QUADRATIC EQUATIONS-Exercise 4.3

Quadratic Equations form a central theme in Class X Mathematics, linking algebraic reasoning with real-life problem solving. The textbook exercises of this chapter introduce students to structured techniques for solving equations of the form 𝑎 𝑥 2 + 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 ax 2 +bx+c=0, and help them understand how such equations naturally arise from situations involving area, speed, number relations, geometry, and practical applications. The solutions provided here aim to make each concept intuitive and accessible. Every exercise is solved step-by-step using the core methods prescribed in NCERT: factorization, completing the square, and the quadratic formula. Careful emphasis is placed on the discriminant, the nature of roots, and the proper conversion of real-world problems into quadratic form, ensuring that learners develop accuracy as well as confidence. These solutions not only simplify complex algebraic steps but also highlight strategies commonly tested in board examinations. By practicing these solutions, students build strong analytical skills, understand root-based relationships, and become proficient in selecting the most efficient method for solving a given equation. This comprehensive guide transforms the chapter from a challenging algebra topic into a structured and logical learning experience, enabling students to achieve mastery in both conceptual understanding and exam performance.

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December 1, 2025  |  By Academia Aeternum

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS-Exercise 4.3

Maths - Exercise

Find the nature of the roots of the following quadratic equations. If the real roots exist, find them:

  1. \(2x^2 – 3x + 5 = 0\)

    Solution:

    Given: \(2x^{2} - 3x + 5 = 0\)

    To determine the nature of the roots, calculate the discriminant \[D = b^2 - 4ac\] where \(a = 2\), \(b = -3\), and \(c = 5\).

    Calculate \[ \begin{aligned} D &= (-3)^2 - 4 \times 2 \times 5 \\ &= 9 - 40 \\ &= -31 \end{aligned} \]

    Since \(D < 0\), the quadratic equation has no real roots. Instead, it has two complex conjugate roots.

    Therefore, no real roots exist for this equation.


  2. \(3x^2 – 4 \sqrt{3} x + 4 = 0\)

    Solution:

    Given: \(3x^{2} - 4\sqrt{3} x + 4 = 0\)

    Calculate the discriminant \[D = b^{2} - 4ac\] with \(a = 3\), \(b = -4\sqrt{3}\), and \(c = 4\).

    Calculate \[ \begin{aligned} D &= (-4\sqrt{3})^2 - 4 \times 3 \times 4 \\ &= 48 - 48 \\ &= 0 \end{aligned} \]

    Since \(D = 0\), the quadratic has equal real roots. The roots are given by \[ \begin{aligned} x &=\dfrac{-b}{2a} \\ &= \dfrac{-(-4\sqrt{3})}{2 \times 3} \\ &= \dfrac{4\sqrt{3}}{6} \\ &= \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \end{aligned} \]

    Therefore, the equation has two equal real roots, both equal to \(\dfrac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\).


  3. \( 2x^2 – 6x + 3 = 0\)

    Solution:

    Given: \(2x^{2} - 6x + 3 = 0\)

    Calculate the discriminant \[D = b^{2} - 4ac\] where \(a = 2\), \(b = -6\), and \(c = 3\)

    Compute \[ \begin{aligned} D &= (-6)^{2} - 4 \times 2 \times 3 \\ &= 36 - 24 \\ &= 12 \end{aligned} \]

    Since \(D > 0\), the quadratic equation has two distinct real roots.

    The roots are given by \[ \begin{aligned} x &= \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{D}}{2a} \\ &= \frac{-(-6) \pm \sqrt{12}}{2 \times 2} \\ &= \frac{6 \pm 2\sqrt{3}}{4}\\ &= \frac{3 \pm \sqrt{3}}{2}. \end{aligned} \]

    Thus, the roots are \(\frac{3 + \sqrt{3}}{2}\) and \(\frac{3 - \sqrt{3}}{2}\).


Q2. Find the values of k for each of the following quadratic equations, so that they have two equal roots.

  1. \( 2x^2 + kx + 3 = 0\)

    Solution:

    Given: \(2x^2 + kx + 3 = 0\)

    For the quadratic equation to have two equal real roots, the discriminant must be zero: \[D = b^2 - 4ac = 0\]

    Here, \(a = 2\), \(b = k\), and \(c = 3\).

