1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1A
Date :
Mark :
1.2 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Factor Method
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Key Concepts and Formulae

1. An equation in the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0 , where a, b and c are real numbers
and a ≠ 0, is a quadratic equation in one unknown x.
2. For any two real numbers a and b, if ab = 0, then a = 0 or b = 0.

Solve the following quadratic equations. (1 – 6)

1. (x − 1)(x − 2) = 0 3. (4x + 1)(x + 2) = 0

Solution Solution

(x − 1)(x − 2) = 0 (4x + 1)(x + 2) = 0

4x + 1 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
x − 1 = ( 0 ) or x − 2 = ( 0 )
1
x = − or x = −2
x = ( 1 ) or x = ( 2 ) 4

2. (x − 7)(x + 8) = 0
Solution

(x − 7)(x + 8) = 0 4. 5x(x + 9) = 0
x − 7 = 0 or x + 8 = 0 Solution
x = 7 or x = −8 5x (x + 9) = 0
x (x + 9) = 0
x = 0 or x + 9 = 0
x = 0 or x = −9

1
 Number and Algebra

3(x + 12)(x − 15) = 0 32y − 8y = 0

2
5. 8.

Solution Solution
3(x + 12)(x − 15) = 0 32y − 8y 2 = 0

(x + 12)(x − 15) = 0 8y (4 − y ) = 0

x + 12 = 0 or x − 15 = 0 y = 0 or 4 − y = 0

x = −12 or x = 15 y = 0 or y =4

4(3x − 1)(x + 9) = 0 x + 11x + 10 = 0

2
6. 9.

Solution Solution
4(3x − 1)(x + 9) = 0 x + 11x + 10 = 0
2

(3x − 1)(x + 9) = 0
[x + ( 10 )] [x + ( 1 )] = 0
3x − 1 = 0 or x + 9 = 0
x + ( 10 ) = 0 or x + ( 1 ) = 0
1
x = or x = −9
3 x = ( −10 ) or x = ( −1 )

Solve the following quadratic equations using 10. x 2 + 3 x − 10 = 0

the factor method. (7 – 12)
Solution
7. x 2 + 17 x = 0
x 2 + 3x − 10 = 0
Solution (x + 5)(x − 2) = 0

( x )(x + 17) = 0 x + 5 = 0 or x −2 = 0
x = −5 or x = 2
x = ( 0 ) or x + 17 = ( 0 )

x = ( 0 ) or x = ( −17 )

2
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

11. 4y + y − 3 = 0 12. 3y = 35y + 12

2 2

Solution Solution
4y2 + y − 3 = 0 3y2 = 35y + 12
(4y − 3)(y + 1) = 0 3y2 − 35y − 12 = 0

4y − 3 = 0 or y + 1 = 0 (3y + 1)(y − 12) = 0

3 3y + 1 = 0 or y − 12 = 0
y = or y = −1
4 1
y = − or y = 12
3

Form a quadratic equation in x with the given roots. (13 – 15)

13. 4, 5

Solution

Q x = ( 4 ) or x = ( 5 )
x − ( 4 ) = 0 or x − ( 5 ) = 0
∴ ( x − 4 )( x − 5 ) = 0
( x 2 − 9x + 20 ) = 0
∴ The required equation is ( x 2 − 9x + 20 = 0 ).

14. 9, −1

Solution
Q x = 9 or x = −1
x − 9 = 0 or x + 1 = 0
∴ (x − 9)(x + 1) = 0
x 2 − 8x − 9 = 0
∴ The required equation is x 2 − 8x − 9 = 0.

3
 Number and Algebra

3
15. 10, − 17. 5(3z + 1) = −4( z 2 + 1)
2

Solution Solution

3 5(3z + 1) = −4(z 2 + 1)
Q x = 10 or x = −
2 15z + 5 = −4z 2 − 4
3
x − 10 = 0 or x + = 0 4z 2 + 15z + 9 = 0
2
(4z + 3)(z + 3) = 0
∴ (x − 10) x +  = 0
3
2 4z + 3 = 0 or z + 3 = 0
17
x2 − x − 15 = 0 z = −
3
or z = −3
2 4
2x 2 − 17x − 30 = 0
∴ The required equation is
2x 2 − 17x − 30 = 0.

