MQE 1

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS, INEQUATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS

C1A Quadratic Equation : A quadratic equation is any equation equivalent to one of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0
......(1), has only two roots.Here a 0 and a,b, c are real numbers (a, b, c R).
for example : x2 9 = 0, x2 x + 1 = 0.
C1B

Identity : A quadratic is said to be an identity if it is satisfied by more than two values of x. For example :
This quadratic has infinite roots :

( x b )( x c ) ( x c)( x a ) ( x a )( x b )

1
(a b )(a c) (b c)(b a ) (c a )(c b )
C1C Roots of the quadratic equation : Equation (1) has two roots given by

b 2 4ac
2a

b 2 4 ac
2a

Here b2 4ac = D is known as discriminant of the equation (1).

Sum of roots :

b
c
, Product of roots : ,
a
a
b 2 4ac

Difference of roots : | |

D
a

The quadratic equation whose roots are and is (x ) (x ) = 0

Practice Problems :
1.

If the sum of the roots of the equation

1
1
1

is zero, prove that the product of the roots is

xa xb c

(1/2) (a2 + b2).

2.

If the sum of the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 is equal to the sum of the squares of their
reciprocals, then show that bc2, ca2, ab2 are in A.P.

3.

If but 2 = 5 3 and 2 = 5 3. Find the equation whose roots are

4.

If , are the roots of 2x2 + 2(m + n)x + (m2 + n2) = 0, find the equation whose roots are ( + )2 and
( )2.

5.

If and are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, find the values of the following expressions in terms of
a, b and c : (i)

and .

1 1
1
1
1
1

(iv)
(ii) 2 2 (iii)

b
a

b

a

b
a

6.

Solve the equation x2 4x + 13 = 0 by factorization method.

7.

Solve the quadratic equation 2x2 4x + 3 = 0 by using the general expressions for the roots of
quadratic equation.

8.

Solve for x : 22x + 2x + 2 32 = 0.

9.

Solve for x : 2 sin

10.

5.2 cos

The equations have a b = 1. Then solve them for x :

(i)

(a + b)x + (a b)x = 2a.

(ii)

a b

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x 2 15

a b

x 2 15

2a .

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New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 2
Answers : (3) 3x2 19x + 3 = 0 (4) x2 4 mn x (m2 n2)2 = 0 (5) (i) b/c (ii) b2 2ac/c2 (iii) b/ac
(iv) 2/a (6) 2 + 3i and 2 3i (7) 1

i and 1

1
2

i (8) x = 2 (9) x n

(10) x = 1 ; x = 4, 14
C1D Nature of roots of one quadratic equation :

b
2a

1.

D = 0, then equation (1) has real and equal roots

2.

D > 0, then equation (1) has real and distinct roots.

3.

If D < 0, then equation (1) has imaginary roots.

4.

If a, b, c are real and D < 0 then roots are l + im and l im.

5.

If a, b, c are rational and D is a perfect square then roots are rational.

6.

If a, b, c are rational and D is not a perfect square then roots are irrational. The roots are l + m and l m.
Practice Problems :

1.

Find the nature of the roots of the following equations without actually solving them :
(i)

2x2 8x + 3 = 0

(iv)

x2 + 2(3a + 5)x + 2(9a2 + 25) = 0

(v)

(x a) (x b) + (x b) (x c) + (x c) (x a) = 0

(ii)

4x2 20x + 25 = 0

(iii)

2x2 + x + 3 = 0

2.

If the roots of the equation x2 + 2cx + ab = 0 are real and unequal, prove that the roots of
x2 2(a + b)x + a2 + b2 + 2c2 = 0 are non-real complex quantities.

3.

If the roots of the equation x2 8x + a2 6a = 0 are real and distinct, then find all possible values of
a.

4.

If the roots of the equation (a2 + b2)x2 2(ac + bd)x + (c2 + d2) = 0 are equal, prove that

5.

Show that the equation x2 + ax 4 = 0 has real and distinct roots for all a R.

6.

If the roots of the equation 2x2 2cx + ab = 0 be real and unequal, then prove that the roots of
x2 2(a + b)x + (a2 + b2 + c2) = 0 will be imaginary.

7.

If a, b, c R, show that the roots of the equation (a b)x2 (b + c a) x c = 0 are rational.

a c
.
b d

Answers : (1) (i) roots are rational (ii) roots are real and coincident (iii) roots are unequal and
imaginary (iv) the roots of the given equation are real and equal if a = 5/3 and imaginary if a 5/3
(v) hence, the roots of the given equation are real. Also, if a = b = c, then the roots are real and equal.
Otherwise the roots are real and distinct. (3) 2 < a < 8
C1E

Useful Results :

1.

If > 0 and > 0 (both roots are positive) then + > 0 and > 0.

2.

If < 0 and < 0 then + < 0 and > 0.

3.

If roots are of opposite sign then < 0.

4.

If a + b + c = 0 and a, b, c are rational then 1 is a root of the equation (1) and roots of the equation (1) are
rational.

5.

(i)

If one root be the nth power of the other, take the roots as and n.

(ii)

If one root be the n times of the other, take the roots as and n.

(iii)

If the ratio of the roots be m : n, take the roots as m and n.

6.

