Quadratic Equations

Quadratic
Equations

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Quadratic
Equations
QUADRATIC
EQUATIONS
A quadratic equation is an equation where the highest index is 2 (squared). These are a little more
complicated to solve than linear equations, and may have no real solutions at all.
Answer these questions, before working through the chapter.

I used to think:
How many solutions does a quadratic equation have?

Is it possible to find solutions for x in ax2 + bx + c = 0 based only on a, b and c?

If x2 = 16, is x = 4 the only answer?

Answer these questions, after working through the chapter.

But now I think:

How many solutions does a quadratic equation have?

Is it possible to find solutions for x in ax2 + bx + c = 0 based only on a, b and c?

If x2 = 16, is x = 4 the only answer?

What do I know now that I didn't know before?

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Quadratic Equations
If the highest index of the variable is 2 (eg. x2 or y2) then the equation is not linear, but is called a quadratic equation.
To find the variable by itself on one side, the square root is used to change x2 to x. But the square root must be
used on both sides.
Solve for x in the quadratic equation
2x2 + 16 = 34
2x2 + 16 - 16 = 34 - 16
2

2x = 18
2
2
x2 = 9
Find the square root of both sides

Subtract 16 from both sides

Divide both sides by 2

x2 = ^! 3h2

Because 32 = 9 and ^-3h2 = 9

x =! 3
Each quadratic equation can have one, two or no real solutions. The above example has two solutions
(x = -3 or x = 3). Sometimes the solutions will have to be left in surd form like this next example:
Solve for x
4x2 - 20 = 0
4x2 = 20
x2 = 5

x 2 = ^! 5 h

x =! 5
This equation has the two possible solutions x = 5 or x =

Here is an example of a quadratic equation with no real solutions:

Solve for x in the quadratic equation
3x2 + 8 =-4
3x2 + 8 - 8 =-4 - 8
3x2 = -12
3
3
x2 =-4
x = ! -4
This does not have any real solutions since no real number is the square root of a negative number.

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Basics

1. What is the difference between a linear and a quadratic equation?

2. Find the solutions to the variable in each of these equations. Leave the solutions in surd form if necessary,
and state if each equation has one, two or no real solutions:
a

x2 = 4

2b2 = 32

3b2 - 75 = 0

6y2 = 0

4t2 - 28 = 0

h2 =-9

2p2 =-8

8m2 + 5 = 5

9x2 - 16 = 0

-3k2 + 108 = 0

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The Null Factor Law

Let's say there are two numbers a and b.
If a # b = 0 then a = 0 or b = 0 (or both are 0)
This means that if the product of two expressions is zero, then at least one of the expressions must be equal to zero.
Here are some examples of how the null factor law is used to solve equations:
Solve for x
a

x^ x + 3h = 0

^ x - 1h^ x - 2h = 0

` ^ x - 1h # ^ x - 2h = 0

` x # ^ x + 3h = 0

` x = 0 or x + 3 = 0 ^null factor lawh

` x - 1 = 0 or x - 2 = 0 ^null factor lawh

` x = 0 or x =-3

` x = 1 or x = 2

Factorising to Solve Quadratic Equations

Type 1: ax2 + bx = 0

Factorise to 1 bracket and then use the null factor law to find two possible solutions.

Solve for x in these quadratic equations

a

x2 + 4x = 0

3x2 - 15x = 0

x2 + 4x = 0

3x2 - 15x = 0

x^ x + 4h = 0

x^3x - 15h = 0

x # ^ x + 4h = 0

x # ^3x - 15h = 0

` x = 0 or x + 4 = 0

` x = 0 or 3x - 15 = 0

` x = 0 or x =-4

` x = 0 or x = 5

Type 2: ax2 + bx + c = 0

Factorise to 2 brackets and then use the null factor law to find two possible solutions.