18. ( y − 4) + ( y − 4) − 30 = 0
2

Solve the following quadratic equations. Solution

(16 – 19)
(y − 4)2 + (y − 4) − 30 = 0
16. 5 z 2 − 4(2 z + 1) = 0 y 2 − 8y + 16 + y − 4 − 30 = 0
Solution y 2 − 7y − 18 = 0

5z 2 − 4(2z + 1) = 0 (y + 2)(y − 9) = 0
y + 2 = 0 or y −9 = 0
5z 2 − 8z − 4 = 0
y = −2 or y = 9
(5z + 2)(z − 2) = 0

5z + 2 = 0 or z −2 = 0 Alternative method:
(y − 4)2 + (y − 4) − 30 = 0
2
z = − or z = 2
5 Let x = y − 4.
x 2 + x − 30 = 0
(x + 6)(x − 5) = 0
x + 6 = 0 or x −5 = 0
x = −6 or x = 5
y − 4 = −6 or y −4 = 5
y = −2 or y = 9

4
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

19. ( 4 x + 5) 2 = ( 4 x + 5)( x − 2)

Solution
(4x + 5)2 = (4x + 5)(x − 2)
(4x + 5)2 − (4x + 5)(x − 2) = 0
(4x + 5)[(4x + 5) − (x − 2)] = 0
(4x + 5)[4x + 5 − x + 2] = 0
(4x + 5)(3x + 7) = 0
4x + 5 = 0 or 3x + 7 = 0
5 7
x = − or x = −
4 3

20. (a) Solve x − 4x − 12 = 0.

2

(b) Find a quadratic equation in x whose roots are half of the roots of x − 4x − 12 = 0.
2

Solution

(a) x 2 − 4x − 12 = 0
(x + 2)(x − 6) = 0
x + 2 = 0 or x −6 = 0
x = −2 or x = 6

2 6
(b) Half of the roots of the quadratic equation x2 − 4x − 12 = 0 are − = −1 and = 3.
2 2
∴ x = −1 or x = 3
x +1= 0 or x −3 = 0
∴ (x + 1)(x − 3) = 0
x 2 − 2x − 3 = 0
∴ The required equation is x2 − 2x − 3 = 0.

5
 Number and Algebra

21. (a) Solve x + 5x + 6 = 0.

2

(b) Find a quadratic equation in x whose roots are 2 and the sum of the roots of x + 5x + 6 = 0.
2

Solution

(a) x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0
(x + 2)(x + 3) = 0

x + 2 = 0 or x + 3 = 0
x = −2 or x = −3

(b) Sum of the roots of x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0 is (−2) + (−3) = −5.

∴ x = 2 or x = −5
x −2 = 0 or x + 5 = 0
∴ (x − 2)(x + 5) = 0
x 2 + 3x − 10 = 0
∴ The required equation is x 2 + 3x − 10 = 0.

22. If the roots of x 2 + bx − 1 = 0 have the same numerical value but different signs, find the
value of b.

Solution
Let a and −a be the roots of x2 + bx − 1 = 0.
x 2 + bx − 1 = (x − a)(x + a)
= x 2 − a2

∴ b = 0

6
1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1B NON-FOUNDATION
Date :
Mark :
1.3 Solving Quadratic Equations by Forming Perfect Squares
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Key Concepts and Formulae

For a quadratic equation in the form of ( x + m)2 = n , where m and n are real
numbers and n ≥ 0 , the roots are x = −m ± n .

2
Solve the following quadratic equations.  x − 8  = 81
3.
(Leave your answers in surd form if  5
necessary.)(1 – 4)
Solution
(x + 6) = 16
2
1.
2
 8
Solution x − = 81
 5
8
(x + 6) = 16
2
x − = ±9
5
x + 6 = ±( 4 ) 53 37
∴ x = or −
5 5
x = ( −2 ) or ( −10 )

(x − 5) = 9
2
2.

Solution 2
4 x +  = 49
3
4.
(x − 5)2 = 9  10 

x − 5 = ±3 Solution
∴ x = 8 or 2 2
 3
4 x + = 49
 10 
2
 3 49
x + =
 10  4
3 7
x + = ±
10 2
16 19
∴x = or −
5 5

7
 Number and Algebra

x − 9x + r
2
Given that the following expressions are perfect 7.
squares, find the value of r. Rewrite the
Solution
expressions in the form of (x ± m) . (5 – 8)
2

2
x + 4x + r
2  −9 
5. r =
 2
Solution 81
=
4 4
r = (
2
)
2 2
81  9
∴ x 2 − 9x + = x −
4  2
= ( 4 )

∴ x + 4x + (
2
4 )

= ( x + 2 )2

7
8. x2 + x+r
2
x − 10x + r
2
6. Solution
Solution 2
 7
r =
2  4
 −10 
r =
 2  49
=
16
= 25
2
7 49  7
∴ x2 − 10x + 25 = (x − 5)
2
∴ x2 + x + = x +
2 16  4

