Quadratic Equations

Equations
Quadratic

MODULE - I
Algebra

2
Notes

QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Recall that an algebraic equation of the second degree is written in general form as
ax 2 + bx + c = 0, a 0
It is called a quadratic equation in x. The coefficient a is the first or leading coefficient, b
is the second or middle coefficient and c is the constant term (or third coefficient).
For example, 7x + 2x + 5 = 0,

5
1
x + x + 1 = 0,
2
2

1
= 0, 2 x + 7x = 0, are all quadratic equations.
2
In this lesson we will discuss how to solve quadratic equations with real and complex
coefficients and establish relation between roots and coefficients. We will also find cube
roots of unity and use these in solving problems.
3x x = 0, x +

OBJECTIVES
After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
solve a quadratic equation with real coefficients by factorization and by using quadratic
formula;
find relationship between roots and coefficients;
form a quadratic equation when roots are given; and
find cube roots of unity.

EXPECTED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

Real numbers
Quadratic Equations with real coefficients.

MATHEMATICS

39

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

2.1 ROOTS OF A QUADRATIC EQUATION

The value which when substituted for the variable in an equation, satisfies it, is called a root
(or solution) of the equation.
If be one of the roots of the quadratic equation

Notes

then,

ax 2 + bx + c = 0, a 0

... (i)

a 2 + b + c = 0
In other words, x is a factor of the quadratic equation (i)

In particular, consider a quadratic equation x2 + x 6 = 0

...(ii)

If we substitute x = 2 in (ii), we get

L.H.S = 22 + 2 6 = 0

L.H.S = R.H.S.

Again put x = 3 in (ii), we get

L.H.S. = ( 3)2 3 6 = 0

L.H.S = R.H.S.

Again put x = 1 in (ii) ,we get

L.H.S = ( 1)2 + ( 1) 6 = 6 0 = R.H.S.
x = 2 and x = 3 are the only values of x which satisfy the quadratic equation (ii)

There are no other values which satisfy (ii)

x = 2, x = 3 are the only two roots of the quadratic equation (ii)

Note:

If , be two roots of the quadratic equation

ax 2 + bx + c = 0, a 0
...(A)
then (x ) and (x ) will be the factors of (A). The given quadratic
equation can be written in terms of these factors as (x ) (x ) = 0

2.2 SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION BY FACTORIZATION

Recall that you have learnt how to factorize quadratic polynomial of the form

p ( x ) = ax 2 + bx + c, a 0, by splitting the middle term and taking the common factors.

Same method can be applied while solving quadratic equation by factorization.
p
If x q and x sr are two factors of the quadratic equation
p
ax2 + bx + c = 0 ,a 0 then ( x q )( x sr ) = 0
p
either x = q or, x = sr

40

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic

MODULE - I
Algebra

p
The roots of the quadratic equation ax + bx + c = 0 are q , sr
2

Example 2.1 Using factorization method, solve the following quadratic equation :
6x 2 + 5x 6 = 0
Solution:

The given quadratic equation is

Notes

6x + 5x 6 = 0
2

... (i)

Splitting the middle term, we have

6x 2 + 9x 4x 6 = 0
or, 3x (2x + 3) 2 (2x + 3) = 0
or, (2x + 3)(3x 2) = 0
Either 2x + 3 = 0 x =

or,

3x 2 = 0 x =

3
2

2
3

Two roots of the given quadratic equation are

3 2
,
2 3

Example 2.2 Using factorization method, solve the following quadratic equation:
2
3 2 x + 7x 3 2 = 0

Solution:

Splitting the middle term, we have

2
3 2 x + 9x 2x 3 2 = 0

or,

3x ( 2 x + 3)

or,

( 2 x + 3)(3x 2 ) = 0

Either

or,

3x 2 = 0

2 ( 2 x + 3) = 0

2x+3=0

x= 2

x=

2
3

Two roots of the given quadratic equation are

MATHEMATICS

3
2
,
2 3

41

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

Example 2.3 Using factorization method, solve the following quadratic equation:
(a + b)2 x2 + 6 (a2 b2) x + 9 (a b)2 = 0
Solution: The given quadratic equation is
(a + b)2 x2 + 6 (a2 b2) x + 9 (a b)2 = 0

Notes

Splitting the middle term, we have

(a + b)2 x2 + 3(a2 b2) x + 3(a2 b2) x + 9 (a b)2 = 0
or,

(a + b) x {(a + b) x + 3 (a b) } + 3 (a b) {(a +b) x + 3 (a b) } = 0

or,

{(a + b) x + 3 (a b) } {(a + b) x + 3 (a b) } = 0

either (a + b) x + 3 (a b) =0 x =

or,

(a + b) x + 3 (a b) =0 x =

3(a b) 3 (b a)
=
a+b
a+b

3(a b) 3 (b a)
=
a+b
a+b

The equal roots of the given quadratic equation are

3 (b a) 3 (b a)
,
a+b
a+b

Alternative Method
The given quadratic equation is
(a + b)2 x2 + 6(a2 b2) x + 9(a b)2 = 0
This can be rewritten as
{(a + b) x}2 + 2 .(a + b)x . 3 (a b) + {3(a b)}2 = 0

or,

{ (a + b)x + 3(a b) }2 = 0

or,

x=

3(a b)
3 (b a)
=
a+b
a+b

The quadratic equation have equal roots

3 (b a) 3 (b a)
,
a+b
a+b

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.1

1. Solve each of the following quadratic equations by factorization method:
(i)

2
3 x + 10x + 8

3 =0

ab c
(iii) x2 + x 1 = 0
c ab
42

(ii) x2 2ax + a2 b = 0
(iv) x2 4

2x+6=0
MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic

MODULE - I
Algebra

2.3 SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATION BY QUADRATIC

FORMULA
Recall the solution of a standard quadratic equation
a

x2 + bx + c = 0, a 0 by the Method of Completing Squares

Notes

Roots of the above quadratic equation are given by

x1=

b + b 2 4ac
b b 2 4ac
and x 2 =
2a
2a

b+ D
,
2a

b D
2a

where D = b2 4ac is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation.

For a quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0, a 0 if
(i)

D>0, the equation will have two real and unequal roots

(ii)

D=0, the equation will have two real and equal roots and both roots are
equal to

(iii)

b
2a

D<0, the equation will have two conjugate complex (imaginary) roots.

Example 2.4 Examine the nature of roots in each of the following quadratic equations and
also verify them by formula.
x2 + 9 x +10 = 0

(i)

(ii)

9 y2 6 2 y + 2 = 0

2
2 t 3t + 3 2 = 0

(iii)
Solution:
(i)

The given quadratic equation is x2 + 9 x + 10 = 0

Here,

a = 1, b = 9 and c= 10

D = b2 4ac = 81 4.1.10
= 41>0.

The equation will have two real and unequal roots

MATHEMATICS

43

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

Verification: By quadratic formula, we have

x=

Notes

9 41
2
9 + 41 9 41
,
which are real and unequal.
2
2

The two roots are

(ii)

The given quadratic equation is 9 y2 6 2 y + 2 = 0

Here, D = b2 4 ac
= ( 6 2 )2 4.9.2
= 72 72 = 0

The equation will have two real and equal roots.

Verification: By quadratic formula, we have

y=

6 2 0
2.9

2
3

The two equal roots are

2
2
,
.
3
3

(iii) The given quadratic equation is

2
2 t 3t + 3 2 = 0

Here, D = ( 3)2 4. 2 .3 2
= 15< 0

The equation will have two conjugate complex roots.