Solve for x in these quadratic equations

a

x2 + x = 12

` ^3x - 1h^ x + 5h = 0

x2 + x - 12 = 0
` ^ x - 3h^ x + 4h = 0

` 3x - 1 = 0 or x + 5 = 0

` x - 3 = 0 or x + 4 = 0

` 3x = 1 or x =-5
` x = 1 or x =-5
3

` x = 3 or x =-4

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3x2 + 14x - 5 = 0

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1. Rewrite these polynomials in the form ax 2 + bx + c = 0 . Identify the values of a, b and c:

a

x 2 + 3x + 2 = 0

2x2 + 4x + 5 = 0

x2 - 7 = 0

x^ x + 4h = 0

3x^4x - 5h = 0

^ x + 3h^ x - 7h = 0

^3x + 5h^ x - 8h = 0

- 3^ x + 4h^ x - 1h = 0

2. Solve these quadratic equations for the missing variable:

a

x^ x - 2h = 0

x^ x + 4h = 0

x^2x + 1h = 0

^ x - 3h^ x + 5h = 0

y^2y - 3h = 0

^2x + 7h^3x - 8h = 0

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3. Solve these quadratic equations by factorising:

a

x2 + 8x = 0

4x2 + 12x = 0

t2 - 6t = 0

5b2 - 15b = 0

y2 - 4y - 21 = 0

m2 - m - 30 = 0

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2n2 + 8n - 64 = 0

x2 + 5x = 6

3x^ x + 2h = 105

^ p + 3h2 = 8p + 72

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Completing the Square

The trinomial x2 + 6x + 1 can't be factorised into two brackets as easily as the examples in the previous section.
So to solve x2 + 6x + 1 = 0 the trinomial on the left needs to be transformed a different way. This is called
Completing the Square.
x2 + 6x + 1 is used in an example to show how to complete the square below:
Complete the square of x 2 + 6x + 1
Step 1: Write a bracket squared with x plus half of the coefficient of x

= x2 + 6 x + 1
Half

= ^ x + 3 h2
Subtract

= ^ x + 3 h2 - 9

Step 2: Subtract the square of the number in the bracket

Squared

= ^ x + 3h2 - 9 + 1

Step 3: Write in the constant term from the trinomial

Step 4: Simplify

` x2 + 6x + 1 = ^ x + 3h2 - 8

= ^ x + 3h2 - 8

In the above example the coefficient of x2 is 1. If it is not 1 then it must be factored out first.
Complete the square of 4x 2 - 16x - 8
Step 1: Factor out the coefficient of x2 using square brackets

= 4x2 - 16x - 8
= 46x2 - 4x

-2 @

Half

Step 2: Inside the square bracket write a round bracket squared with
x plus half the number in front of x in the square bracket

= 46^ x - 2 h2 @
Subtract

Step 3: Inside the square bracket subtract the square of the number
in the round bracket

= 46^ x - 2 h2 - 4 @
Squared

= 46^ x - 2h2 - 4 - 2 @

Step 4: Write the constant term in the square bracket from Step 1

= 46^ x - 2h2 - 6 @

` 4x - 16x - 8 = 4^ x - 2h - 24
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= 4^ x - 2h2 - 24

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4. Complete the square of the following trinomials:

a

x2 + 4x + 1

x2 - 6x + 16

x 2 + 3x + 7

3x2 + 24x + 30

-3x2 - 6x + 18

2
Hint: ` 3 j = 9
2
4

-x2 + 10x - 23
Hint: factorise -1 out using square brackets

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Why is Completing the Square Important?

If a trinomial in an equation can't be factorised easily into two brackets, then completing the square can be used
to solve the equation.
Solve for x if x 2 - 6x + 1 = 0
x2 - 6x + 1 can't be factorised easily into two brackets. Completing the square can be used to show:
x2 - 6x + 1 = ^ xh2 - 8

So the original equation can be rewritten as: ^ x - 3h2 - 8 = 0

Simplify so that the squared backet is by itself on the left hand side: ^ x - 3h2 - 8 + 8 = 0 + 8
^ x - 3h2 = 8

Solve for the bracket by finding the square root of both sides: ^ x - 3h2 = ^! 8 h