8
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

11. x − 11x + 18 = 0
2
Solve the following quadratic equations by
completing the square. (Leave your answers in
Solution
surd form if necessary.) (9 – 12)
9. x + 4x − 5 = 0
2 x 2 − 11x + 18 = 0
x 2 − 11x = −18
Solution
2 2
 11  11
x 2 − 11x + = −18 +
x + 4x − 5 = 0
2
 2  2

x + 4x = 5
2 2
 11 49
x − =
 2 4
4 4
x + 4x + ( ) = 5 + (
2 2 2
2
) 11 7
2
x − = ±
2 2
) = (
2
( x + 2 9 )
x = 9 or 2
x + ( 2 ) = ±( 3 )

x = ( 1 ) or ( −5 )

10. x + 8x − 20 = 0 12 . 6x + 5x + 1 = 0
2 2

Solution
Solution
x 2
+ 8x − 20 = 0 6x 2 + 5x + 1 = 0
x 2 + 8x = 20 5 1
x2 + x = −
2 2 6 6
 8  8
x 2 + 8x + = 20 + 2 2
 2  2 5  5 1  5
x2 + x + = − +
6  12  6  12 
(x + 4)2 = 36
2
x + 4 = ±6  5 1
x + =
 12  144
x = 2 or −10
5 1
x + = ±
12 12
1 1
x = − or −
2 3

9
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1C
Date :
Mark :
1.4A Quadratic Formula
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Key Concepts and Formulae

For a quadratic equation in the general form ax + bx + c = 0, where a, b and c
2

−b ± b 2 − 4ac
are real numbers and a ≠ 0, the roots are x = .
2a

Solve the following quadratic equations using the quadratic formula. (1 – 4)

x + 3x + 2 = 0
2
1.

Solution

−( 3 )± ( 3 ) 2 − 4( 1 )( 2 )
x =
2( 1 )

( −3 )± ( 1 )
=
( 2 )

( −3 )±( 1 )
=
( 2 )

= ( −1 ) or ( −2 )

x − x − 56 = 0
2
2.

Solution

−(−1) ± (−1) − 4(1)(−56)

2
x =
2(1)

1± 225
=
2
1 ± 15
=
2
= 8 or −7

10
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

x − 11x − 242 = 0
2
3. Solve the following quadratic equations using
the quadratic formula. (Leave your answers
Solution in surd form.) (5 – 7)
5x + 9x + 2 = 0
2
5.
−(−11) ± (−11) − 4(1)(−242)
2
x =
2(1) Solution
11 ± 1089
=
2 −9 ± 9 2 − 4(5)(2)
x =
11 ± 33 2(5)
=
2 −9 ± 41
=
= 22 or −11 10

6x − x − 40 = 0 13x − 4x − 1 = 0
2 2
4. 6.

Solution
Solution
−(−4) ± (−4)2 − 4(13)(−1)
−(−1) ± 2
(−1) − 4(6)(−40) x =
x = 2(13)
2(6)
4 ± 68
1± 961 =
= 26
12
4 ± 2 17
1 ± 31 =
= 26
12
2 ± 17
=
8
or −
5 =
3 2 13

11
 Number and Algebra

11x + 2x − 8 = 0 (x + 12)x = 23
2
7. 9.

Solution Solution
(x + 12)x = 23
−2 ± 2 2 − 4(11)(−8)
x = x 2 + 12x − 23 = 0
2(11)

−2 ± 356 −12 ± 12 2 − 4(1)( −23)

= x =
22 2(1)
−2 ± 2 89 x = 1.68 (cor. to 2 d.p.) or
=
22
= −13.68 (cor. to 2 d.p.)
−1 ± 89
=
11

Solve the following quadratic equations using

the quadratic formula. (Give your answers
correct to 2 decimal places.) (8 – 10)
2x − 10 = −7x 10. (x + 12)(x − 1) = x + 28
2
8.

Solution Solution
2x − 10 = −7x 2 (x + 12)(x − 1) = x + 28
7x 2
+ 2x − 10 = 0 x 2 + 10x − 40 = 0

−2 ± 2 2 − 4(7)(−10) −10 ± 10 2 − 4(1)( −40)

x = x =
2(7) 2(1)

x = 1.06 (cor. to 2 d.p.) or x = 3.06 (cor. to 2 d.p.) or

= −1.35 (cor. to 2 d.p.) = −13.06 (cor. to 2 d.p.)

