GURU’S FILE

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QUADRATIC EQUATIONS(I)

PETER OGALLO
 SECTION I QUESTIONS
1. Solve the equations. (4 marks)
x + y = 17
xy − 5x = 32
Solution

y 2 − 22 y + 117 = 0; sum= − 22, product =117 No (13 and -9 )

x + y = 17......(i)
x = 17 − y y 2 − 13y − 9 y + 117 = 0
xy − 5x = 32.....(ii) y ( y − 13) − 9 ( y − 13) = 0
y (17 − y ) − 5(17 − y ) = 32 ( y − 9)( y − 13) = 0
17 y − y 2 − 85 + 5y = 32 y = 9 or y = 13
− y 2 + 22 y − 95 − 32 = 0 When y = 9, x = 8
y 2 − 22 y + 117 = 0 y = 13, x = 4

1 2 3
2. Express in − = in the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0 where a,b and c are constants hence solve
x − 2 x + 5 x +1
x. (3 marks)
Solution

⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞ ⎧ ⎫
( x − 2) ( x + 5)( x + 1) × ⎜⎝ x −1 2 ⎟⎠ − ( x − 2) ( x + 5) ( x + 1) × ⎜⎝ x 2+ 5 ⎟⎠ = ( x − 2)( x + 5) ( x + 1) ⎨ x 3+ 1 ⎬
⎩ ⎭
( x + 5)( x + 1) − 2 {( x − 2)( x + 1)} = 3{( x − 25)( x + 5)}
{ } {
x 2 + 6x + 5 − 2 x 2 − x − 2 = 3 x 2 + 3x − 10 }
x 2 + 6x + 5 − 2x 2 + 2x + 4 = 3x 2 + 9x − 30
−x 2 + 8x + 9 = 3x 2 + 9x − 30
4x 2 + x − 39 = 0;sum =1,product = − 156
the numbers are 13 and − 12
4x 2 − 12x + 13x − 39 = 0
4x ( x − 3) + 13( x − 3) = 0
( 4x + 13)( x − 3) = 0
1
x = 3 or x = −3
4

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3. A rectangle whose length is 7 cm longer than its width has an area 120 cm 2 .
(a) Taking x to represent the length of the rectangle, form a quadratic equation in x for the
area of the rectangle. (1 mark)
Solution

A= L × W
x ( x − 7 ) = 120
x 2 − 7x − 120 = 0
(b) By factorizing solve the quadratic equation and hence state the dimensions of the
rectangle. (2 marks)
Solution
x 2 − 7x − 120 = 0;sum = −7, product = −120, No.− 15 and 8
x 2 − 15x + 8x − 120 = 0
x ( x − 15) + 8 ( x − 15) = 0
( x + 8)( x − 15) = 0
x = −8 or x = 15
Ignore since length cannot be negative.
⇒ length =15 cm and width =15 − 7 = 8 cm

1
4. The length of a rectangular mat is 1 m longer than its width. Find the length of the mat if its area is
2
1
4 m2 . (2 marks)
2
Solution

Let the width of the mat be x m

2x 2 + 3x − 9 = 0
⎛ 1⎞
and length be ⎜ x + 1 ⎟ m 2x 2 − 3x + 6x − 9 = 0 Length of the mat;
⎝ 2⎠
x ( 2x − 3) + 3( 2x − 3) = 0 ⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1 1⎞
1 ⎛ 1⎞ ⎜⎝ x + 1 2 ⎟⎠ m = ⎜⎝ 1 2 + 1 2 ⎟⎠ = 3 m
Area of the mat,4 = ⎜ x + 1 ⎟ x
2 ⎝ 2⎠ ( x + 3)( 2x − 3) = 0
9 = 2x 2 + 3x 3 1
x = −3 or x = =1
2 2

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5. The sum of two numbers is 24. The difference of their squares is 144. What are the two numbers?
(3 marks)
Solution
Let the number be x and y.
x + y = 24.....(i)
y=9
x 2 − y 2 = 144.....(ii)
x = 24 − y
From equation (i) x = 24 − y
= 24 − 9
( 24 − y )
2
− y 2 = 144
= 15
576 − 48y + y − y = 144
2 2
The two numbers are 9 and 15
−48y = 144 − 576
−48y = −432

6. Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the straight line x − y = 5 and the hyperbola xy = 9
(4 marks)
Solution
y 2 + 5y − 9 = 0
x − y = 5......(i) −5 ± 52 − ( 4 × 1× −9 )
y=
xy = 9.....(ii) 2 ×1 When y = 1⋅ 405, x = 6 ⋅ 405
From equation(i), x = y + 5 −5 ± 61 When y = −6 ⋅ 405, x = −1⋅ 405
=
Substituting in equation(ii), 2 Points of intersection are ;
y ( y + 5) = 9 =
−5 ± 7 ⋅810 (6 ⋅ 405,1⋅ 405) and ( −1⋅ 405,−6 ⋅ 405)
2
y 2 + 5y − 9 = 0
y = 1⋅ 405 or y = −6 ⋅ 405

7. Solve for x : 2x 2 + x − 36 = 0 (4 marks)

Solution
2x + x − 36 = 0;sum = 1,product = − 72,no.− 8 and 9
2

2x 2 − 8x + 9x − 36 = 0
2x ( x − 4 ) + 9 ( x − 4 ) = 0
( 2x + 9)( x − 4) = 0
1
x = −4 or x = 4
2

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8. Given that x = −2 , find the values of x and z for the simultaneous equations. (3 marks)
x + y − z = −1
x − 2 y + z = −7
Solution
−2 + y − z = −1 ⇒ y − z = 1.....(i)
−2 − 2 y + z = −7 ⇒ −2 y + z = −5....(ii)
y− z =1 ⎤
⎥+
−2 y + z = −5⎦
− y = −4
y=4
z = y − 1 but y = 4
= 4 −1
=3
x + y = 26
2 2
9. Solve the simultaneous equations (4 marks)
x − y = −4
Solution
x 2 + y 2 = 26.....(i)
2 y 2 + 8y − 10 = 0;sum = 8, product = −20,no.10 and − 2
x − y = 4.....(ii)
2 y 2 − 2 y + 10 y − 10 = 0
From equation (ii) x = 4 + y
2 y ( y − 1) + 10 ( y − 1) = 0
Substituting in equation (i);
( 2 y + 10)( y − 1) = 0
(4 + y)
2
+ y 2 = 26
y = 5 or y = 1
16 + 8y + y 2 + y 2 = 26
When y = −5, x = −1
2 y 2 + 8y + 16 − 26 = 0
When y = 1, x = 5
2 y 2 + 8y − 10 = 0

10. Solve the simultaneous equations. (4 marks)

2x − y = 3
x 2 − xy = −4
Solution
2x − y = 3.....(i)
2 y 2 + 8y − 10 = 0;sum = 8, product = −20,no.10 and − 2
x − xy = −4.....(ii)
2
2 y 2 − 2 y + 10 y − 10 = 0
From equation (ii) y = 3+ y
2 y ( y − 1) + 10 ( y − 1) = 0
Substituting in equation (i);
( 2 y + 10)( y − 1) = 0
(4 + y)
2
+ y 2 = 26
y = 5 or y = 1
16 + 8y + y 2 + y 2 = 26
When y = −5, x = −1
2 y 2 + 8y + 16 − 26 = 0 When y = 1, x = 5

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11. When the price of an item was increased by Sh 5, i bought 2 items fewer with Sh 200.What is the
current price of the item? (3 marks)
Solution

Let the price be x.It is increased by 5 ⇒ x+5

( 200 − 2x )( x + 5) = 200x x 2 − 20x + 25x − 500 = 0
200 x ( x − 20 ) + 25( x − 20 ) = 0
Initially the number of items bought were, 200 ( x + 5) − 2x ( x + 5) = 200x
Later the number of items reduced by 2.
x
200x + 1000 − 2x 2 − 10x = 200x
( x + 25)( x − 20) = 0
x = −25 or x = 20
⎛ 200 ⎞ 200 −2x 2 − 10x + 1000 = 0
⎜⎝ x ⎟⎠ − 2 = x + 5 Current price;
x 2 + 5x − 500 = 0
Sh.( x + 5) = 20 + 5 = Sh.25
200 − 2x 200
=
x x+5

12. The length of a room is 4 metres longer its width. Find the length of the room if its area is 32 cm 2
(3 marks)
Solution

A = L ×W
x ( x + 4 ) = 32
Width = 4 cm
x 2 + 4x − 32 = 0,sum = 4, product = −32,no.8 and − 4
Length = 4 + 4
x 2 − 4x + 8x − 32 = 0
= 8 cm
x ( x − 4) + 8( x − 4) = 0
x = −8 or x = 4

