Either y = 4 or y = – 3 i.e. Either x=4 or x=–3

If x = – 3 x = 9 if does not satisfy equation (i) so x =4 or x=16.
2. A piece of iron rod costs ` 60. If the rod was 2 metre shorter and each metre costs
` 1.00 more, the cost would remain unchanged. What is the length of the rod?
60
Solution: Let the length of the rod be x metres. The rate per meter is ` .
x
60
New Length = (x – 2); as the cost remain the same the new rate per meter is
x -2
60 60
As given = +1
x -2 x
60 60
or – =1
x -2 x
120
or
x (x -2) = 1
or x2 – 2x = 120
or x2 – 2x – 120 = 0 or (x – 12) (x + 10) = 0.
Either x = 12 or x = –10 (not possible)
 Hence the required length = 12m.
3. Divide 25 into two parts so that sum of their reciprocals is 1/6.
Solution: let the parts be x and 25 – x
1 1 1
By the question + =
x 25-x 6
25-x+x 1
or =
x(25-x ) 6
or 150 = 25x – x2

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2.24 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

or x2–25x+150 = 0
or x2–15x–10x+150 = 0
or x(x–15) – 10(x–15) = 0
or (x–15) (x–10) = 0
or x = 10, 15
So the parts of 25 are 10 and 15.

Choose the most appropriate option (a) (b) (c) or (d).

1. Te sum of two numbers is 8 and the sum of their squares is 34. Taking one number as x
form an equation in x and hence find the numbers. The numbers are
a) (7, 10) b) (4, 4) c) (3, 5) d) (2, 6)
2. The difference of two positive integers is 3 and the sum of their squares is 89. Taking the
smaller integer as x form a quadratic equation and solve it to find the integers. The integers
are.
a) (7, 4) b) (5, 8) c) (3, 6) d) (2, 5)
3. Five times of a positive whole number is 3 less than twice the square of the number. The
number is
a) 3 b) 4 c) –3 d) 2
4. The area of a rectangular field is 2000 sq.m and its perimeter is 180m. Form a quadratic
equation by taking the length of the field as x and solve it to find the length and breadth of
the field. The length and breadth are
a) (205m, 80m) b) (50m, 40m) c) (60m, 50m) d) none
5. Two squares have sides p cm and (p + 5) cms. The sum of their squares is 625 sq. cm. The
sides of the squares are
a) (10 cm, 30 cm) b) (12 cm, 25 cm)
c) 15 cm, 20 cm) d) none of these
6. Divide 50 into two parts such that the sum of their reciprocals is 1/12. The numbers are
a) (24, 26) b) (28, 22) c) (27, 23) d) (20, 30)
7. There are two consecutive numbers such that the difference of their reciprocals is 1/240.
The numbers are
a) (15, 16) b) (17, 18) c) (13, 14) d) (12, 13)
8. The hypotenuse of a right–angled triangle is 20cm. The difference between its other two
sides be 4cm. The sides are
a) (11cm, 15cm) b) (12cm, 16cm) c) (20cm, 24cm) d) none of these

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 EQUATIONS 2.25

9. The sum of two numbers is 45 and the mean proportional between them is 18. The numbers
are
a) (15, 30) b) (32, 13) c) (36, 9) d) (25, 20)
10. The sides of an equilateral triangle are shortened by 12 units 13 units and 14 units
respectively and a right angle triangle is formed. The side of the equilateral triangle is
a) 17 units b) 16 units c) 15 units d) 18 units
11. A distributor of apple Juice has 5000 bottle in the store that it wishes to distribute in a
month. From experience it is known that demand D (in number of bottles) is given by
D = –2000p2 + 2000p + 17000. The price per bottle that will result zero inventory is
a) ` 3 b) ` 5 c) ` 2 d) none of these.
12. The sum of two irrational numbers multiplied by the larger one is 70 and their difference
is multiplied by the smaller one is 12; the two numbers are
a) 3 2 , 2 3 (b) 5 2 , 3 5 (c) 2 2 , 5 2 d) none of these.