12
1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1D
Date :
Mark :
1.4B Nature of Roots
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Key Concepts and Formulae

1. Discriminant ∆ = b − 4ac
2

2.
Discriminant
∆ > 0 ∆ = 0 ∆ < 0
∆ = b2 − 4ac

Nature of roots of 2 distinct 1 double

no real roots
ax2 + bx + c = 0 real roots real root

Find the discriminant for each of the following quadratic equations and determine the nature of the
roots. (1 – 6)

x + 2x − 3 = 0 6x + 8x − 21 = 0
2 2
1. 3.
Solution
Solution
∆ = ( ) − 4(
2
2 1 )( −3 )
∆ = 82 − 4(6)(−21)
= ( 16 ) = 568
Q ∆ = ( > / = / < )0 Q ∆ > 0

∴ The equation has ( ) ∴ The equation has two distinct real roots.
two distinct
real roots.

4x + 10x + 1 = 0
2
2. x − x + 10 = 0
2 4.

Solution Solution
∆ = (−1)2 − 4(1)(10) ∆ = 102 − 4(4)(1)
= −39 = 84
Q ∆ < 0 Q ∆ > 0
∴ The equation has no real roots. ∴ The equation has two distinct real roots.

13
 Number and Algebra

12x − 5x + 3 = 0 4x − 4x + 1 = 0
2 2
5. 6.

Solution Solution

∆ = (−5)2 − 4(12)(3) ∆ = (−4)2 − 4(4)(1)

= −119 = 0
Q ∆ < 0 Q ∆ = 0
∴ The equation has no real roots. ∴ The equation has a double real root.

For each of the following quadratic equations, find the value or the range of possible values of m
with the given nature of roots. (7 – 12)

x + 8x + 2m = 0 has two distinct real roots.

2
7.

Solution

Q The equation x + 8x + 2m = 0 has two distinct real roots.

2

∴ ∆ ( > / = / < )0
) − 4( ( > / = / < )0
2
( 8 1 )( 2m )
( 64 ) − ( 8 )m ( > / = / < )0
m( > / = / < )( 8 )
∴ The range of possible values of m is ( m < 8 ).

4x + 12x + 3m = 0 has a double real root.

2
8.

Solution
Q The equation 4x2 + 12x + 3m = 0 has a double real root.
∴ ∆ = 0
122 − 4(4)(3m) = 0
144 − 48m = 0
m = 3

14
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

mx − 4x + 16 = 0 has no real roots.

2
9.

Solution
Q The equation mx2 − 4x + 16 = 0 has no real roots.
∴ ∆ < 0
(−4)2 − 4(m)(16) < 0
16 − 64m < 0

m > 1
4
1
∴ The range of possible values of m is m > .
4

10. 25x + mx + 1 = 0 has a double real root.

2

Solution
Q The equation 25x2 + mx + 1 = 0 has a double real root.
∴ ∆ = 0
m2 − 4(25)(1) = 0
m2 − 100 = 0
m2 = 100
m = 10 or m = −10

11. 36x − 14x + m = 0 has real roots.

2

Solution
Q The equation 36x2 − 14x + m = 0 has real roots.
∴ ∆ ≥ 0
(−14)2 − 4(36)(m) ≥ 0
196 − 144m ≥ 0
49
m ≤
36
49
∴ The range of possible values of m is m ≤ .
36

15
 Number and Algebra

12. 2mx + 7x − 4 = 0 has no real roots.

2

Solution
Q The equation 2mx2 + 7x − 4 = 0 has no real roots.
∴ ∆ < 0
72 − 4(2m)(−4) < 0
49 + 32m < 0
49
m < −
32
49
∴ The range of possible values of m is m < − .
32

13. If the quadratic equation 16x + 7px + 49 = 0 has one double real root, find
2

(a) the values of p,

(b) the root of the equation for each value of p in (a).

Solution
(a) Q The equation 16x2 + 7px + 49 = 0 has one double real root.
∴ ∆ = 0
(7p)2 − 4(16)(49) = 0
49p2 − 3136 = 0
p2 = 64
∴ p = 8 or p = −8

(b) For p = 8, the equation becomes

16x2 + 56x + 49 = 0
(4x + 7)2 = 0
7
∴ x = −
4

For p = −8, the equation becomes

16x2 − 56x + 49 = 0
(4x − 7)2 = 0
7
∴ x =
4

16
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

14. It is given that 10x − 2x + p = 0 has real roots.

2

(a) Find the range of possible values of p.