` x - 3 =! 8

Solve for the two possible solutions of x: x - 3 = 8 or x - 3 =- 8

` x = 3 + 8 or x = 3 - 8

Solutions are usually left in surd form, unless a question specifies otherwise.
Solve the equation: 4x 2 - 16x - 8 = 0
Using completing the square: 4x2 - 16x - 8 = 4 (x - 2) 2 - 24
Rewrite the equation in the completing the square form: 4^ x - 2h2 - 24 = 0
Simplify so that the squared bracket is by itself on the left hand side: 4^ x - 2h2 = 24
^ x - 2h2 = 6

Solve for the bracket by finding the square root of both sides: ^ x - 2h2 = ^! 6 h

` x - 2 =! 6

Solve for the two possible solutions of x: x - 2 = 6 or x - 2 =- 6

` x = 2 + 6 or x = 2 - 6

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5. Solve for x in the following:

a

^ x + 2h2 = 5

^ x - 3h2 = 16

3^ x - 7h2 = 8

-5^ x + 6h2 = 35

6. Complete the square and then solve for x in the following:

a

x2 + 6x + 2 = 0

x2 - 10x + 15 = 0

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7. Complete the square and solve for the variable in the following:
a

2q2 + 3q - 2 = 0

-m2 - 2m + 5 = 0

4t2 + 8t - 1 = 0

- 3x2 + 12x - 2 = 0

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8. Consider the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 where a, b and c are any constants:

a

Complete the square for this equation.

Solve for x.

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The Quadratic Formula

'The Quadratic Formula' is also know as 'The Formula' for quadratic equations. It is a formula that solves for any
quadratic equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 by using only the coefficients a, b and c.
The formula is found from solving ax 2 + bx + c = 0 using completing the square.
ax2 + bx + c = 0
` x2 + b x + c = 0
a
a
2
2
` `x + b j - b 2 + c = 0
2a
a
4a
2
2
` ` x + b j = b - 42 ac
2a
4a
2
` x + b = ! b - 4ac
2a
2a
2
` x = - b ! b - 4ac
2a

2
` x = - b + b - 4ac
2a

2
or x = - b - b - 4ac
2a

This means that a solution can be found for a quadratic equation just using the coefficients.
Solve the following equations
x 2 + 5x + 3 = 0
a = 1, b = 5, c = 3

Quadratic formula
Substitute a, b and c
into quadratic formula

2
x = -b ! b - 4ac
2a

x=

-5 ! 52 - 4^1 h^3 h
2^1 h

x = -5 ! 13
2
x =- 5 + 13
2
2

or

x =- 5 - 13
2
2

Solutions are left in surd form unless a question says otherwise.

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1. Use the quadratic formula to solve the following quadratic equations, leaving your answers in surd form:
a

x2 - 3x - 18 = 0

x2 - 9x + 14 = 0

2x2 + 26x + 80 = 0

-4t2 + 32t - 60 = 0

y2 + 2y - 5 = 0

- p 2 - 5p + 5 = 0

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2. Use the quadratic formula to solve the following quadratic equations, leaving your answers in surd form:
a

-3x2 - 10x + 8 = 0

4x2 - 9 = 0

x^2x - 7h =- 4

x^4 - 5xh =-6

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3. Solve 7x 2 + 42x - 112 = 0 using each of the following methods.

(You should get the same solutions each time)
a

Factorise and solve for x.

Use completing the square to solve for x.

Use the quadratic formula to solve for x.