Verification: By quadratic formula, we have

t=

44

3 15
2 2

3 15i
, where i = 1
2 2

Two conjugate complex roots are

3+ 15 i 3 15 i
,
2 2
2 2

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic

MODULE - I
Algebra

Example 2.5 Prove that the quadratic equation x2 + py 1 = 0 has real and distinct roots
for all real values of p.
Solution: Here, D = p2 + 4 which is always positive for all real values of p.

The quadratic equation will have real and distinct roots for all real values of p.
Notes

Example 2.6 For what value of k the quadratice equation

(4k+ 1) x2 + (k + 1) x + 1 = 0 will have equal roots ?
Solution: The given quadratic equation is
(4k + 1)x2 + (k + 1) x + 1 = 0
Here, D = (k + 1)2 4.(4k + 1).1
For equal roots, D = 0
(k + 1)2 4 (4k + 1) = 0

k 2 14k 3 = 0

k=

14 196 +12
2

or

k=

14 208
2

= 7 2 13 or 7 + 2 13 , 7 2 13
which are the required values of k.
Example 2.7 Prove that the roots of the equation
x2 (a2+ b2) + 2x (ac+ bd) + (c2+ d2) = 0 are imaginary. But if ad = bc,
roots are real and equal.
Solution: The given equation is x2 (a2 + b2) + 2x (ac + bd) + (c2 + d2) = 0
Discriminant

= 4 (ac + bd)2 4 (a2 + b2) (c2 + d2)

= 8 abcd 4(a2 d2 + b2 c2)
=

4 ( 2 abcd + a2 d2 + b2 c2)

4 (ad bc) 2

<0 for all a, b, c, d

The roots of the given equation are imaginary.

For real and equal roots, discriminant is equal to zero.

4 (ad bc)2 = 0

or,

ad = bc
Hence, if ad=bc, the roots are real and equal.

MATHEMATICS

45

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.2
1. Solve each of the following quadratic equation by quadratic formula:
Notes

(i)

2x2 3 x + 3 = 0

(ii)

x2 + 2 x 1 = 0

(iii)

4 x 2 + 5 x 3 = 0

(iv)

3x 2 + 2 x + 5 = 0

2. For what values of k will the equation

y2 2 (1 + 2k) y + 3 + 2k = 0 have equal roots ?
3. Show that the roots of the equation
(x a) (x b) + (x b) (x c) + (x c) (x a) = 0 are always real and they can not be
equal unless a = b = c.

2.4 RELATION BETWEEN ROOTS AND COEFFICIENTS OF

A QUADRATIC EQUATION
You have learnt that, the roots of a quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, a 0
are

b + b 2 4 ac
b b 2 4 ac
and
2a
2a

b + b 2 4 ac
2a
Adding (i) and (ii), we have
Let

+ =

and =

b b 2 4 ac
2a

... (ii)

b
2b
=
2a
a

coefficient of x
b
Sum of the roots = coefficient of x 2 = a

46

...(i)

+ b 2 (b 2 4 ac)
4a 2

4 ac
4a 2

c
a

... (iii)

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic

constant term
c
Product of the roots = coefficient of x 2 = a

MODULE - I
Algebra

...(iv)

(iii) and (iv) are the required relationships between roots and coefficients of a given quadratic
equation. These relationships helps to find out a quadratic equation when two roots are
given.

Notes

Example 2.8 If, , are the roots of the equation 3x2 5x + 9 = 0 find the value of:
(a) 2 + 2

(b)

1
+ 2

Solution: (a) It is given that , are the roots of the quadratic equation 3x2 5x +9 = 0.

+ =

and

Now,

2 + 2

5
3

... (i)

9
=3
3

... (ii)
= ( + ) 2
2

5
= 2.3
3
=

29
9

The required value is

(b) Now,

+ 2

29
9

2 +2
=
2 2
29
= 9
9
=

MATHEMATICS

[By (i) and (ii)]

[By (i) and (ii)]

29
81

47

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

Example 2.9 If , are the roots of the equation 3y2 + 4y + 1 = 0, form a quadratic
equation whose roots are 2, 2
Solution: It is given that , are two roots of the quadratic equation 3y2 + 4y + 1 = 0.