(b) From the result obtained in (a), determine whether the following equations have real
roots.
10x − 2x + 1 = 0
2
(i)
(ii) 5x − x − 1 = 0
2

Solution
(a) Q The equation 10x2 − 2x + p = 0 has real roots.
∴ ∆ ≥ 0
(−2)2 − 4(10)(p) ≥ 0
4 − 40p ≥ 0
1
p ≤
10

(b) (i) p = 1
1
>
10
∴ The equation 10x2 − 2x + 1 = 0 has no real roots.

(ii) Multiplying both sides of the equation 5x2 − x − 1 = 0 by 2, we have

10x2 − 2x − 2 = 0
p = −2
1
≤
10
∴ The equation 5x2 − x − 1 = 0 has real roots.

17
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1E
Date :
Mark :
1.5 Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Graphical Method
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Key Concepts and Formulae

1. Plot the graph of y = ax + bx + c.
2
y

The x-intercepts of the quadratic graph

are the roots of the equation
y = ax 2 + bx + c
ax + bx + c = 0. However, the
2

values of x-intercepts read from the

(m, 0) (n, 0)
graph are approximations only. x
0

x − intercept x − intercept

2.
∆ = b2 − 4ac ∆ > 0 ∆ = 0 ∆ < 0

y y y

No. of x-intercepts x
0
of the graph of x x
0 0
y = ax + bx + c
2

Two x-intercepts Only one No x-intercept

x-intercept

18
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

The figure shows the graph of y = x − 3x − 4.

2
1. y

(a) How many real roots does the equation y = x 2 − 3x − 4

x − 3x − 4 = 0 have?
2

(b) Solve the equation x − 3x − 4 = 0 graphically.

2
x
−1 0 4
Solution

(a) The graph of y = x − 3x − 4 has (

2
two ) x-intercepts.

Therefore, the quadratic equation x 2 − 3 x − 4 = 0

has ( two ) real roots.

(b) The x-intercepts of y = x − 3x − 4 are (

2
−1 ) and ( 4 ).

Therefore, the roots of the equation are ( −1 ) and ( 4 ).

The figure shows the graph of y = x − 7x + 10.

2 y
2.
(a) How many real roots does the equation y = x 2 − 7x + 10
x − 7x + 10 = 0 have?
2

(b) Solve the equation x − 7x + 10 = 0 graphically.

2

Solution
x
0 2 5
(a) The graph of y = x2 − 7x + 10 has two x-intercepts.
Therefore, the quadratic equation x2 − 7x + 10 = 0
has two real roots.

(b) The x-intercepts of y = x2 − 7x + 10 are 2 and 5.

Therefore, the roots of the equation x2 − 7x + 10 = 0 are 2 and 5.

19
 Number and Algebra

The figure shows the graph of y = x + 8x + 16.

2
3. y

(a) How many real roots does the equation y = x 2 + 8x + 16

x + 8x + 16 = 0 have?
2

(b) Solve the equation x + 8x + 16 = 0 graphically.

2

Solution

(a) The graph of y = x2 + 8x + 16 has one x-intercept. x

−4 0
Therefore, the quadratic equation x2 + 8x + 16 = 0 has
a double real root.

(b) The x-intercept of y = x2 + 8x + 16 is −4.

Therefore, the root of the equation x2 + 8x + 16 = 0 is −4.

(a) Given that y = x + 5x + 6, complete the table for the corresonding values of y.
2
4.

x −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0

(b) Plot the graph of y = x + 5x + 6 from x = −5 to x = 0.

2

(c) Hence, solve the equation x + 5x + 6 = 0 graphically.

2

Solution

(a)
x −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0

y 6 2 0 0 2 6

20
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

(b) y

y = x 2 + 5x + 6
5

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0

(c) The x-intercepts of y = x + 5x + 6 are (

2
−2 ) and ( −3 ).

Therefore, the roots of the equation x + 5x + 6 = 0 are (

2
−2 ) and ( −3 ).

(a) Plot the graph of y = x − x − 12 from x = −4 to x = 5.

2
5.
[Suggestion: Scale for x-axis is 10 divisions (1 cm) = 1 unit;
scale for y-axis is 10 divisions (1 cm) = 2 units]
(b) Hence, solve the equation x − x − 12 = 0 graphically.
2

Solution

(a)
x −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5

y 8 0 −6 −10 −12 −12 −10 −6 0 8

21
 Number and Algebra

y = x 2 − x − 12
6

x
−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5

−2

−4

−6

−8

−10

−12

(b) The x-intercepts of y = x2 − x − 12 are −3 and 4.

Therefore, the roots of the equation x2 − x − 12 = 0 are −3 and 4.