On trial basis putting if some value of x stratifies the equation then we get a factor. This is
a trial and error method. With this factor to factorise the LHS and then other get values of x.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. Solve x3 – 7x + 6 = 0
Putting x = 1 L.H.S is Zero. So (x–1) is a factor of x3 – 7x + 6
We write x3–7x +6 = 0 in such a way that (x–1) becomes its factor. This can be achieved by
writing the equation in the following form.
or x3–x2+x2–x–6x+6 = 0
or x2(x–1) + x(x–1) – 6(x–1) = 0
or (x–1)(x2+x–6) = 0
or (x–1)(x2+3x–2x–6) = 0
or (x–1){ x(x+3) – 2(x+3) } = 0
or (x–1)(x–2)(x+3) = 0
 or x = 1, 2, –3
2. Solve for real x: x3 + x + 2 = 0
SOLUTION: By trial we find that x = –1 makes the LHS zero. So (x + 1) is a factor
of x3 + x + 2
We write x3 + x + 2 = 0 as x3 + x2 – x2 – x + 2x + 2 = 0
or x2(x + 1) – x(x + 1) + 2(x + 1) = 0

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2.26 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

or (x + 1) (x2 – x + 2) = 0.
Either x + 1 = 0; x = -1
or x2 – x + 2 = 0 i.e. x = –1
1± 1-8 1± -7
i.e. x = =
2 2

1± -7
As x = is not real, x = –1 is the required solution.
2

Choose the most appropriate option (a), (b), (c) or (d)

1. The solution of the cubic equation x3–6x2+11x–6 = 0 is given by the triplet :
a) (–1, 1 –2) b) (1, 2, 3) c) (–2, 2, 3) d) (0, 4, –5)
2. The cubic equation x + 2x – x – 2 = 0 has 3 roots namely.
3 2

a) (1, –1, 2) b) (–1, 1, –2) c) (–1, 2, –2) d) (1, 2, 2)

3. x, x – 4, x + 5 are the factors of the left–hand side of the equation.
a) x3 + 2x2 – x – 2 = 0 b) x3 + x2 – 20x = 0
c) x3 – 3x2 – 4x + 12 = 0 d) x3 – 6x2 + 11x – 6 = 0
4. The equation 3x3 + 5x2 = 3x + 5 has got 3 roots and hence the factors of the left–hand side
of the equation 3x3 + 5x2 – 3x – 5 = 0 are
a) x – 1, x – 2, x – 5/3 b) x – 1, x +1, 3x + 5 c) x + 1, x – 1, 3x - 5 d) x – 1, x + 1, x – 2
5. The roots of the equation x3 + 7x2 – 21x – 27 = 0 are
a) (– 3, – 9, – 1) b) (3, – 9, – 1) c) (3, 9, 1) d) (– 3, 9, 1)
6. The roots of x + x – x – 1 = 0 are
3 2

a) (– 1, – 1, 1) b) (1, 1, – 1) c) (– 1, – 1, – 1) d) (1, 1, 1)
7. The satisfying value of x3 + x2 – 20x = 0 are
a) (1, 4, – 5) b) (2, 4, – 5) c) (0, – 4, 5) d) (0, 4, – 5)
8. The roots of the cubic equation x3 – 6x2 + 9x – 4 = 0 are
a) (4, 1, –1) b) (–4, –1, –1) c) (–4, –1, 1) d) (1, 1, 4)
9. If 4x3 +8x2–x–2=0 then value of (2x+3) is given by
a) 4, –1, 2 b) –4, 2, 1 c) 2, –4, –1 d) none of these.
10. The rational root of the equation 2x – x – 4x + 2 = 0 is
3 2

1 1
a) b) – c) 2 d) – 2.
2 2

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 EQUATIONS 2.27

 A simple equation in one unknown x is in the form ax + b = 0.

Where a, b are known constants and a  0
 The general form of a linear equations in two unknowns x and y is ax + by + c = 0 where
a, b are non-zero coefficients and c is a constant. Two such equations a 1x + b1y + c1 = 0
and a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0 form a pair of simultaneous equations in x and y. A value for each
unknown which satisfies simultaneously both the equations will give the roots of the
equations.
 Elimination Method: In this method two given linear equations are reduced to a linear
equation in one unknown by eliminating one of the unknowns and then solving for the
other unknown.
 Cross Multiplication Method: Let two equations be:
a1 x + b 1 y + c 1 = 0
a2 x + b 2 y + c 2 = 0

b 1c 2 - b 2 c 1 c 1a 2 - c 2 a 1
x= y= .
a1b 2 - a 2 b1 a 1 b 2 - a 2 b1

 An equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 where x is a variable and a, b, c are constants

with a ¹ 0 is called a quadratic equation or equation of the second degree.
When b=0 the equation is called a pure quadratic equation; when b = 0 the equation is
called an affected quadratic.
 The roots of a quadratic equation:

-b± b2 -4ac
=
2a
 The Sum and Product of the Roots of quadratic equation

b coefficient of x
sum of roots = – =–
a coeffient of x 2

c constant term
product of the roots = =
a coefficient of x 2

 To construct a quadratic equation for the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 we have

x2 – (Sum of the roots) x + Product of the roots = 0
 Nature of the roots

-b± b 2 -4ac
x=
2a

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2.28 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

i) If b2–4ac = 0 the roots are real and equal;

ii) If b2–4ac >0 then the roots are real and unequal (or distinct);
iii) If b2–4ac <0 then the roots are imaginary;
iv) If b2–4ac is a perfect square (  0) the roots are real, rational and unequal (distinct);
v) If b2–4ac >0 but not a perfect square the rots are real, irrational and unequal.
Since b2 – 4ac discriminates the roots b2 – 4ac is called the discriminant in the equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0 as it actually discriminates between the roots.

Exercise (A)
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (d)
9. (c)
Exercise (B)
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (d)
9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (a)
Exercise (C)
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c)
9. (b) 10. (d)
Exercise (D)
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (c)
9. (b) 10. (d)
Exercise (E)
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (a)
9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (a)
Exercise (F)
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (b)
9. (b) 10. (b) 11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (b)
Exercise (G)
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (c)
9. (c) 10. (a)

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 EQUATIONS 2.29

Exercise (H)
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (b)
9. (c) 10. (a) 11. (a) 12. (c)
Exercise (I)
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (d)
9. (a) 10. (a)

1. Solving equation x 2 - a+b x + ab = 0 are, value(s) of x

(a) a, b (b) a (c) b (d) None

2. Solving equation x 2 - 24x + 135 = 0 are, value(s) of x
(a) 9, 6 (b) 9, 15 (c) 15, 6 (d) None

x b a b
3. If + = + the roots of the equation are
b x b a
(a) a, b 2 / a (b) a2 , b/a2 (c) a2 , b2 /a (d) a, b2

6x+2 2x 2 -1 10x -1
4. Solving equation + 2
= we get roots as
4 2x +2 4x
(a) ±1 (b) +1 (c) -1 (d) 0
5. Solving equation 3x 2 - 14x + 16 = 0 we get roots as

8
(a) ±1 (b) 2 and (c) 0 (d) None
3
6. Solving equation 3x 2 - 14x + 8 = 0 we get roots as

2
(a) ±4 (b) ±2 (c) 4, (d) None
3
7. Solving equation  b-c  x 2 +  c-a x +  a-b = 0 following roots are obtained
b-a b-c
(a) ,1 (b) a-ba-c  , 1 (c) ,1 (d) None
b-c a-b
x 1-x
8. Solving equation 7 +8 = 15 following roots are obtained
1-x x
64 1 1 1 49 1 1 64
(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) ,
113 2 50 65 50 65 50 65

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2.30 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

 x 1 x 
9. Solving equation 6  +  = 13 following roots are obtained
 1 x x 
4 9 -4 -9 4 5 6 7
(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) ,
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

10. Solving equation z 2 -6z + 9 = 4 z 2 -6z + 6 following roots are obtained

(a) 3 + 2 3, 3 - 2 3 (b) 5, 1 (c) all the above (d) None

x+ 12p-x p +1
11. Solving equation = following roots are obtained
x - 12p-x p -1

(a) 3p (b) both 3p and -4p (c) only -4p (d) -3p, 4p

12. Solving equation 1+x  + 1-x  = 4 1–x 2 

2/3 2/3 1/3
are, values of x

5 5 5 15
(a) (b) – (c) ± (d) ±
3 3 3 3 3
13. Solving equation  2x+1  2x+3   x -1  x -2  =150 the roots available are