If p is the ratio of the roots of the quadratic equation (1) then

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(sum of roots) 2n
(product of roots)n

(p 1) 2n
pn

b 2n
(ac)n

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New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 3
7.

If the difference of roots of the following quadratic equations a1x2 + b1x + c1 = 0, a2x2 + b2x + c2 = 0,
a3x2 + b3x + c3 = 0.. is constant and let the discriminants of the equations are D1, D2, D3, ......................
respectively then D1 : D2 : D3 .......................... = a12 : a22 : a32 ...

8.

The roots of a1x2 + b1x + c1 = 0 (with discriminant D1) and a2x2 + b2x + c2 (with discriminant D2) are in A.P.
then, D1 : D2 = a12 : a22.

9.

If the ratio of roots of the following quadratic equations a1x2 + b 1x + c1 = 0, a2x2 + b 2x + c2 = 0,

a3x2 + b3x + c3 = 0.. is constant and let the discriminants of the equations are D1, D2, D3, ......................
respectively then D1 : D2 : D3 .......................... = b12 : b22 : b32 ...

10.

The roots of a1x2 + b1x + c1 = 0 (with discriminant D1) and a2x2 + b2x + c2 (with discriminant D2) are in G.P.
then, D1 : D2 = b12 : b22.
Practice Problems :

1.

If and are the roots of x2 p(x + 1) c = 0, show that ( + 1) ( + 1) = 1 c. Hence prove that

2 2 1
2 2 c

2 2 1
2 2 c

1.
2 1 1
.
b a c

2.

If the roots of the equation a(b c)x2 + b(c a)x + c(a b) = 0 are equal, show that

3.

If the roots of the equation (b c)x2 + (c a)x + (a b) = 0 are equal, then prove that 2b = a + c.

4.

If the ratio of the roots of the equation x2 + px + q = 0 be equal to the ratio of the roots of the equation
x2 + bx + c = 0, then prove that p2c = b2q.

5.

If the roots of the equation px2 + qx + r = 0 are in the ratio l : m, prove that
(i)

6.

(l + m)2pr = lm q2

(ii)

(l2 + m2)pr + lm(2pr q2) = 0

If the ratio of the roots of the equation a1x2 + b1x + c1 = 0 be equal to the ratio of the roots of
2

b
ac
a2x2 + b2x + c2 = 0, then prove that 1 1 1 .
b
a
2c 2
2
7.

If , be the roots of ax2 + 2bx + c = 0 and + , + be those of Ax2 + 2Bx + C = 0, then prove that
2

b 2 ac

a
.
2
B AC A
8.

For the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 find the condition such that one root is n time the other.

9.

If one root of the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 be the square of the other then prove that
b3 + a2c + ac2 = 3abc
[Answers : (8) nb2 = ac (n + 1)2]

C1F

Transformation of Quadratic Equations :

1.

If and are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, then the equations whose roots are and is obtained from the
given equation by replacing x by y.

2.

If , are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 then

3.

If , are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 then to find the equation whose roots are n and n then replace x by
x1/n in ax2 + bx + c = 0.

1 1
, are roots of cx2 + bx + a = 0

For example : If n = 2, then equation is

ax + bx + c = 0
ax + c = bx

a2x2 + 2acx + c2 = b2x

a2x2 + (2ac b2)x + c2 = 0

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New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 4
4.

If and are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, then the equation whose roots are n + 2 and n + 2 is obtained from
the given equation by replacing n + x2 by y.
Practice Problems :

1.

If , are the roots of the equation 2x2 3x 6 = 0, find the equation whose roots are 2 + 2 and
2 + 2.

C1G Nature of roots of two quadratic equations :

Let D1 and D2 are discriminant of two quadratic equations.
(a)

If D1 + D2 0 then (i) at least one of D1 & D2 0. (ii) at least one of the equation has real roots.

(b)

If D1 + D2 < 0 then (i) at least one of D1 and D2 < 0. (ii) at least one of the equation has imaginary
root.

Practice Problems :
1.

If P(x) = ax2 + bx + c and Q(x) = ax2 + bx + c, where ac 0, the show that the equation
P(x) Q(x) = 0 has at least two real roots.

2.

Show that if p, q, r & s are real numbers and pr = 2(q + s), then at least one of the equations
x2 + px + q = 0, x2 + rx + s = 0 has real roots.

C1H Condition for common roots :

Let the equations are a1x2 + b1x + c1 = 0 and a2x2 + b2x + c2 = 0
Here, a1 0, a2 0, a1b2 a2b1 0.
(a)

One root is common

b1c 2 b 2 c1
c1a 2 c 2a1

Hence
(b)

x2
x
1

b1c 2 b 2c1 c1a 2 c 2 a1 a 1b 2 a 2 b1

or

c1a 2 c 2 a1
a1b 2 a 2 b1

(c1a2 c2a1)2 = (b1c2 b2c1) (a1b2 a2b1)

Both roots are common :

a1 b1 c1

a 2 b2 c2

Useful Results :
1.

Consider the following equations :

(i)

x2 + ax + bc = 0

(ii)

x2 + bx + ca = 0

(iii)

x2 + cx + ab = 0

If one root is common of any of the two quadratic equations then (a) a + b + c = 0, (b) other roots are given
by the third equation.
2.