22
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

(a) Plot the graph of y = −x + 2x + 6 from x = −3 to x = 5.

2
6.
[Suggestion: Scale for x-axis is 10 divisions (1 cm) = 1 unit;
scale for y-axis is 10 divisions (1 cm) = 2 units]
(b) Hence, solve the equation x − 6 = 2x graphically.
2

Solution

(a)
x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5

y −9 −2 3 6 7 6 3 −2 −9

6
y = − x 2 + 2x + 6

x
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5

−2

−4

−6

−8

(b) x2 − 6 = 2x
−x 2 + 2 x + 6 = 0
The x-intercepts of y = −x2 + 2x + 6 are −1.6 and 3.6.
Therefore, the roots of the equation x2 − 6 = 2x are −1.6 and 3.6.

23
 Number and Algebra

The graph of y = 6x + 5x + q does not intersect the x-axis. Find the range of possible values
2
7.
of q.

Solution
The graph of y = 6x2 + 5x + q does not intersect the x-axis.
Therefore, ∆ < 0
i.e. 52 − 4(6)(q) < 0
25 − 24q < 0
25
q >
24
25
∴ The range of possible values of q is q > .
24

The graph of y = x − 12x + p intersects the x-axis.

2
8.
(a) Find the range of possible values of p.
(b) If p takes the maximum integral value of p in (a),
plot the graph of y = x − 12x + p for x = 3 to x = 9.
2
(i)
[Suggestion: Scale for x-axis is 10 divisions (1 cm) = 1 unit;
scale for y-axis is 10 divisions (1 cm) = 1 unit]
(ii) Hence, solve the equation x − 12x + p = 0 graphically.
2

Solution

(a) The graph of y = x − 12x + p intersects the x-axis.

2

Therefore, ∆ ( ≥ ) 0
(−12)2 − 4(1)(p) ≥ 0
144 − 4p ≥ 0
p ≤ 36

∴ The range of possible values of p is ( p ≤ 36 ).

24
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

(b) (i) The maximum intergral value of p = ( 36 )

x 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

y 9 4 1 0 1 4 9

y = x 2 − 12x + 36
8

x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

(ii) From the graph in (b) (i), x2 − 12x + 36 = 0 has a double root of 6.

25
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1F
Date :
Mark :
1.6 Problems Leading to Quadratic Equations
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Key Concepts and Formulae

Guidelines in solving problems leading to quadratic equations:
1. Read the problem carefully and use a letter to represent the unknown.
2. Form a quadratic equation based on the conditions given in the problem.
3. Solve the equation using an appropriate method.
4. Check whether the solutions are reasonable.

1. The square of the difference between a number and 2 is equal to the number itself. Find the
this number.

Solution

Let x be the number.

x − 2 ) = x
2
(

x 2 − 4x + 4 = x
x 2 − 5x + 4 = 0
(x − 1)(x − 4) = 0
x − 1 = 0 or x − 4 = 0
x = 1 or x = 4

∴ The number is ( 1 ) or ( 4 ).

26
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

2. Consider two positive odd numbers. Twice the product of the two numbers is larger than the
sum of the two numbers by 2. Find the smaller number.
Solution

Let x be the smaller number.

2x(x + 2) = x + (x + 2) + 2
2x2 + 4x = 2x + 4
2 x2 + 2 x − 4 = 0
x2 + x − 2 = 0
(x − 1)(x + 2) = 0
x = 1 or x = −2 (rejected)
∴ The smaller number is 1.

3. The length of AB and AC of a right-angled triangle are (x + 1) cm and C

(3x + 2) cm respectively. If the area of the triangle is 26 cm , find AC.

2

Solution
(3x + 2) cm
Q The area of the triangle is 26 cm2.
( x + 1)(3 x + 2)
∴ = 26
2 A B
(x + 1) cm
3x 2
+ 5x + 2 = 52
3x 2 + 5x − 50 = 0
(3x − 10)(x + 5) = 0

10
x = or x = −5 (rejected)
3
  10  
∴ AC = 3  + 2 cm
 3 

= 12 cm

27
 Number and Algebra

4. The length of a rectangular garden is 4 m longer than its width. If the numerical value of the
product of the length and the width is greater than half the numerical value of the perimeter of the
garden by 44. Find the length and the width of the garden.

Solution

Let x m be the width of the garden,

then (x + 4) m is the length of the garden.
2( x + ( x + 4))
∴ x (x + 4) = + 44
2
x 2 + 4x = 2x + 48
x 2 + 2x − 48 = 0
(x − 6)(x + 8) = 0

x = 6 or x = −8 (rejected)
∴ The width and the length of the garden are 6 m and (6 + 4) m = 10 m.