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13. The simultaneous equations below are satisfied when x = 1 and y = p
−3x + 4 y = 5
qx 2 − 5xy + y 2 = 0
(a) Find the values of p and q .
Solution
When x = 1 and y = p
−3x + 4 y = 5.....(i) From equation(ii);q − 5p + p 2 = 0 but p = 2
qx 2 − 5xy + y 2 = 0.....(ii) q − 5 × 2 + 22 = 0
From equation (i); − 3+ 4 p = 5 q = 10 − 4
4p = 5+ 3 =6
p=2

(b) Using the value of Q obtained in (a) above, find the other values of x and y which also
satisfy the given simultaneous equations.
Solution
2
⎛ 5 + 3x ⎞ ⎛ 5 + 3x ⎞
q=6 6x − 5x ⎜
2
+ =0
⎝ 4 ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 4 ⎟⎠ 9x 2 − 14x + 5 = 0
−3x + 4 y = 5...(i)
25x 15x 2 25 + 30x + 9x 2 9x 2 − 9x − 5x + 5 = 0
6x 2 − 5xy + y 2 = 0...(ii) 6x 2 − − + =0
9x ( x − 1) − 5( x − 1) = 0
4 4 16
From eqn(i)
Multiplying through by L ⋅C ⋅ M
96x 2 − 100x − 60x 2 + 25 + 30x + 9x 2 = 0 (
4 y = 5 + 3x 9x − 5) ( x − 1) = 0
⎛ 5 + 3x ⎞ 5
y=⎜ ⎟ 45x 2 − 70x + 25 = 0 x = or x = 1
⎝ 4 ⎠ 9
9x − 14x + 5 = 0
2

14. Find a quadratic equation whose roots are 1⋅5 + 2 and 1⋅5 − 2 , expressing it in the form
ax 2 + bx + c = 0 , where a,b and c are integers. (3 marks)
Solution
(
x = 1⋅5 + 2 ⇒ x − 1⋅5 + 2 = 0)
x = 1⋅5 − 2 ⇒ x − (1⋅5 − 2 ) = 0

{x − (1⋅5 + 2 )}{x − (1⋅5 − 2 )} = 0

x − x (1⋅5 − 2 ) − x (1⋅5 + 2 ) + (1⋅5 + 2 ) (1⋅5 − 2 ) = 0
2

x − 1⋅5x + x 2 − 1⋅5x − x 2 + 1⋅5 − ( − 2 ) = 0

2
2 2

x 2 − 3⋅0x + 1⋅52 − 2 = 0
x 2 − 3x + 0.25 = 0

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 15. The length of flower garden is 2 m less than twice its width. The area of the garden is 60 m 2 . Calculate
its length. (3 marks)
Solution

x 2 − x − 30 = 0,sum = −1, product = −30,no.( −6,5)

Area = Length ( L ) × width ( W ) x 2 + 5x − 6x − 30 = 0
x ( 2x − 2 ) = 60 x ( x + 5) − 6 ( x + 5) = 0
2x 2 − 2x − 60 = 0 ( x − 6)( x + 5) = 0
x 2 − x − 30 = 0 x = 60 or x = −5
Length = x ( 2x − 2 ) = 12 − 2 = 10 m

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 SECTION II QUESTIONS
1. A retailer planned to buy some computers form a wholesaler for a total of Kshs1,800,000. Before the
retailer could buy the computers the price per unit was reduced by Kshs 4,000.This reduction in price
enabled the retailer to buy five more computers using the same amount of money as originally planned.
(a) Determine the number of computers the retailer bought. (6 marks)
Solution
Let the price per computer bought be x
Number of computer to be bought initially,were
1,800,000
x
After reduction of price,
1,800,000
giving 5 more computers
x − 4,000
⎛ 1,800,000 ⎞ ⎛ 1,800,000 ⎞
⎜⎝ ⎟ +5= ⎜
x ⎠ ⎝ x − 4,000 ⎟⎠
1,800,000 + 5x 1,800,000
=
x x − 4,000
( x − 4000)(1800000 + 5x ) = 1800000x
1,80,0000x − 1,800,000x + 5x 2 − 7,200,000,000 − 20,000x = 0
5x 2 − 20,000x − 7,200,000,000 = 0
x 2 − 4,000x − 1,440,000,000 = 0
x 2 − 40,000x + 36,000x − 1,440,000,000 = 0
x ( x − 40,000 ) + 36,000 ( x − 40,000 ) = 0
( x + 36,000)( x − 40,000) = 0
x = −36,000or x = 40,000
1,800,000
Number of computer bought =
40,000
= 45
(b) Two of the computers purchased got damaged while in store, the rest were sold and the
retailer made a 15% profit.Calculate the profit made by the retailer on each computer sold.(4 marks)
Solution
Remaining computer, ( 45 − 2 ) = 43 Profit made on each computer is;
⎛ 115 ⎞ Ksh.( 48139 ⋅50 − 40,000 ) = Ksh.8,139 ⋅50
S⋅ P =⎜ × 1,800,000⎟
⎝ 100 ⎠
= Ksh.2,070,000
2,070,000
Each computer was sold at =
43
= Ksh.48,139 ⋅50