If each pair of the following three equations : x2 + ax + b = 0, x2 + cx + d = 0, x2 + ex + f = 0

has exactly one root is common then : (a + c + e)2 = 4(ac + ce + ae b d f).
Practice Problems :

1.

If ax2 + bx + c = 0 and bx2 + cx + a = 0 have a common root in common, find the relation between
a, b and c

2.

If x 2 + ax + b = 0 and x 2 ax b 0 have one root in common, prove that its value is

b b ab ab .
or
a a
b b
3.

If the equations x2 + ax + b = 0 and x2 + bx + a = 0 have a common root find the numerical value of
a + b.
Answers : (1) 3 abc (3) 1

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New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 5
C2A Quadratic Expression : An expression of the form of y = ax2 + bx + c, where a, b, c R and a 0 is known
as quadratic expression.
C2B

Maximum and Minimum values of y = ax2 + bx + c

2

b 4ac b 2
y ax bx c a x

2a
4a 2

b
D

a x ................(2)
2a 4a

0
As x
2a

(i)

when a > 0, y has minimum value

D
.
4a

(ii)

when a < 0, y has maximum value

D
.
4a

C2C Sign of Quadratic Expression

Let y = ax2 + bx + c where a, b, c R and a 0. For some values of x, y may be positive, negative or zero.
This gives the following cases :
Case : 1 a > 0 and D < 0 y > 0 [from (2)] x R.

Case : 2 a > 0 and D = 0 y 0 for x R.

Case : 3 a > 0 and D > 0

(i)

y > 0 x ( , ) (, )

(ii)

y < 0 x (, )
where and are the roots of y = 0.

Case 4 : a < 0, D < 0 y < 0 x R

Case 5 : a < 0, D = 0 y 0 x R

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New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 6
Case 6 : a < 0, D > 0

C3

(i)

y < 0 x (, ) (, )

(ii)

y > 0 x (, )

Location of Roots
Consider the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 a 0 and a, b, c R which has two real roots and (they may be
equal).

1.

Both the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 may be greater than k

D0
af(k) > 0

2.

b
k
2a

Both the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 may be less than k

D0
af(k) > 0

3.

b
k
2a

k lies between the roots i.e. one root is less than k and other root is greater than k
D>0
af(k) < 0

4.

Exactly one root of ax2 + bx + c = 0 lies in the interval (k1, k2) where k1 < k2

D>0
f (k1) f (k2) < 0

5.

Both roots lie in the interval (k1, k2)

D 0; af(k1) > 0; af(k2) > 0; k1 <

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b
k2
2a

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New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 7
6.

One root is less than k1 and other root is greater than k2(k1 < k2).
D 0; af(k1) < 0; af(k2) < 0
Practice Problems :

1.

2.

(a)

Find all values of p for which the roots of (p 3)x2 2px + 5p = 0 are real and positive.

(b)

Find all values of k for which 1 and 6 both lie between the roots of x2 + 2(k 3)x + 9 = 0, the
roots being real.

x2 (m 3)x + m = 0 (m R) be a quadratic equation. Find the value of m for which

(a)

both roots are real and distinct.

(b)

both roots are equal.

(c)

roots are not real.

(d)

roots are opposite in sign.

(e)

roots are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign.

(f)

roots are both positive.

Answers : (1) (a) p 3,

(g)

both roots are negative.

15
(b) k ( , 2) (2) (a) ( ,1) ( 9, ) (b) {1,9} (c) (1, 9)
4

(d) ( ,0 ) (e) {} (f) [9, ) (g) (0, 1]

C4

Equations of Higher Degree

The equation a0xn + a1xn 1 + a2xn 2 + ... + an 1x + an = 0 when a0, a1, a2....,an are constants, but a0 0, is a
polynomial of degree n. It has n and only n roots. Let 1, 2, 3,...n be n roots then

(1)1

a1
a
; 1 2 (1) 2 2 ,
a0
a0

(1)3

a3
etc.
a0

In general

....
1

C5

Points to remember :

1.

a2 + b2 + c2 ab bc ca =

(1) p

ap
a0

1
{(a b)2 + (b c)2 + (c a)2} = {(a b) (b c) + (b c) (c a) + (c a)
2

(a b)}
2.

Lagranges Identity : If a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3 R then

(a12 + a22 + a32)(b12 + b22 + b32) (a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3)2 = (a1b2 a2b1)2 + (a2b3 a3b2)2 + (a3b1 a1b3)2

3.

Law of Proportions :
If

a c e
...., then each of these ratios is also equal to
b d f

(i)

a c e ...
b d f ...

(ii)

pa n qc n re n ...
n

n
n
pb

qd

rf

...

1/ n

(iii)

(when p, q, r, n R)

ac n (ace...)

bd n (bdf ...)

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Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 8
4.

If + and are given then

(i)

2 2 ( ) 2 2

(ii)

3 3 ( )3 3( )

(iii)

4 4 ( 2 2 ) 2 2 2 2 or ( 3 3 )( ) ( 2 2 )

(iv)

5 5 ( 3 3 )( 2 2 ) 22 ( )

(v)

| | ( ) 2 4

(vi)

2 2 ( )( )

(vii)

3 3 ( ){( ) 2 }

(viii)

4 4 ( )( )( 2 2 )

(ix)

5 5 ( ){( 4 4 ) ( 2 2 ) 22 }

5.