5. A copper wire is cut into three portions. The three portions are bent to form squares A, B and C.
The lengths of sides of squares B and C are longer than that of square A by 6 cm and 12 cm
2
respectively. If twice the area of square A is smaller than the area of square B by 8 cm , find the
length of the copper wire.

Solution

Let x cm be the length of a side of square A, then (x + 6) cm and (x + 12) cm are the lengths of
sides of squares B and C respectively.
2x2 = (x + 6)2 − 8
2x2 = x2 + 12x + 28
x2 − 12x − 28 = 0
(x − 14)(x + 2) = 0
x = 14 or x = −2 (rejected)
∴ The length of the copper wire
= 4[x + (x + 6) + (x + 12)] cm
= 4[14 + (14 + 6) + (14 + 12)] cm
= 240 cm

28
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

6. Two cars X and Y are 500 km and 300 km away from city A. They start travelling to city A at the
same time with constant speeds below 100 km/h. If car X reaches city A half an hour later than
car Y and the speed of car Y is 15 km/h less than car X, find the speeds of the two cars.

Solution

Let x km/h be the speed of car Y, then (x + 15) km/h is the speed of car X.
500 300 1
∴ = +
x + 15 x 2
500 600 + x
=
x + 15 2x
1000x = x 2
+ 615x + 9000
x 2 − 385x + 9000 = 0
(x − 25)(x − 360) = 0
x = 25 or x = 360 (rejected)
∴ The speed of car X is (25 + 15) km/h = 40 km/h and the speed of car Y is 25 km/h.

7. A shopkeeper brought a certain number of packets of sweets for $600. He sold them at
$12/packet and the profit is less than the cost of 40 packets of sweets by $20. Find the cost of
each packet of sweets.

Solution

Let $ x be the cost of each packet of sweets.

600
(12) − 600 = 40x − 20
x
7200 − 600x
= 40x − 20
x
7200 − 600x = 40x 2 − 20x
40x 2 + 580x − 7200 = 0
2x 2 + 29x − 360 = 0
(x − 8)(2x + 45) = 0
45
x = 8 or x = − (rejected)
2
∴ The cost of each packet of sweets is $8.

29
 Number and Algebra

8. A farmer plans to sell a certain number of eggs for $180. However, 20 eggs are broken. The
farmer wants to earn the same amount of money when he sells all the eggs, so he increases the
price of each egg by $0.1. Find the original number of eggs.

Solution

Let x be the original number of eggs.

(x − 20) 
180
+ 0.1 = 180
x
(x − 20)(180 + 0.1x ) = 180x
0.1x 2 − 2x − 3600 = 0
x 2 − 20x − 36 000 = 0
(x − 200)(x + 180) = 0

x = 200 or x = −180 (rejected)

∴ The original number of eggs is 200.

9. In the figure, ABCD is a rectangle of width 6 cm and length (x + 2) cm X D

A
10 cm. X and Y are two points on AD and CD respectively x cm

such that AX = (x + 2) cm and DY = x cm. If the area Y

2 6 cm
of the shaded region is 22 cm , find x.
Solution
B 10 cm C
Q The area of the shaded region is 22 cm2.
6( x + 2) x [10 − ( x + 2)] 10(6 − x )
∴ 6(10) − − − = 22
2 2 2
x 2 − 4x + 48 = 44
x 2 − 4x + 4 = 0
(x − 2)2 = 0
x = 2

30
1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

Name :
1G
Date :
Mark :
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is the value of a if the quadratic 6. Solve the quadratic equation
equation 7 x = 8 − 3 x 2 is written in the x 2 − x − 42 = 0 .
general form ax 2 + bx + c = 0 ?
A. x = 6 or 7
A. −3 B. 3 B. x = −6 or −7
C. 7 D. 8 B C. x = −6 or 7

2. What is the discriminant of the quadratic D. x = 6 or −7 C

equation x 2 + 12 x + 10 = 0 ?
7. Solve the quadratic equation
A. 104 B. 184 x 2 + 9x + 8 = 0 .
C. 134 D. 12 A A. x = 1 or 8