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The Discriminant
Thanks to the quadratic formula we know that solutions to a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be found using:
2
x = -b ! b - 4ac
2a

Notice that if b2 - 4ac is negative then the surd can't be simplified - since there is no real number which is the
square root of a negative number. So, if b2 - 4ac 1 0 then there are no real solutions for x.
The expression b2 - 4ac (the value under the surd in the quadratic formula) is called the discriminant, and
represented by T ('Delta'). The discriminant predicts the properties of solutions to quadratic equations:
If T = b2 - 4ac 1 0 (negative) then there will be no real solutions for x.
If T = b2 - 4ac = 0 then the two solutions will be equal. These equal solutions will also be rational.
If T = b2 - 4ac 2 0 (positive) and is a perfect square then there are two solutions which are unequal
and rational.
If T = b2 - 4ac 2 0 (positive) and is not a perfect square, then there are two solutions which are
unequal and irrational.
Have a look at these examples
a

18

T = b2 - 4ac = ^1 h2 - 4^2h^-7h = 57

Using the quadratic formula: x = -1 ! 57

4
` x = -1 + 57 or x = -1 - 57
4
4

` T 2 0 and is not a perfect square

Solutions are unequal and irrational

` the solutions will be unequal and irrational

(As expected since T 2 0 and not a perfect square)

x2 + 10x + 25 = 0

Using the quadratic formula: x = -10 ! 0

2

T = b2 - 4ac = ^10h2 - 4^1 h^25h = 0

` x =-5 + 0 or x =-5 - 0

`T=0

` x =-5 solutions are equal

` the solutions will be equal

Only one solution (as expected, since T = 0 )

2x2 + 3x + 3 = 0

Using the quadratic formula: x = -3 ! -15

4

T = b2 - 4ac = ^3 h2 - 4^2h^3 h =-15

` the surd can't be simplified

`T10

` no real solutions for x

` there are no real solutions for x.

(As expected, since T 1 0 )

2x2 + x - 7 = 0

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The discriminant can also be used to determine coefficients.

Find values of k so that 3x 2 - 6x + k = 0 has:
a

Equal solutions

No real solution

For solutions T = b2 - 4ac = 0

For no real solutions T = b2 - 4ac 1 0

` ^-6h2 - 4^3 h^ k h = 0

` ^-6h2 - 4^3 h^ k h 1 0

` 36 - 12k 1 0

` 36 - 12k = 0
` 12k = 36

` 12k 2 36

`k=3

`k23

` if k = 3 then the equation will have equal

solutions

` if k is greater than 3 then the equation will

have no real solutions

Two real and unequal solutions

For real and unequal solutions 3 = b2 - 4ac 2 0
` ^-6h2 - 4^3 h^ k h 2 0

` 36 - 12k 2 0
` 12k 1 36
`k13

` if k is less than 3 then the equation will have

real and unequal solutions

mx 2 - 5x =-6 has equal solutions. Find m

First, write the equation in standard form: mx2 - 5x + 6 = 0
` a = m, b =-5 and c = 6
For equal roots
T = b2 - 4ac = 0
` ^-5h2 - 4^ mh^6h = 0
25 - 24m = 0
` m = 25
24

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4. Use the discriminant to determine if these equations have two equal, unequal or no real solutions.
(Hint: Make sure the equation is in standard form ax2 + bx + c = 0 )
a

4x2 + 21x - 18 = 0

3x 2 + 7x + 2 = 0

x2 - 3x + 11 = 0

2x2 - 18 = 16x

x = 3 -4
x

8x - 8 = 2x2

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5. Find the value of r if rx 2 - 3x + 9 = 0 :

a

Has one solution.

Has two unequal solutions.

6. Find the values for k such that x 2 + x + 7k = 6k - 3x has no real solutions:

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7. Use the discriminant to prove that rx 2 + 2rx + r = 0 has equal solutions for any r:

8. Prove that 2x 2 + 2kx + 2k 2 = 3kx - 3k 2 never has real roots for any k:

9. Find p if the following equation has two unequal real solutions:

2 = 2 - 2x 2
p
5 - 4x

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Equations that Reduce to Quadratics

Some equations can look very complicated, but they can be made easier by making a variable substitution to
transform a nonquadratic equation into a quadratic equation.
This is done in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Make a substitution to reduce the complicated equation to a quadratic equation
Step 2: Solve the quadratic equation
Step 3: Substitute the original variable back and solve
For example, solve for x if 2^2x - 7h2 + 3^2x - 7h - 20 = 0
Step 1: substitute k = 2x 7 to transform the complicated equation to
2k2 + 3k - 20 = 0
Step 2: this is a quadratic equation which can easily be factorised
` ^2k - 5h^ k + 4h = 0