Least value of the expression (x a)2 + (y b)2 + (z c)2 is 0.

6.

For three numbers a, b and c

7.

The condition that a quadratic function ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c may be resolved into two linear
factor if

(i) (a b) 0 (ii) a (b c) 0 .

h g

h b f 0.
g f c
8.

Integral roots of any algebraic equation with integral coefficients are the divisors of the constant term.

9.

(x a)2 + (y b)2 + (z c)2 + ...................... = 0, then

xa=0x=a
y b = 0 y = b ..........

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Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 9

ADDITIONAL PRACTICE PROBLEMS

17.
1.

Evaluate

6 6 6 ..... .

If , are the roots of 3x2 4x + 1 = 0, form the

equation whose roots are

2
2
.
and

2.

1
3
1

Solve : x x 4, x 0 .
x
2
x

18.

If , are the roots of the equation 2x2 5x + 7 = 0,

find the equation whose roots are 2 + 3, 3 + 2.

3.

Solve : x2/3 + x1/3 2 = 0.

19.

In copying a quadratic equation of the form

x2 + px + q = 0, the coefficient of x was incorrectly
written as 10 instead of 11 and the roots were
thus found to be 4 and 6. Find the correct roots of
the equation.

20.

If and are the roots of the equation

x2 + px + q = 0 and 4, 4 are the roots of the
equation x2 rx + s = 0, show that the equation
x2 4qx + 2q2 r = 0 has real roots.

21.

If the absolute difference between the roots of a

quadratic equation x2 + px + 3 = 0 is p, find p.

22.

If , are the roots of 5x2 20x + 12 = 0, then prove

x+1

+5

2x

4.

Solve : 5

= 5 + 1.

5.

Solve :

6.

Solve (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 3) (x + 4) = 120.

7.

For what value of m will the equation

x
1 x 13
.

1 x
x
6

x2 2(1 + 3m)x + 7 (3 + 2m) = 0 have equal roots ?

8.

If a, b, c are rational numbers and a + b + c = 0,

show that the equation (b + c a)x2 + (c + a b) x +
(a + b c) = 0 will have rational roots.

9.

The roots of the quadratic equation 5x2 px + 1 = 0

are real and distinct. Find all possible values of p.

1
that 3 3 35 .
5

10.

Determine the positive values of k for which the

equations x2 + kx + 64 = 0 and x2 8x + k = 0 will
both have real roots.

[Answers : (1) 3 (2) 1, 1, , 2 (3) {8, 1}

2

11.

12.

Prove that
(i)

both the roots of the equation

x2 x 3 = 0 are irrational

(ii)

both the roots of the equation

x2 + px q2 = 0 are real

(iii)

both the roots of (x a) (x b) = k2 are

always real.

(iv)

both the roots of k2x2 + kx + 1 = 0 are

imaginary for all real values of k.

If a, b, c are rational, prove that the roots of the

equation

5 i 39 5 i 39

,
, 6, 1
(6)

2
2

10
(9) value less than 20,
9
value greater than 20 (10) k = 16 (15) [3, 10]
(7) m = 2 or m =

r (q 2 2pr )

(17) 9x 2 28x + 3 = 0

(b c)x + (c a)x + (a b) = 0 are also rational.

(16)

If the ratio of the roots of the equation

lx2 + nx + n = 0 is equal to p : q, prove that

(18) 2x2 25x + 82 = 0 (19) (8, 3) (21) 4

13

9 4
(4) {1, 2} (5) ,
13 13

p3

p
q
n

0
q
p
l
14.

If the roots of the equation x2 lx + m = 0 differ by

1, then prove that l2 = 4m + 1.

15.

The coefficient of x in the equation x2 + px + q = 0

was taken as 17 in place of 13 and thus its roots
were found to be 2 and 15. Find the roots of the
original equation.

16.

If , are the roots of the equation px2 + qx + r = 0,

find the value of 3 + 3.

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Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 10

SINGLE CORRECT CHOICE TYPE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Number of quadratic equations which remains

unaltered by cubing its roots is
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

The equation
has :

log ( x 1) ( 3 2 x x 2 )

| x 1|

8.

( x 3) | x |

(a)

Unique solution (b)

Two solutions

(c)

No solution

More than two

solutions

(d)

9.

If x3 + 3x2 9x + c is of the form (x )2 (x ),

then c
(a)

(b)

(c)

27

(d)

27

10.

If a, b, c are the sides of a triangle ABC such that

x2 2(a + b + c)x + 3 (ab + bc + ca) = 0 has real
roots, then
(a)

4
3

(b)

5
3

(c)

4 5
,
3 3

(d)

1 5
,
3 3

11.

The value of a for which exactly one root of the

equation eax2 e2ax + ea 1 = 0, lies between 1 and 2
are given by
12.

6.

(a)

5 17
5 17
a ln

ln

4
4

(b)

0 < a < 1000

(c)

ln

(d)

none of the above

5
10
a ln
4
3
14.

Root(s) of the equation 9x2 18|x| + 5 = 0 belonging

to the domain of definition of the function
f(x) = log (x2 x 2) is/are
(a)

(c)
7.