1± 129 7 7
(a) (b) , –3 (c) – , 3 (d) None
4 2 2
14. Solving equation  2x+3   2x+5   x -1  x -2  = 30 the roots available are

1 11 9 1 -1± 105 1 11 9
(a) 0, ,- , (b) 0,- , (c) 0,- ,- ,- (d) None
2 4 4 2 4 2 4 4
6
15. Solving equation z+ z= the value of z works out to
25
1 2 1 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5 5 25 25
16. Solving equation z10 -33z 5 +32=0 the following values of z are obtained
(a) 1, 2 (b) 2, 3 (c) 2, 4 (d) 1, 2, 3
17. When 2z+1+ 3z+4 = 7 the value of z is given by

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

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 EQUATIONS 2.31

18. Solving equation x 2 -9x +18 + x 2 +2x -15 = x 2 -4x+3 following roots are obtained

2± 91 2± 94 8 8
(a) 3, (b) (c) 4, - (d) 3, 4 -
3 3 3 3

19. Solving equation y 2 +4y-21 + y 2 -y-6 = 6y 2 -5y-39 following roots are obtained
(a) 2, 3, 5/3 (b) 2, 3, -5/3 (c) -2, -3, 5/3 (d) -2, -3, -5/3

20. Solving equation 6x 4 +11x 3 -9x 2 -11x+6=0 following roots are obtained

1 -1± 37 1 -1± 37 1 5 -7
(a) ,-2, (b) - , 2 , (c) , -2 , , (d) None
2 6 2 6 2 6 6
x -bc x -ca x -ab
21. If + + =a+b+c the value of x is
d+c c+a a+b

(a) a 2 +b2 +c 2 (b) a a+b+c (c) a+b b+c (d) ab+bc+ca

x+2 x -2 x -1 x+3
22. If - = - then the values of x are
x -2 x +2 x +3 x -3
(a) 0,± 6 (b) 0,± 3 (c) 0,±2 3 (d) None

x–a x–b b a
23. If + = + then the values of x are
b a x –a x–b

a 2 +b2 a2 + b2 a 2 + b2
(a) 0, a+b , a-b (b) 0, a+b , (c) 0, a-b , (d)
a+b a+b a+b

x -a 2 -b2 c2
24. If + =2 the value of is
c2 x -a 2 -b2
1 1
(a) a 2 +b 2 +c 2 (b) -a 2 -b 2 -c 2 (c) (d) -
a +b2 +c 2
2
a +b2 +c 2
2

2
 1  1
25. Solving equation  x    6 x    12  0 we get roots as follows
 x  x
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) -1 (d) None
2
 1  1
26. Solving equation  x    10 x    24  0 we get roots as follows
 x  x

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) -1 (d) (2± 5 ), (3± 10 )

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2.32 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

2
 1  1 
27. Solving equation 2  x    5 x   2   18  0 we get roots as under
 x  x 
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) -1 (d) -2± 3

28. If   are the roots of equation x 2 -5x+6=0 and >  thenthe equation with roots ( + )
and ( - ) is
(a) x 2 -6x+5=0 (b) 2x 2 -6x +5=0 (c) 2x 2 -5x +6=0 (d) x 2 -5x+6=0

29. If   are the roots of equation x 2 -5x+6=0 and >  then the equation with roots (2 + )
and ( +  2) is
2 2 2
(a) x -9x+99=0 (b) x -18x+90=0 (c) x -18x+77=0 (d) None

30. If   are the roots of equation x 2 -5x+6=0 and >  then the equation with roots (++)
and (--) is
2 2 2
(a) x -12x+11=0 (b) 2x -6x+12=0 (c) x -12x+12=0 (d) None

31. The condition that one of ax 2 +bx+c=0 the roots of is twice the other is
(a) b2 =4ca (b) 2b2 =9 c+a (c) 2b2 =9ca (d) 2b 2 =9 c-a

2
32. The condition that one of ax +bx+c=0 the roots of is thrice the other is
2
(a) 3b =16ca (b) b2 =9ca (c) 3b 2 =-16ca (d) b 2 =-9ca
p b2
2
33. If the roots of ax +bx+c=0 are in the ratio
q then the value of (ca) is