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2. A group of people planned to contribute equally towards a water project which needed Ksh 2,000,000 to
complete. However, 40 members of the group withdrew from the project.As a result, each of the
remaining members were to contribute Ksh 2500 more.
(a) Find the original number of members in the group. (5 marks)
Solution
Let number of members be x
Initially each member was to
contribute;
2,000,000
x
When 40 members left leaving;( x − 40 )
Each is now supposed to
contribute;
2,000,000
x − 40
2,000,000 2,000,000
+ 2500 =
x x − 40
2,000,000 − 2500x 2,000,000
=
x x − 40
( x − 40)( 2,000,000 + 2500x ) = 2,000,000x
2,000,000x − 2,000,000x + 2500x 2 − 100,000x − 80,000,000 = 0
2500x 2 − 100,00x − 80,000,000 = 0
x 2 − 40x − 32000 = 0
x 2 − 40x − 32000 = 0
x 2 − 200x + 160x − 32000 = 0
x ( x − 200 ) + 160 ( x − 200 ) = 0
( x + 160)( x − 200) = 0
x = −160 or x = 200
Original members = 200 members

(b) Forty five percent of the value of the project was funded by Constituency Development Fund
(CDF). Calculate the amount of contribution that would be made by each of the remaining members
of the group. (3 marks)
Solution
⎛ 55 ⎞
⎜⎝ 100 × 2000,000⎟⎠ = Ksh.1,100,000

Each remaining member to contribute;

Ksh.1,100,000
= Ksh.6,875
160
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 (c) Member’s contributions were in terms of labour provided and money contributed. If the ratio of the
value of labour to the money contributed was 6 : 19 ; calculate the total amount of money contributed
by the members. (2 marks)
Solution
⎛ 25 × 1100000 ⎞
⎜⎝ 19 ⎟⎠ = (1447368⋅ 421)

= Ksh.1447368⋅ 40
3. A school planned to buy x calculators for a total cost of Ksh 16,200.The supplier agreed to offer a
discount of ksh 60 per calculator. The school was then able to get three calculators for the same amount
of money.
(a) Write an expression in terms of x for the;
(i) original price of each calculator. (1 mark)
Solution
16200
x
(ii) price of each calculator after the discount. (1 mark)
Solution
⎛ 16200 ⎞
⎜⎝ x − 60⎟⎠
(b) Form an equation in x and hence determine the number of calculators the school bought. (5 marks)
Solution
⎛ 16200 ⎞ ⎛ 16200 ⎞ x 2 + 3x − 810 = 0
⎜⎝ x − 60 =
⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ x + 3 ⎟⎠
x 2 − 27x + 30x − 810 = 0
16200 − 60x 16200
= x ( x − 27 ) + 30 ( x − 27 ) = 0
x+3
x
( x + 30)( x − 27 ) = 0
( x + 3)(16200 − 60x ) = 16200x x = −30 or 27
x (16200 − 60x ) + 3(16200 − 60x ) = 16200x
The school bought = 27 + 3
16200x − 60x − 180x + 48600 = 16200x
2
= 30 calculators
60x 2 + 180x − 48600 = 0
x 2 + 3x − 810 = 0

(c) Calculate the discount offered to the school as a percentage. (3 marks)

Solution
16200 60
Original price = Sh. = 600 Percentange discount = × 100%
27 600
= 10%

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4. Motorbike A travels at 10 km/h faster than motorbike B whose speed is x km/h .Motorbike A takes
1
1 hours less than the motorbike B to cover a 180 km journey.
2
(a) Write an expression in terms of x for the time taken to cover the 180 km journey by:
i. Motorbike A; (1 mark)
Solution
Motorbike A = ( x + 10 ) km/h 180
TA =
Motorbike B = ( x ) km/h ( x + 10)
ii. Motorbike B. (1 mark)
Solution
Motorbike A = ( x + 10 ) km/h 180
TB =
Motorbike B = ( x ) km/h ( x)