13.

5 1
,
3 3

(b)

5
3

(d)

5 1
,
3 3

1
3

If the equations ax 2 + 2bx + 3c = 0 and

3x2 + 8x + 15 = 0 have a common root, where a, b, c
are the lengths of the sides of a ABC, then
sin2A + sin2B + sin2C is equal to

Einstein Classes,

(a)

(b)

3/2

(c)

(d)

Let [x] denote the greatest integer in x. Then in

[0, 3], the number of solutions of the equation
x2 3x + [x] = 0 is
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

If , , , are the roots of the equation

x4 + 4x3 6x2 + 7x 9 = 0, then the value of (1 + 2)
(1 + 2) (1 + 2) (1 + 2) is
(a)

(b)

(c)

11

(d)

13

If the roots of the equation (x b) (x c) + (x c)

(x a) + (x a) (x b) = 0 are equal, then
(a)

a+b+c=0

(b)

a + b + c2 = 0

(c)

ab+c=0

(d)

none of the above

If is a root of the equation

x11 x10 + x8 x7 + x5 x4 + x2 x 20 = 0, then 12
(a)

is equal to 61

(b)

is greater than 61

(c)

is less than 61

(d)

can not be estimated

If a Z and the equation (x a) (x 10) + 1 = 0 has

integral roots, then the value of a are
(a)

10, 8

(b)

(c)

12, 8

(d)

12, 10
none of these

The value of a for which (a 1)x2 + 2(a 1)x + 2 is

positive for any x are
(a)

a1

(b)

a1

(c)

a3

(d)

a 3 or a 1

Given that for all real x, the expression

1
x 2 2x 4
lies between
and 3. The values
2
3
x 2x 4
between which the expression

9.32 x 6.3x 4
9.32 x 6.3x 4

lies are
(a)

1
and 3
3

(b)

2 and 0

(c)

1 and 1

(d)

0 and 2

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 11
15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

(a)

x0

(b)

x>0

(c)

x (1, ) {0}

(d)

none of the above

If the product of the roots of the equation

x2 3 kx + 2e 2 log k 1 = 0 is 7, then the roots of the
equation are real for k equal to
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

If , are the roots of the equation x2 + px + q = 0

and 4, 4 are the roots of x2 rx + s = 0, then the
equation x2 4qx + 2q2 r = 0 has always (p, q, r, s
are real numbers)
(a)

two real roots

(b)

two negative roots

(c)

two positive roots

(d)

one positive and one negative roots

23.

24.

25.

(a)

15

(b)

(c)

(d)

The roots of , and of an equation

x3 3ax2 + 3bx c = 0 are in H.P. Then

(c)

(b)

b
c

(d)

c
b

26.

If x2 + x + 1 is a factor of ax3 + bx2 + cx + d then the

real root of ax2 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 is
(a)

(b)

d
a

(c)

a
d

(d)

none

If the roots of the equation x2 + 2ax + b = 0, are real

and distinct and they differ by at most 2m, then b
lies in the interval
2

(a)

(a m , a )

(b)

[a m , a ]

(c)

(a2, a2 + m2)

(d)

none

Einstein Classes,

(a)

x2 3 A x2 + G3 (3x 1) = 0

(b)

x3 3 A x2 + 3(G3/H)x G3 = 0

(c)

x2 + 3 Ax2 + 3(G3/H)x G3 = 0

(d)

x3 3 Ax2 3(G3/H)x + G3 = 0

The value of a for which one root of the quadratic

equation (a2 5a + 3)x2 + (3a 1) x + 2 = 0 is twice
as large as the other, is
(a)

2/3

(b)

1/3

(c)

1/3

(d)

2/3

The value of a for which the equation

(1 a2)x2 + 2ax 1 = 0 has roots belonging to (0, 1)
is
(a)

a>2

(c)

1 5
2

(b)

(d)

a > 2

1 5
a2
2

If x R, the least value of the expression

(a)

(c)

27.

21.

If A, G, H be respectively, the A.M, G.M. and H.M.

of three positive numbers a, b, c; then the equation
whose roots are these numbers is given by

x 2 6x 5
is
x 2 2x 1

If p, q {1, 2, 3, 4}, the number of equations of the

form px2 + qx + 1 = 0 having real roots is

(a)

20.

22.

x
x2
| x |
is
The solution of
x 1
| x 1|

28.

(b)

1
3

(d)

1
2

none of these

x 2 2x a
If x R, then 2
can take all values if
x 4x 3a
(a)

a (0, 2)

(b)

(c)

a [1, 1]

(d)

a [0, 1]
none of the above

Let , , be the roots of the equation

x3 + 3ax2 + 3bx + c = 0. If , , are in H.P. then is
equal to
(a)

c
b

(b)

c
b

(c)

(d)

The

maximum and

minimum values

x 2 14 x 9
aree
x 2 2x 3
(a)

3, 1

(b)

4, 5

(c)

0,

(d)

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

of

MQE 12
29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

If and ( < ) are the roots of the equation

x2 + bx + c = 0, where c < 0 < b, then
(a)

0<<

(b)

< 0 < < ||

(c)

<<0

(d)

< 0, || <

ANSWERS (SINGLE CORRECT

CHOICE TYPE)
1.