` 2k - 5 = 0 or k + 4 = 0
k = 5 or
k =-4
2

Step 3: substitute the original variables back in

` 2x - 7 = 5 or 2x - 7 =-4
2
x= 3
` x = 19 or
2
4

Solve for x if 2x 4 - 10x 2 - 28 = 0

Step 1: substitute k = x2 to transform the complicated equation to
2k2 - 10k - 28 = 0
` k2 - 5k - 14 = 0
Step 2: this is a quadratic equation which can easily be factorised
` ^ k - 7h^ k + 2h = 0
` k - 7 = 0 or k + 2 = 0
k = 7 or

k =-2

Step 3: substitute the original variables back in

x2 = 7

or

` x =! 7

or

x2 =-2
x = ! -2

This is impossible

` x = 7 or x =- 7

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1. Substitute k = x3 to solve for x in 2x 6 + 4x3 - 16 = 0 .

2. Make a substitution to solve for x in:

a

40 + 6^7x + 3h - ^7x + 3h2 = 0

^ x - 2h4 - 5^ x - 2h2 - 36 = 0

9 x - 10^3 xh + 9 = 0

24

^Hint: 9 = 32h

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Quadratic Word Problems

Some problems can be represented by a quadratic equation. Any of the methods in this chapter can be used to
solve these problems.
When choosing a method to use, most people find it easier to try factorising into two brackets first. If an equation
can't be factorised into two brackets easily, then use the quadratic formula or completing the square.
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the lengths of the missing sides in the following right angled triangle:
According to the Pythagorean theorem:

x2 + ^ x + 1h2 = 52

` 2x2 + 2x - 24 = 0
` x2 + x - 12 = 0

5cm
x

This can be factorised into two brackets

^ x - 3h^ x + 4h = 0

` x = 3 or x =-4

x+1

The length of the side of a triangle can't be negative, so x = 3 is the

only solution.
The missing sides of the triangle are x = 3 cm and x + 1 = 4 cm

Here is an example of a word problem which can be represented by a quadratic equation. To find an equation
from a word problem, let a variable equal the missing value and use the information in the word problem to
create an equation.
Sandra is twice as old as Russell. Eight years ago, the product of their ages was 10. Find their current ages:
Let Russell's age be x
` Sandra's age is 2x
Eight years ago their ages were: R
 ussell: x - 8
Sandra: 2x - 8
From the word problem we can say

^2x - 8h^ x - 8h = 10

` 2x2 - 24x + 64 = 10
2x2 - 24x + 54 = 0
` x2 - 12x + 27 = 0
This can be factorised into two brackets ^ x - 3h^ x - 9h = 0
` x = 3 or x = 9

It is impossible for Russell to be 3 years old since he would not yet have been born 8 years ago.
` x = 9 is the only solution
` Russell is currently 9 years and Sandra is currently 2^9h = 18 years old.

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1. The product of two consecutive integers is 272.

a

Find the two numbers if they are positive.

Find the two numbers if they are negative.

2. A rectangles length is 3 less than four times the breadth. Find the dimensions of the rectangle if the area
is 126cm 2 :

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3. The stage below is made up of a square and a rectangle. Find x If the total area of the stage is 191m 2 .
x+3
x+2

x+4

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Simultaneous Equations with Quadratics