Sum of the roots

i.e.,

+ = coefficient of y 2

Notes

coefficient of y

4
3

... (i)

cons tan t term

Product of the roots i.e., = coefficient of y 2

1
3

... (ii)

Now, 2 + 2 = ( + )2 2
2

1
4
= 2.
3
3
=

[ By (i) and (ii)]

16
2

9
3

10
9

1
[By (i) ]
9
The required quadratic equation is y2 ( 2 + 2)y + 2 2 = 0

or,

y2

or,

9y2 10y + 1 = 0

and 2 2 = ( )2 =

10
1
y+ =0
9
9

Example 2.10

If one root of the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0, a 0 be the square of

the other, prove that b3 + ac2 + a2c = 3abc

Solution: Let , 2 be two roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.

48

+ 2=

b
a

... (i)

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic
and

c
. 2 =
a

i.e.,

3=

MODULE - I
Algebra

c
.
a

... (ii)
Notes

From (i) we have

( + 1) =

b
a
3

b3
b

= 3
=
a
a

or,

{ ( + 1)}

or,

3 ( 3 + 3 2 + 3 +1) =

or,

c c
b
b3
+
3

+
1

= 3 ... [ By (i) and (ii)]

a
a a
a

or,

b3
c2
3 bc
c

+
= 3
a2
a2
a
a

or,

ac2 3abc + a2c = b3

or,

b3 + ac2 + a2c = 3abc

b3
a3

which is the required result.

Example 2.11 Find the condition that the roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are in the
ratio m : n
Solution: Let m and n be the roots of the equation ax2 +bx + c = 0
Now, m + n =

and

mn 2 =

(m + n)2 =
2

MATHEMATICS

... (i)

c
a

From (i) we have,

or,

b
a

... (ii)

(m + n ) =

b
a

b2
a2
49

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

or,

c
b2
(m + n)2 = mn 2
a
a

or,

ac (m+n)2 = mn b2

[ By (ii)]

which is the required condition

Notes

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.3

1. If , are the roots of the equation ay2 + by + c = 0 then find the value of :
(i)

1
+ 2

(ii)

1
+ 4

2. If , are the roots of the equation 5x2 6x + 3 = 0, form a quadratic equation

whose roots are:
(i) 2, 2

(ii) 3 , 3

3. If the roots of the equation ay2 + by + c = 0 be in the ratio 3:4, prove that
12b2 = 49 ac
4. Find the condition that one root of the quadratic equation px2 qx + p = 0
may be 1 more than the other.

2.5 SOLUTION OF A QUADRATIC EQUATION WHEN D < 0

Let us consider the following quadratic equation:
(a)

Solve for t :

t2 + 3t + 4 = 0

t=

3 9 16
3 7
=
2
2

Here, D= 7 < 0
3 7
3 + 7
and
2
2

The roots are

or,

3 + 7 i 3 7 i
,
2
2

Thus, the roots are complex and conjugate.

50

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic
(b)

MODULE - I
Algebra

Solve for y :

3y2 + 5 y 2 = 0

or

y=

y=

5 5 4(3).(2)
2(3)

Notes

5 19
6

Here, D = 19 < 0

The roots are

5 + 19i
5 19i
,
6
6

Here, also roots are complex and conjugate. From the above examples , we can make the
following conclusions:
(i)

D < 0 in both the cases

(ii)

Roots are complex and conjugate to each other.

Is it always true that complex roots occur in conjugate pairs ?

Let us form a quadratic equation whose roots are
2 + 3i and 4 5i
The equation will be {x (2 + 3i)} {x (4 5i)} = 0
or,

x2 (2 + 3i)x (4 5i)x + (2 + 3i) (4 5i) = 0

or,

x2 + (6 + 2i)x + 23 + 2i = 0

which is an equation with complex coefficients.