11.

21.

31.

If b > a, then the equation (x a) (x b) 1 = 0 has

2.

12.

22.

32.

(a)

both roots in (a, b)

3.

13.

23.

33.

(b)

both roots in (, a)

4.

14.

24.

34.

(c)

both roots in (b, +)

(d)

one root in (, a) and the other in

(b, +)

5.

15.

25.

35.

6.

16.

26.

7.

17.

27.

The set of values of p for which the roots of the

equation 3x2 + 2x + (p 1)p = 0 are of opposite, is
(a)

( , 0)

(b)

(0, 1)

8.

18.

28.

(c)

(1, )

(d)

(0, )

9.

19.

29.

10.

20.

30.

If a, b, c are in G.P., then the equation

ax2 + 2bx + c = 0 and dx2 + 2ex + f = 0 have a
common root if d/a, e/b, f/c are in
(a)

A.P.

(b)

(c)

H.P.

(d)

G.P.
none of these

Let , be the roots of the equation

(x a) (x b) = c, c 0
Then the roots of the equation
(x ) (x ) + c = 0 are

34.

(a)

a, c

(b)

b, c

(c)

a, b

(d)

a + c, b + c

The value of c for which |2 2| =

7
, wheree
4

and are the roots of 2x2 + 7x + c = 0 is

35.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

The number of values of k for which the system of

equations
(k + 1) x + 8y = 4k
kx + (k + 3) y = 3k 1
has infinitely many solution, is
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

infinite

Einstein Classes,

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 13

EXCERCISE BASED ON NEW PATTERN

COMPREHENSION TYPE

1.

2.

3.

Comprehension-1
Consider the following equation :
2x2 2(2m + 1)x + m(m + 1) = 0 has (m R)
The value of m for which one root is smaller than
1 and the other root is greater than 1
(a)
m (7/2, 5/2)
(b)
m (0, 3)
(c)

7 33 7 33

m
,

2
2

(d)

11 73 7 33

m
,

2
2

The value of m for which both roots lie in the

interval (2, 3)
(a)
m (7/2, 5/2)
(b)
m (0, 3)
(c)

7 33 7 33

m
,

2
2

(d)

11 73 7 33

m
,

2
2

(c)
5.

6.

7.

8.

The value of m for which one root is greater than

3 and the other root is smaller than 2
(a)
m (7/2, 5/2)
(b)
m (0, 3)
(c)

(d)

7 33 7 33

m
,

2
2

9.

11 73 7 33

m
,

2
2

Comprehension-2
Let f(x) = x2 + b1x + c1, g(x) = x2 + b2x + c2. Real
roots of f(x) = 0 be , and real roots of g(x) = 0 be
+ , + . Least value of f(x) be
of f(x) occurs at x
4.

1
. Least value
4

7
2

10.

The least value of g(x) is

(a)

Einstein Classes,

(b)

1
2

11.

1
4

(d)

1
3

The value of b2 is
(a)
6
(b)
7
(c)
8
(d)
0
The roots of g(x) = 0 are
(a)
3, 4
(b)
3, 4
(c)
3, 4
(d)
3, 4
Comprehension-3
The rational algebraic, modulus and logarithmic
equations/inequations which are redeucible to
quadratic equations cause several difficulties. We
have to neglect extraneous and non-permissible
roots systematically. A direct check may not be
always possible. At times geometrical methods
become effective and elegant.
If a < 0, the root of the equation
x2 2a |x a| 3a2 = 0 is
(a)
(1 + 6) a
(b)
(6 1) a
(c)
(6 + 1) a
(d)
None of these
The equation x|x + 2a| + 1 a = 0 will have only one
solution if
(a)

5 1
or a > 0
2

(b)

5 1
or a < 0
2

(c)

5 1
or a > 1
2

(d)
None of these
If the equation ax2 + bx + c = x has no roots then
the equation a(ax2 + bx + c)2 + b(ax2 + bx + c) + c =
x will have
(a)
four real roots (b)
no real root
(c)
atleast two real roots
(d)
None of these
Comprehension-4
Let p and q be roots of the equation x2 2x + A = 0,
and let r and s be the roots of the equation
x2 18x + B = 0. Let p < q < r < s are in arithmetic
progression.
The value of A is
(a)
1
(b)
2
(c)
3
(d)
4
The value of q is
(a)
1
(b)
2
(c)
3
(d)
4

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 14
12.

(A)

(B)

The sum of p, q, r, s is
(a)
10
(c)
30
MATRIX-MATCH TYPE
Matching-1
Column - A
The number of
quadratic equations
which are unchanged
by squaring their roots
is
The number of roots of
the equation

x
(C)

(D)

(b)
(d)

20
40

(A)

(B)

0
(C)

2
2
is
1
x1
x1

If p, q, r are three
(R)
distinct real numbers
p 0 such that
x2 + qx + pr = 0 and
x2 + rx + pq = 0 have a
common root, then the
value of p + q + r is
The number of real roots (S)
of the equation

4
(D)

infinite
1.