    Set \(D = 0\): \[k^2 - 4 \times 2 \times 3 = 0\]

    Simplify: \[ \begin{aligned} k^2 - 24 &= 0\\ k^2 &= 24\\ k &= \pm \sqrt{24} \\ &= \pm 2\sqrt{6} \end{aligned} \]

    Thus, the values of \(k\) are \(2\sqrt{6}\) and \(-2\sqrt{6}\).


  2. \(kx (x – 2) + 6 = 0\)

    Solution:

    Given: \(kx(x - 2) + 6 = 0\)

    First expand the equation: \[kx^2 - 2kx + 6 = 0\] This is a quadratic equation with \(a = k\), \(b = -2k\), and \(c = 6\).

    For equal roots, the discriminant must be zero: \[D = b^2 - 4ac = 0\] Substitute the coefficients: \[ \begin{aligned} (-2k)^2 - 4(k)(6) &= 0\\ 4k^2 - 24k &= 0\\ 4k(k - 6) = &0\\ \end{aligned} \]

    Thus, \[ 4k = 0\] or \[ \begin{aligned} k - 6 &= 0\\ k&=6 \end{aligned} \]

    Solutions: \(k = 0\) or \(k = 6\).
    Note that \(k = 0\) makes the equation linear (\(6 = 0\)), which has no solution, so discard it.

    Therefore, the only valid value is \(k = 6\).


Q3. Is it possible to design a rectangular mango grove whose length is twice its breadth, and the area is 800 m2? If so, find its length and breadth.


Solution:

Given: Rectangular mango grove with length twice its breadth and area 800 m². Find dimensions if possible.

Let breadth be \(x\) m.
Then length is \(2x\) m.
Area equation: \(x \times 2x = 800\).

Simplify: \[ \begin{aligned} 2x^2 &= 800\\ x^2 &= 400\\ x &= \pm \sqrt{400} \\ &= \pm 20 \end{aligned} \]

Since dimensions must be positive, discard \(x = -20\).
Thus, breadth \(x = 20\) m and length \(2x = 40\) m.

Yes, it is possible.
Dimensions:
length 40 m, breadth 20 m.

Verification: \(40 \times 20 = 800\) m².


Q.4 Is the following situation possible? If so, determine their present ages. The sum of the ages of two friends is 20 years. Four years ago, the product of their ages in years was 48.


Solution:

Given: Sum of ages of two friends is 20 years. Four years ago, product of their ages was 48. Determine if possible and find present ages.

Let present age of first friend be \(x\) years.
Then second friend's age is \(20 - x\) years. Four years ago, their ages were \(x - 4\) and \(16 - x\) years.

Product four years ago: \((x - 4)(16 - x) = 48\). \[ \begin{aligned} (x - 4)(16 - x) &= 48\\ 16x - x^2 - 64 + 4x &= 48\\ -x^2 + 20x - 112 &= 0\\ x^2 - 20x + 112 &= 0 \end{aligned} \]

Discriminant: \[ \begin{aligned} D &= b^2 - 4ac \\ &= (-20)^2 - 4(1)(112) \\ &= 400 - 448 \\ &= -48 \end{aligned} \]

Since \(D < 0\), no real solutions exist. Ages cannot be negative or imaginary.

Therefore, the given situation is not possible.


Q5. Is it possible to design a rectangular park of perimeter 80 m and area 400 m2? If so, find its length and breadth.


Solution:

Given: Rectangular park with perimeter 80 m and area 400 m². Find dimensions if possible.

Let breadth be \(x\) m.
Then length is \(40 - x\) m,
since perimeter \(2(l + b) = 80\) gives \(l + b = 40\).
Area equation: \[ \begin{aligned} x(40 - x) &= 400\\ 40x - x^2 &= 400\\ x^2 - 40x + 400 &= 0 \end{aligned} \]

Discriminant: \[ \begin{aligned} D &= (-40)^2 - 4(1)(400)\\ &= 1600 - 1600 \\ &= 0 \end{aligned} \]

Since \(D = 0\), equal real roots exist.