Note : If the quadratic equation has two complex roots, which are not conjugate
of each other, the quadratic equation is an equation with complex coefficients.

2.6 CUBE ROOTS OF UNITY

Let us consider an equation of degree 3 or more. Any equation of degree 3 can be expressed
as a product of a linear and quadratic equation.
The simplest situation that comes for our consideration is
x 1 = 0

...(i)

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

either x 1 = 0
MATHEMATICS

or,

x+x+1=0

51

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

Notes

1 3i
2

or,

x=1

or,

x=

Roots are

1
3i
1
3i
1, +
and
2
2
2
2

These are called cube roots of unity.

Do you see any relationship between two non-real roots of unity obtained above ?
Let us try to find the relationship between them
Let

1
3i
+
2
2

w=

Squaring both sides, we have

52

1
3 i

= +
2
2

1
(1+ 3 i 2 2 3 i)
4

1
(1 3 2 3 i)
4

22 3 i
4

2 1+ 3 i
4

1+ 3 i
2

1
3i
w =
= other complex root.
2 2

We denote cube roots of unity as 1, w, w

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic

MODULE - I
Algebra

1
3i
, we can verify, that in this case
Note: If we take w =
2
2

1
2

also w2 = +

3i
2

= other complex root.

Notes

Thus, square of one complex root is same as the other complex root.
Again, sum of roots i.e., 1+ w + w

1
3 i 1
+
1 + +
2 2
2

11

1 + w + w = 0

3 i

1 1

2 2

Sum of cube roots of unity is zero.

Product of cube roots of 1
i.e., 1.w.w = w = 1 (since ,w is a root the equation x3 1 = 0)

We can conclude that , if 1, w and w2 are cube roots of unity then

(i) square of one complex root is same as the other complex root i.e., w2 = w
(ii) 1+ w + w2 = 0
(iii) w3 = 1
Let us now consider another equation
x + 1 = 0
or

... (ii)

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

Either, x + 1 = 0

or,

x x+1=0

or,

x = 1

or,

x=

1 1 4
2

x = 1

or,

x=

1 3
2

MATHEMATICS

53

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

Roots are 1,

1
3i
1
3i

and +
which can also be written as 1 , w and w2
2
2
2
2

Therefore, cube roots of 1 are 1 , w and w2

In general, roots of any cubic equation of the form x 3 = a3 would be
a , aw and aw2

Notes

Example 2.12 If 1, w and w are cube roots of unity, prove that

(a) 1 + w2 + w7 = 0
(b) (1 w + w2) (1 + w w2) = 4
(c) (1 + w)3 (1 + w2)3 = 0
(d) (1 w + w2)3 = 8 and (1 + w w2)3 = 8
Solution:
(a)

1 + w2 + w7 = 0
L.H.S = 1 + w2 + (w3)2. w
= 1 + w2 + w

[ since w3 =1]
[ since 1+ w + w2 = 0]

=0
= R.H.S

L.H.S = R.H.S

(b)

(1 w + w2) (1 + w w2) = 4
L.H.S =
=

(1 w + w2) (1 + w w2)
(1 + w2 w) (1 + w w2)
(since 1 + w2 = w and

54

( w w) ( w2 w2)

( 2w) ( 2w2)

4w3

4.1 = 4 =R.H.S

1 + w = w2)

L.H.S = R.H.S

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic
(c)

L.H.S =

(d)

MODULE - I
Algebra

(1 + w)3 (1 + w2)3 = 0
(1 + w)3 (1 + w2)3

( w2)3 ( w)3

w6 + w3

(w3)2 + 1

(1)2 + 1

0 =R.H.S

(
and

1 + w = w2

1 + w2 = w)
Notes

L.H.S = R.H.S
(1 w + w2)3 = 8 and (1 + w w2)3 = 8

Case I : L.H.S

(1 w + w2)3

(1 + w2 w)3

( w w)3

( 2w)3

8w3

8 = R.H.S

L.H.S =

Case II : L.H.S

R.H.S

(1 + w w)

( w2 w2)3

( 2w2)3

8w6

8(w3)2

8 = R.H.S

L.H.S =

R.H.S

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.4

1.