In the same way simultaneous equations exist for linear equations, they exist for quadratic equations too. When
you are solving simultaneous equations involving a linear equation and a quadratic equation always follow these
four steps:
Step 1: Make y the subject in both equations
Step 2: Substitute the quadratic equation into the linear equation
Step 3: Solve for x
Step 4: Substitute the x-value into the original linear equation (or the original quadratic equation) to
solve for y
Solve for these simultaneous equations
y - 10 = x2 - 7x
y-x = 3
Step 1: Make y the subject of both equations
11
2

y = x - 7x + 10
y = x+3

10

^7, 10h

8
2

Step 2: Substitute the quadratic equation into the

linear equation

6
5
4

Substitute 2 into 1

^ x2 - 7x + 10h = x + 3

^1, 4h

2
1

Step 3: Solve for x

-4 -3 -2 -1 0
-1

x - 7x + 10 - x - 3 = 0

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8 9 10

-2

x - 8x + 7 = 0

-3

^ x - 1h^ x - 7h = 0

` x = 1 or x = 7
Step 4: Substitute the x-value into the original linear equation (or the original quadratic equation) to solve for y
y = ^1 h + 3

or

y=4

y = ^7h + 3
y = 10

` x = 1 and y = 4

or

x = 7 and y = 10

This means that the graphs of the equations will intersect at (1, 4) and (7, 10)

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A straight line (linear equation) and parabola (quadratic equation) could intersect at one point, two points or
not at all.
If the quadratic equation in step 3 has two solutions, then the straight line and parabola intersect at
two points and so the straight line is a secant.
If the equation in step 3 has one solution (the solutions are equal) then the straight line touches the
parabola only once and so the straight line is a tangent to the parabola.
If the equation in step 3 has no real solutions ^ b2 - ac 1 0h then the straight line and parabola will
not intersect at all.

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4. Solve these simultaneous equations for x and y. How many times does the straight line intersect the parabola?
y = x2 + 13x + 1
y = 8x + 1

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5. Solve these simultaneous equations for x and y. How many times does the straight line intersect the parabola?
y - 5 = 4x2 - 10x
y + 3 = 2x

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6. Solve these simultaneous equations for x and y. Find the coordinates of the point(s) where the graphs
would intersect:
y - 3x = x2 - 37
-23 = 7x - y

32

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Questions

Thinking Even More

7. Solve these simultaneous equations for x and y. Find the coordinates of the point(s) where the graphs
would intersect:
y = 3x2 - 9x + 30
y =-2x + 15

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Answers

Basics:

Knowing More:

1. In a linear equation the highest index of the

variable (eg x ) has an index of 1. In a quadratic
equation the highest index of the variable has
an index of 2 (eg x2 ).

2. a

x =! 2
Two solutions

b =! 4
Two solutions

b =! 5
Two solutions

y=0
One solution

t =! 7
Two solutions

h2 =-9
No real solutions

p2 =-4
No real solutions

x =! 4
3
Two solutions

m=0
One solution

x 2 + 3x + 2 = 0
` a = 1, b = 3, c = 2

x = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0
x = 0 or x =- 1
2

(Null Factor Law)

x - 3 = 0 or x + 5 = 0

(Null Factor Law)

x=3

y = 0 or 2y - 3 = 0
y = 0 or y = 3
2

2x + 7 = 0 or 3x - 8 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

or x = 8
x =- 7
2
3

3. a

x2 + 4x + 0 = 0
` a = 1, b = 4, c = 0

x2 - 4x - 21 = 0
` a = 1, b =-4, c =-21

3x2 - 19x - 40 = 0
` a = 3, b =-19, c =-40

-3x2 - 9x + 12 = 0
` a =-3, b =-9, c = 12

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(Null Factor Law)

(Null Factor Law)

or x =-3

t = 0 or t - 6 = 0

(Null Factor Law)

t = 0 or t = 6
d

5b = 0 or b - 3 = 0
b=0

34

4x = 0 or x + 3 = 0
x=0

12x2 - 15x + 0 = 0
` a = 12, b =-15, c = 0

x = 0 or x + 8 = 0

(Null Factor Law)

x = 0 or x =-8

x + 0x - 7 = 0
` a = 1, b = 0, c =-7

or x =-5

2x2 + 4x + 5 = 0
` a = 2, b = 4, c = 5

(Null Factor Law)