Root: \[ \begin{aligned} x &= \dfrac{-b}{2a} \\ &= \dfrac{40}{2} \\ &= 20 \end{aligned} \] Thus, breadth \(x = 20\) m and length \(40 - 20 = 20\) m.

Yes, it is possible.

The park is a square with sides 20 m.

Verification: Perimeter \(80\) m, area \(400\) m².


Frequently Asked Questions

A quadratic equation is an equation of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\) where \(a,\ b\, c\) are real numbers and \(a \neq 0\).

If \(a = 0\), the equation becomes linear and no longer contains a squared term, so it cannot be quadratic.

The standard form is \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).

The word “quadratic” comes from “quad,” meaning square, because the highest power of the variable is 2.

The solutions of \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\) are \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\).

The discriminant \(D\) is the expression \(b^2 - 4ac\) found inside the square root of the quadratic formula.

It indicates two distinct real roots.

It indicates one real and repeated root.

It indicates no real roots; the solutions are complex.

By splitting the middle term into two terms whose product is (ac), factoring the expression, and using the zero-product property.

If \(pq = 0\), then either \(p = 0\) or \(q = 0\). It is used to solve factored quadratic equations.

It means expressing \(bx\) as the sum of two terms whose product equals \(ac\), helping in factorization.

It is a method of rewriting a quadratic as a perfect square expression to solve the equation.

It helps derive the quadratic formula and solve equations that are not easy to factor.

Ensure \(a = 1\), take half of the coefficient of \(x\), square it, add it to both sides, form a perfect square, and solve.

Roots are the values of \(x\) that satisfy the equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).

For equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\): sum of roots = \(-b/a\); product of roots = \(c/a\).

The roots are the \(x\)-intercepts where the parabola \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\) crosses the \(x\)-axis.

When \(D = 0\); the parabola is tangent to the x-axis.

When \(D < 0\); the graph does not cross or touch the \(x\)-axis.

It works for all types of quadratic equations, even when factorization is difficult.

They appear in geometry, projectile motion, business profit problems, age problems, and number-based puzzles.

Shape-based problems such as area, diagonal relations, and dimensions often result in a quadratic equation.

They are used in motion under gravity, height-time relations, and projectile trajectories.

By completing the square on the general form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).

An expression like \(x^2 + 2px + p^2 = (x + p)^2\).

When its discriminant is a perfect square or when integers exist that multiply to \(ac\) and sum to \(b\).

Using relations involving area, speed, number constraints, or algebraic identities to form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).

If length = breadth + 3 and area = 40 sq units, then \(b(b+3) = 40\) becomes a quadratic equation.

A quadratic equation without a linear term, i.e., of the form \(ax^2 + c = 0\).

Quadratic equations that contain all three terms: \(ax^2\), \(bx\), and \(c\).

A quadratic equation where \(a = 1\), e.g., \(x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0\).

Substituting answers back ensures the solution satisfies the original problem context.

Factorization-based questions, quadratic formula problems, word problems, discriminant evaluation, and root nature analysis.

Factorization is fastest when applicable; otherwise, the quadratic formula is the safest and most reliable.

Because the discriminant becomes negative, making the square root of a negative number impossible in real numbers.

Forgetting to bring the equation to standard form before applying methods or miscalculating the discriminant.

The sign determines the curve orientation and affects nature of roots.

Rearranging and simplifying the equation so that all terms are on one side of the equal sign.

Yes, when the discriminant is not a perfect square.

Yes, when \(D\) is positive but not a perfect square.

\(y = a(x - h)^2 + k\), where \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola.

Only basic understanding; detailed graphing is taught in higher classes.

Maximizing area of a rectangular garden using fixed fencing length leads to a quadratic equation.

It quickly determines the nature of roots without solving the full equation.

Problems involving numbers, age, geometry, motion, mixtures, and profit that reduce to quadratic equations.

Because methods like factorization or formula application work only in standard form.

Practice factorization, memorize formulas, and solve multiple word problems to gain confidence.

Substitute them in the original equation and verify if both sides balance.

\(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\) without common factors and with simplified coefficients.

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