7
3
2 x is
5
5

(T)

(A)

Matching-2
Column - A
The solution of the
equation

log 7 log 5
(B)

(C)

(D)

none

Column - B
(P)
4

2.

x5 x 0

is
The solution of the
(Q)
equation
|x2 + 4x + 3| + 2x + 5 = 0
The sum of all the real
(R)
roots of the equation
|x 2|2 + |x 2| 2 = 0 is
All real numbers x which (S)
satisfy the equation
2log2log2x + loglog2(22x) = 1
(T)

is
Total number of integral (Q)
values of a such that
x2 + ax + a + 1 = 0 has
integral roots
If x2 + 3x + 5 = 0 and
(R)
2
ax + bx + c = 0 have
a common root and
a, b, c N, then minimum
value of a + b + c is equal to
If ax2 + bx + c = 0 and
(S)
2
bx + cx + a = 0 have a
common root and a, b, c
are non zero real numbers,
then

3.

1 3

1 + 3

4.

three

one

two

a3 b3 c3
is equal to
abc

MULTIPLE CORRECT CHOICE TYPE

If sin , cos are the roots of the equation
ax2 + bx + c = 0
(a)
a2 b2 + 2ac = 0
(b)
(a + c)2 = b2 + c2
(c)
a2 + b2 2ac = 0
(d)
(a c)2 = b2 + c2
If a, b, c, d and p are distinct non-zero real
numbers such that (a2 + b2 + c2)p2 2(ab + bc +
cd)p + (b2 + c2 + d2) 0, then a, b, c, d
(a)
are in A.P.
(b)
are in G.P.
(c)
are in H.P.
(d)
satisfy ad = bc
If a, b, c R and a + b + c = 0, then the quadratic
equation 3ax2 + 2bx + c = 0 has
(a)
at least one root in [0, 1]
(b)
at least one root in [1, 1]
(c)
at least one root in [0, 2]
(d)
none of the these
Let f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, a, b, c R and a 0.
Suppose f(x) > 0 for all x R. Let g(x) = f(x) + f(x)
+ f(x). Then
(a)
g(x) > 0 x R
(b)
(c)
(d)

Einstein Classes,

Column - B
(P)
nine

(12 x)1 / 7 (12 x)1 / 7 64 1 / 7

x
x
12
3

Column - B
(P)
1

(Q)

Matching-3
Column - A
Total number of real
values of x such that

g(x) < 0 x R
g(x) = 0 has non-real roots
g(x) = 0 has real roots

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 15
5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

For real x, the expression (x a) (x b)/(x c) will

assume all real values provided
(a)
a>b>c
(b)
a<b<c
(c)
a>c>b
(d)
a<c<b
If A, G and H are the Arithmetic mean, Geometric
mean and Harmonic mean between two unequal
positive integers. Then the equation
Ax2 |G|x H = 0 has
(a)
both roots are fractions
(b)
at least one root which is negative
fraction
(c)
exactly one positive root
(d)
at least one root which is an integer
For the equation 2x2 + 62x + 1 = 0
(a)
roots are rational
(b)
if one root is p + q then the other is
p + q
(c)
roots are irrational
(d)
if one root is p + q then the other is
p q
If px2 + qx + r = 0 has no real roots and p, q, r are
real such that p + r > 0 then
(a)
pq+r<0
(b)
pq+r>0
(c)
p+r=q
(d)
all of these
2
If the quadratic equations, x + abx + c = 0 and
x2 + acx + b = 0 have a common root then the
equation containing their other roots are
(a)
x2 + a(b + c)x a2bc = 0
(b)
x2 a(b + c)x + a2bc = 0
(c)
a(b + c)x2 (b + c)x + abc = 0
(d)
a(b + c)x2 + (b + c)x abc = 0
If ax2 + bx + c = 0, b 1 be an equation with
integral co-efficients and > 0 be its discriminant,
then the equation b2x2 x 4ac = 0 has
(a)
two integral roots
(b)
two rational roots
(c)
two irrational roots
(d)
one integral root independent of a, b, c

Assertion-Reason Type
Each question contains STATEMENT-1 (Assertion)
and STATEMENT-2 (Reason). Each question has
4 choices (A), (B), (C) and (D) out of which ONLY
ONE is correct.
(A)
Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True;
Statement-2 is a correct explanation
for Statement-1
(B)
Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True;
Statement-2 is NOT a correct
explanation for Statement-1
(C)
Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D)
Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

STATEMENT-1 : If a, b, c are odd integers and

ax2 + bx + c = 0 has real roots then both roots are
rational.
STATEMENT-2 : If discriminant is perfect square
then the roots are rational if a, b, c are rational.
STATEMENT-1 : The equation (x a) (x c) +
(x b) (x d) = 0 where a < b < c < d has non real
roots if > 0.
STATEMENT-2 : The equation (a, b, c R)
ax2 + bx + c = 0 has non-real roots if b2 4ac < 0.
STATEMENT-1 : The number of real solutions of
the equation sin(ex) = 5x + 5x is 0
STATEMENT-2 : A.M. G.M.
STATEMENT-1 : If a, b, c are in H.P. then the
expression a(b c)x2 + b(c a)x + c(a b) is a perfect square.
STATEMENT-2 : One of the root of the above
equation is one.
STATEMENT-1 : The equation 2x2 + 3x + 1 = 0 has
an irrational root.
STATEMENT-2 : The discriminant of the above
equation is perfect square.
STATEMENT-1 : Let f(x) be a quadratic
expression, which is positive for all real values of
x, then for all real x, 10[f(x) + f(x)] is > 0
STATEMENT-2 : f(x) is a odd function.