Knowing More:
1. a

x = 0 or x + 4 = 0
x = 0 or x =-4

k = !6
Two solutions

(Null Factor Law)

x = 0 or x = 2
b

2. a

x = 0 or x - 2 = 0

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(Null Factor Law)

or y =-3

m - 6 = 0 or m + 5 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

m=6

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or b = 3

y - 7 = 0 or y + 3 = 0
y=7

(Null Factor Law)

or m =-5

Quadratic Equations

Answers

Knowing More:
3. g

Knowing More:

n + 8 = 0 or n - 4 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

or n = 4

n =-8

2
2
8. a ` x + b j = b 2 - c
2a
a
4a

b
h

x - 1 = 0 or x + 6 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

or x =-6

x=1
i

Using Our Knowledge:

x + 7 = 0 or x - 5 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

or x = 5

x =-7

p - 9 = 0 or p + 7 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

or p =-7

p=9

4. a ^ x + 2h - 3

^ x - 3h + 7

3 2 19
`x + 2 j + 4

3^ x + 4h2 - 18

-^ x - 5h2 + 2

-3^ x + 1h2 + 21

x =-2 + 5 or x =-2 - 5

x =-1 or x = 7

x = 7+2

No real solution

2
3

2
3

or x = 7 - 2

6. a

x =-3 + 7 or x =-3 - 7

x = 5 + 10 or x = 5 - 10

7. a

q= 1
2

x = 7 or x = 2

x =-8 or

x = 5 or

x =-1 + 6 or x =-1 - 6

x =- 5 + 3 5
2
2

2. a

x=3

or x =- 5 - 3 5
2
2

x =-4 or x = 2
3
or x =- 3
2

x= 3
2

x = 7 + 17
4

x = -4 + 2 34
-10

x=2

or q =-2

or x = 7 - 17
4
or x = -4 - 2 34
-10

or x =-8

^ x + 3h2 = ^! 5h2

x = 2 or x =-8

t =-1 +

10
3

x =-5

x - 2 = 0 or x + 8 = 0 (Null Factor Law)

m =-1 + 6 or m =-1 - 6

x = 2+

5
4

x = 6 or x =-3

3. a 7 6^ x - 2h^ x + 8h@ = 0

1. a

5. a

2
x = - b ! b - 4ac
2a

or t =-1 -

5
4

or x = 2 -

10
3

x = -42 ! 70
14
x =-8 or x = 2

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Answers

Using Our Knowledge:

Thinking Even More:

4. a T 2 0 and is a perfect square

` the solutions will be unequal and rational

1. a
b

5.

The negative numbers are -16 and -17

T 2 0 and is a perfect square

` the solutions will be unequal and rational

T10
` there are no real solutions for x

T 2 0 and is a perfect square

` the solutions will be unequal and rational

3. x = 7m

T 2 0 and is not a perfect square

` the solutions will be unequal and
irrational

4. x = 0 or x =-5

2. Breadth = 6cm
Length is = 21cm

y = 1 or y =-39

T = 0 . The two solutions will be equal

These equal solutions will also be rational

rx - 3x + 9 = 0 has one solution

when r = 1
4

Therefore the straight line intersects the

parabola twice at: ^0, 1h and ^-5, -39h
5. x = 2 or x = 1

y = 1 or y =-1
Therefore the straight line intersects the
parabola twice at: ^2, 1h and ^1, -1h

The equation rx2 - 3x + 9 = 0 has

unequal solutions when r 1 1
4

6. x = 10 or x =-6

6. x2 + x + 7k = 6k - 3x has no real solutions

when k 2 4
2
9. 2 = 2 - 2x has two unequal and real
p
5 - 4x
solutions when p 1 1 or p 2 4 .

y = 93 or y =-19
Therefore the graphs intersect at:
^10, 93h and ^-6, -19h
7. The discriminant is 1 0 so this can't be solved
(no real solutions)

Thinking More:
1. ` x = 3 2

or x = 3 -4

2. a ` x =-1 or x = 1

36

The positive numbers are 16 and 17

` x =-1 or x = 5

` x = 2 or x = 0

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