3. How many roots does the quadratic B. x = −1 or −8

equation x 2 + 6 x − 36 = 0 have? C. x = −1 or 8

A. 1 B. 0 D. x = 1 or −8 B

C. 2 D. 3 C 8. Which of the following expressions is a

perfect square?
4. Which of the following is the general
form of the quadratic equation A. 9x 2 + 1 + 9x
2( x 2 + x) = 15 x + 3 ? B. 25 + 5 x + x 2
A. 2( x 2 + x) = 3(5 x + 1) C. 36 x 2 − 12 x + 1
B. 2 x 2 − 13 x − 3 = 0 D. 4 + 4x 2 − x C
C. 2 x 2 − 13 x + 3 = 0
9. If ( x + 2) 2 = 9( x − 5) 2 , then x =
D. 2 x + 3 + 13 x = 0
2
B
A. −2 or 5.
5. Which of the following quadratic equation 13 17
B. or .
have roots −5 and 3? 4 2
A. x 2 + 8 x − 15 = 0 C.
43
or
47
.
10 8
B. x 2 − 2 x − 15 = 0
C. x 2 − 2 x + 15 = 0 D. 13 B

D. x 2 + 2 x − 15 = 0 D

31
 Number and Algebra

10. If 6( x − 3) = ( x − 3)( x + 5) , then x = 15. If the quadratic equation

6 x 2 + 14 x + ( k + 1) = 0 has two
A. 3 or 1. B. 3 or −5.
distinct real roots, find the range of
C. −3 or 5. D. 6 or 1. A possible values of k.

11. If ( x − 20) + 1 = 25 , then x =

100 43 43
A. k > B. k ≥
 x  6 6
A. 80.
43 43
B. 25. C. k = D. k < D
6 6
C. −25 or 80.
16. If 0 is one of the roots of the quadratic
D. 25 or −80. D
equation ax 2 + 3a 2 x − 2a 2 + a + 1 = 0
12. Which of the following quadratic in x, then a =
equations has a double root 3 2 ? A. 1 or 2.
A. x 2 − 6 2 x + 18 = 0 B. −2 or −1.
B. x + 6 2 x + 18 = 0
2
C. −
1
or 2.
2
C. x 2 + 18 = 0
1
D. x 2 − 18 = 0 A D. 1 or − . D
2
13. Which of the following quadratic
17. If 4 is one of the roots of the quadratic
equations have no real roots?
equation 2x − 13x + b = 0, find the
2

I. 2 x 2 − 3x + 2 = 0 other root of the equation.

II. 5 x 2 + 10 x + 6 = 0 3 1
A. B.
III. x + x + 2 = 0
2
2 2
A. I and II only 5 11
C. D. C
2 2
B. I and III only
C. II and III only 18. If the quadratic equation
4x − gx + 15 = 0 has two distinct real roots,
2

D. I, II and III D
which of the following are the possible
14. If the quadratic equation values of g?
px 2 − 4 x + 1 = 0 has a double real I. −16
root, then p =
II. 14
A. 1. III. 18
B. 2. A. I and II only
C. 4. B. I and III only
D. 8. C C. II and III only
D. I, II and III B

32
 1 Quadratic Equations in One Unknown

19. Which of the following correctly B. y

represents the graph of y = 4 x 2 − 5 x + 1?
x
A. y
0

x C. y
0

x
0
y
B.

x
0 D. y

x
y 0
C.

D
x
0 21. Which of the following equations may
represent the graph as shown below?
y y
D.

x
−1 0 2
x
0 B

20. Which of the following correctly A. y = x2 − x + 2

represents the graph of B. y = x2 − x − 2
y = − x 2 + 2 x − 1?
C. y = − x2 + x − 2
A. y
D. y = − x2 − x − 2 B
x
0

33
 Number and Algebra

22. The graph of y = 4 x 2 − 7 x + s cuts the 25. The area of the following trapezium is
2
x-axis at points P and Q as shown. If one 37.5 cm , find x.
of the roots of 4 x 2 − 7 x + s = 0 is 2, (x + 3) cm
find the x-coordinate of point P.
y y = 4x 2 − 7x + s (2x − 1) cm

(4x − 3) cm
A. 2
x B. 3
P 0 Q
C. 4
D. 5 B
1
A. −
4 26. Country A and Country B are 8400 km
apart. An aeroplane flies from Country A
B. −2
to Country B with a constant speed. If the
C. −4 speed of the aeroplane is decreased by
3
D. − A 100 km/h, the flight takes 2 hours longer.
4 Find the original speed of the aeroplane.
23. Find the value of x in the figure. A. 400 km/h
B. 500 km/h
C. 600 km/h
(2x − 2) cm 8 cm
D. 700 km/h D

x cm

A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6 D

24. The product of two consecutive positive

numbers is greater than their sum by 19,
find the two numbers.
A. 2 and 3
B. 3 and 4
C. 4 and 5
D. 5 and 6 D

34