(Answers) EXCERCISE BASED ON NEW PATTERN

COMPREHENSION TYPE
1.
b
2.
a
7.
a
8.
c
MATRIX-MATCH TYPE

3.
9.

c
b

4.
10.

c
c

5.
11.

b
c

6.
12.

a
b

1.
[A-R; B-Q; C-Q; D-P]
2.
[A-Q; B-P, R; C-Q, D-T]
3.
[A-R; B-S; C-P; D-Q]
MULTIPLE CORRECT CHOICE TYPE
1.
a, b
2.
b, d
7.
b, c
8.
b
ASSERTION-REASON TYPE

3.
9.

a, b, c
b, d

4.
10.

a, c
b, d

5.

c, d

6.

b, c

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

2.

Einstein Classes,

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 16

INITIAL STEP EXERCISE

(SUBJECTIVE)
1.

Find all the roots of 4x4 24x3 + 57x2 + 18x 45 = 0,

if one root is 3 + i6

2.

Solve the following for x :

x2
x
3
( x 1) 2

7.

xy + 3y2 x + 4y 7 = 0
2xy + y2 2x 2y + 1 = 0
8.

If the equations ax 2 + bx + c = 0 and

px2 + qx + r = 0 have one common root and if the
remaining root of the second is the square of the
remaining root of the first, show that
a3r2 + apbcr + c3p2 = 0.

9.

If , are the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 & , aree

the roots of x2 + x + c = 0, show that ,
are the roots of

(b)

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

(c)

|x2 + 2x 8| + x 2 = 0

(d)

log(2x + 3)(6x2 + 23x + 21) +

log3x + 7 (4x2 + 12x + 9) = 4.

If the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are of

the form

k 1
k2
and
, prove that
k
k 1

(a + b + c)2 = b2 4ac
4.

10.

If one root of the quadratic equation

ax2 + bx + c = 0 is equal to the nth power of the
other, then show that
1
n n1
(ac )

6.

b b
b b
2
a a x x c c 0 .

If a, b, c are positive and are in A.P., prove that the

roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are
c
real for 7 4 3 .
a

5.

Solve the simultaneous equation for x and y, the

equations being

(a)

3.

x2 2a|x a| 3a2 = 0

(a

1
n
c) 1

Let 1, 2, 1, 2 be the roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 and

px2 + qx + r = 0 respectively. If the system of
equations 1y + 2z = 0 and 1y + 2z = 0 has a non
trivial solution, then prove that

b2
q2

ac
.
pr

b 0

For a 0, determine all real roots of the equation

FINAL STEP EXERCISE

(SUBJECTIVE)
1.

, are roots of x2 + px + q = 0 and Vn = n + n;

Also show that V n + 1 = k 1 V n + k 2 V n 1 .
Find k1 and k2 in terms of p and q.

2.

Find all real values of x for which y will be real

where

3.

4.

2
1
2x 1

3
.
x x 1 x 1 x 1
2

Find values of p for which x + 1 is a factor of

x4 + (p 3)x3 (3p 5)x2 + (2p 9)x + 6 and the
remaining factors for this value of p.
If the roots of x2 ax + b = 0 are real and differ by
a quantity which is less than c (c > 0), prove that b

1 2 2
1
a c and a 2 .
lies between
4
4

5.

If , are roots of (x2 x) + x + 5 = 0 & 1, 2 are

two values of for which the roots , are related
by

6.

4
then find the value of 1 2 .
2 1
5

Show that the value of

never lie between 1/3 and 3.

7.

8.

If x2 + (a b)x + (1 a b) = 0 where a, b R, then

find the values of a for which equation has unequal
real roots of all values of b.
Find the value of a in the following questions for
which the given conditions are valid.

x 2 ax 1
x2 x 1

Einstein Classes,

tan x
whenever defined
tan 3x

3 for all x.

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
New Delhi 110 018, Ph. : 9312629035, 8527112111

MQE 17
9.

Let a, b, c be real. If ax2 + bx + c = 0 has two real

roots , where < 1 and > 1 then show that

c b
1 0 .
a a
10.

Let a, b, c be positive integers and consider all the

quadratic equations of the form ax2 bx + c = 0
which have two distinct real roots in (0, 1). Find the
least positive integers a for which such a quadratic
equation exists.

ANSWERS SUBJECTIVE (INITIAL STEP EXERCISE)

1.

3 i 6,

2.

(a)

1 5 1 5 3 i 3 3 i 3
,
,
,
2
2
2
2

(b)

1 5 1 5
,
2
2

(c)

x = 5, 2, 3

(d)

x = 1/4

3 /2

6.

x = {a(1 2), a (6 1)}

7.

x R for y = 1 & x = 2 if y = 3

ANSWERS SUBJECTIVE (FINAL STEP EXERCISE)

2.

x ( , 1) (0, 1]

3.

p=4

5.

254

7.

a>1

8.

1 < a < 5

10.

Einstein Classes,

Unit No. 102, 103, Vardhman Ring Road Plaza, Vikas Puri Extn., Outer Ring Road
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