(b) Use the expressions (a) above to determine the speed in km/h of motorbike A. (6 marks)
Solution
⎛ 180 ⎞ ⎛ 180 ⎞ 3 x 2 + 10x − 1200 = 0
− =
⎜⎝ x ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ x + 10 ⎟⎠ 2
x 2 − 30x + 40x − 1200 = 0
180 ( x + 10 ) − 180 ( x ) 3 x ( x − 30 ) + 40 ( x − 30 ) = 0
=
x ( x + 10 ) 2 ( x + 40)( x − 30) = 0
{ } {
2 180 ( x + 10 ) − 180 ( x ) = 3 x ( x + 10 ) } x = −40 or 30
360x + 3600 − 360x = 3x 2 + 30x Speed of motorbike A = 30 + 10
3x 2 + 30x − 3600 = 0 = 40 km/h
x 2 + 10x − 1200 = 0

(c) For a journey of 48 km, motorbike B starts 10 minutes ahead of motorbike A.Calculate in minutes,
the difference in the time of their arrival at the destination. (2 marks)
Solution
For the first 10 minutes Motorbike B 48
For motorbike A =
travels distance of; 40
10 = 1 hr 12 minutes
× 30 = 5 km
60 0136 hrs
−
43 0112 hrs
Total Time taken by B = Time difference =
30 0024 minutes
= 1 hour 26 minutes
1 hour 26 minutes +10 minutes
= 1hr 36 minutes

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5. A hall can accommodate 600 chairs arranged in rows. Each row has the same number of chairs. The
chairs are rearranged such that the number of row is increased by 5 but the number of chairs per row is
decreased by 6.
(a) Find the original number of rows of chairs in the hall. (6 marks)
Solution
Let no. of chairs be x x 2 − 6x − 720 = 0
600 x 2 − 30x + 24x − 720 = 0
No. of rows will be;
x ( x − 30 ) + 24 ( x − 30 ) = 0
x
When rearranged;
600 ( x + 24)( x − 30) = 0
No. of rows will be; + 5 and
x x = −24 or x = 30
No. of chairs per will be; x − 6 600
Original number of rows =
600 600 30
− =5
x−6 x = 20 rows
600x − 600 ( x − 6 ) = 5x ( x − 6 )
600x − 600x + 3600 = 5x 2 − 30x
5x 2 − 30x − 3600 = 0
x 2 − 6x − 720 = 0

(b) After the re-arrangement 450 people were seated in the hall leaving the same number of empty
chairs in each row. Calculate the number of empty chairs per row. (4 marks)
Solution
Total chairs in the hall = ( 30 × 20 ) 150
Number empty chair per row =
= 600 chairs 25
=6
Empty chairs = ( 600 − 400 )
= 150 chairs

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6. A parent has two children whose age difference is 5 years. Twice the sum of the ages of two children is
equal to the age of the parent.
(a) Taking to x be the age of the elder child, write an expression for:
(i) the age of the younger child.
Solution

Elder Younger Parent

x x−5 2 ( 2x − 5)

Younger = ( x − 5) years
(ii) the age of the parent.
Solution
( 4x − 10)
(b) In twenty years’, time, the product of the children’s age will be 15 times the age of their parents
(i) Form an equation in x and hence determine the present possible ages of the elder
child. (4 marks)
Solution
Elder Younger Parent x 2 − 25x + 150 = 0
x x−5 2 ( 2x − 5) x 2 − 15x − 10x + 150 = 0
x ( x − 15) − 10 ( x − 15) = 0
( x + 20)( x + 15) =15( 4x + 10)
x 2 + 15x + 20x + 300 = 60x + 150
( x − 10)( x − 15) = 0
x = 10 or x = 15
x 2 − 25x + 150 = 0

The possible ages of the elder child is 10 years or 15 year

(ii) Find the present possible ages of the parent. (2 marks)
Solution
( 4 × 10) − 10 = 40 − 10 or ( 4 × 15 − 30 ) = 60 − 10
= 30 years = 50 years

(iii) Determine the possible ages of the younger child in 20 years’ time. (2 marks)
Solution
( x + 15) = (10 + 15) ( x + 15) = (15 + 15)
= 25 years = 30 years

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