(p + q)2 (p + q) (p - q)2 (p - q)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(pq) (pq) (pq) (pq)
34. Solving 6x+5y-16=0 and 3x -y-1=0 we get values of x and y as
(a) 1, 1 (b) 1, 2 (c) -1, 2 (d) 0, 2
35. Solving x 2 +y 2 -25=0 and x -y-1=0 we get the roots as under

(a) ±3 ±4 (b) ±2 ±3 (c) 0, 3, 4 (d) 0, -3, -4

x y 5
36. Solving + - =0 and x+y-5=0 we get the roots as under
y x 2

(a) 1, 4 (b) 1, 2 (c) 1, 3 (d) 1, 5

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 EQUATIONS 2.33

1 1 1 1
37. Solving 2
+ 2 -13=0 and + -5=0 we get the roots as under
x y x y
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) ,
8 5 2 3 13 5 4 5
38. Solving x 2 +xy-21=0 and xy-2y 2 +20=0 we get the roots as under

(a) ±1, ±2 (b) ±2, ±3 (c) ±3, ±4 (d) None

2 2 2
39. Solving x +xy+y =37 and 3xy+2y =68 we get the following roots

(a) ±3, ±4 (b) ±4, ±5 (c) ±2, ±3 (d) None

40. Solving 4 .2 =128 and 3
x y 3x +2y
=9 we get the following roots
xy

7 7
(a) , (b) 2, 3 (c) 1, 2 (d) 1, 3
4 2
41. Solving 9 x =3 y and 5 x +y+1 =25 xy we get the following roots
(a) 1, 2 (b) 0, 1 (c) 0, 3 (d) 1, 3

42. Solving 9x+3y-4z=3 , x+y-z=0 and 2x -5y-4z=-20 following roots are obtained
(a) 2, 3, 4 (b) 1, 3, 4 (c) 1, 2, 3 (d) None

43. Solving x+2y+2z=0 , 3x -4y+z=0 and x 2 +3y 2 +z 2 =11 following roots are obtained
(a) 2, 1, -2 and -2, -1, 2 (b) 2, 1, 2 and -2, -1, -2
(c) only 2, 1, -2 (d) only -2, -1, 2

44. Solving x 3 -6x 2 +11x -6=0 we get the following roots

(a) -1, -2, 3 (b) 1, 2, -3 (c) 1, 2, 3 (d) -1, -2, -3

45. Solving x 3 +9x 2 -x -9=0 we get the following roots

(a) ±1, -9 (b) ±1, ±9 (c) ±1, 9 (d) None
46. It is being given that one of the roots is half the sum of the other two solving
x 3 -12x 2 +47x -60=0 we get the following roots:
(a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 3, 4, 5 (c) 2, 3, 4 (d) -3, -4, -5
47. Solve x 3 +3x 2 -x -3=0 given that the roots are in arithmetical progression
(a) -1, 1, 3 (b) 1, 2, 3 (c) -3, -1, 1 (d) -3, -2, -1
48. Solve x 3 -7x 2 +14x -8=0 given that the roots are in geometrical progression
(a) ½, 1, 2 (b) 1, 2, 4 (c) ½ , -1, 2 (d) -1, 2, -4

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2.34 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

49. Solve x 3 -6x 2 +5x +12=0 given that the product of the two roots is 12
(a) 1, 3, 4 (b) -1, 3, 4 (c) 1, 6, 2 (d) 1, -6, -2
50. Solve x 3 -5x 2 -2x +24=0 given that two of its roots being in the ratio of 3:4
(a) -2, 4, 3 (b) -1, 4, 3 (c) 2, 4, 3 (d) -2, -4, -3

1. (a) 18. (a) 35. (a)

2. (b) 19. (b) 36. (a)
3. (a) 20. (a) 37. (b)
4. (b) 21. (d) 38. (c)
5. (b) 22. (d) 39. (a)
6. (c) 23. (b) 40. (a), (b)
7. (a) 24. (a) 41. (a)
8. (a) 25. (b) 42. (c)
9. (a) 26. (d) 43. (a)
10. (c) 27. (d) 44. (c)
11. (a) 28. (a) 45. (a)
12. (c) 29. (c) 46. (b)
13. (a) 30. (a) 47. (c)
14. (b) 31. (c) 48. (b)
15. (c) 32. (a) 49. (b)
16. (a) 33. (a) 50. (a)
17. (d) 34. (b)

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