Solve each of the following cubic equations:

(i) x3 = 27

(ii) x3 = 27

(iii) x3 = 64

(iv) x3 = 64

MATHEMATICS

55

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra

2.

Notes

If 1, w, w2 are cube roots of unity, show that

(i)

(1 + w) (1 + w2) (1 + w4) (1 + w8) = 1

(ii)

(1 w) (1 w2) (1 w4) (1 w5) = 9

(iii)

(1 + w)4 + (1 + w2)4 = 1

(iv)

(1 + w3)3 = 8

(v)

(1 w + w2)6 = (1 + w w2)6 = 64

(vi)

(1 + w)16 + w = (1 + w2)16 + w2 = 1

LET US SUM UP

Roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are complex and conjugate of each
other, when D < 0.

If , be the roots of the quadratic equation

ax2 + bx + c = 0 then + =

c
b
and =
a
a

Cube roots of unity are 1, w, w2

where w =

1
3i
1
3i
and w 2 =
+
2
2
2
2

Sum of cube roots of unity is zero i.e., 1+ w + w2 =0

Product of cube roots of unity is 1 i.e., w3 = 1

Complex roots w and w2 are conjugate to each other.

In general roots of any cubic equation of the form

x 3 = a3 would be a , aw and aw2

56

MATHEMATICS

Quadratic Equations
Equations
Quadratic

MODULE - I
Algebra

SUPPORTIVE WEB SITES

http://www.wikipedia.org
http://mathworld.wolfram.com

Notes

TERMINAL EXERCISE
1.

Show that the roots of the equation

2(a2 + b2 )x2 + 2(a + b)x + 1=0 are imaginary,when a b

2.

Show that the roots of the equation

bx2 + ( b c)x = c + a b are always real if those of
ax2 + b( 2x + 1) = 0 are imaginary.

3.

If , be the roots of the equation 2x2 6x + 5 = 0 , find the equation whose

roots are:

(i) ,

4.

1
(ii) + ,

(iii) 2 + 2 ,

1
+ 2

If 1, w and w2 are cube roots of unity , prove that

(a)

(2 w) (2 w2) (2 w10) (2 w11) = 49

(b) ( x y) (xw y) ) (xw2 y) = x3 y3

5.

If x = a + b , y = aw + bw2 and z = aw2 + bw , then prove that

(a) x2 + y2 + z2 = 6 ab

MATHEMATICS

(b) x y z = a3 + b3

57

Quadratic Equations

MODULE - I
Algebra
ANSWERS
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.1
Notes

1.

(i)

2 3 ,

(iii)

4
3

ab c
,
c ab

(ii)

a b, a + b

(iv)

3 2,

(ii)

1 i
2

(iv)

2 58 i
6

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.2

1.

3 15 i
4

(i)

5 43 i
8

(iii)

2.

1,

1
2

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.3

1.

(i)

b 2 2ac
c2

(ii)

(b 2 2ac)2 2a 2 c 2
c4

2.

(i)

25x2 6x + 9 = 0

(ii)

625x2 90x + 81 = 0

4.

q2 5p2 = 0

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 2.4

1.

(i)

3, 3w, 3w2

(ii)

3, 3w , 3w2

(iii)

4, 4w, 4w2

(iv)

4, 4w , 4w2

TERMINAL EXERCISE
3. (i) 5x2 8x + 5 = 0 (ii) 10x2 42x + 49 = 0 (iii) 25x2 116x + 64 = 0

58

MATHEMATICS