Chap 09

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 303 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM
Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06
eTHINKING
Solving
quadratic
equations
9
Economics tells us that the
cheaper an item is the more
items we will sell.
Azimi is on a committee
that is trying to raise money
for an excursion by selling
traditional Moroccan craft
items. Azimi needs to raise at
least $800 for the excursion.
At $20 each, 30 craft items
will be sold. For every $1
reduction in the price of the
items, 5 more will be sold. In
what price range should they
be sold?
To answer the problem
you will need to be able to
solve quadratic equations.
This chapter looks at solving
quadratic equations allowing
you to model many real-life
problems.
areyou
304
Maths Quest 8 for Victoria
READY?
Are you ready?
Try the questions below. If you have difficulty with any of them, extra help can be
obtained by completing the matching SkillSHEET. Either click on the SkillSHEET icon
next to the question on the Maths Quest 9 CD-ROM or ask your teacher for a copy.
9.1
10.4
9.2
9.3
9.4
Recognising linear equations
1 Classify each of the following equations as either linear or non-linear.

a x+4=7
b 5x2 2x = 0
c 3x x3 = 0
x
d 3x 7 = 5
e --- + 5 = 2x
f 6x2 = 24
4
Rearranging quadratic equations to standard form
2 Rearrange the following equations so that they appear in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
a x2 + 4x 6 = 7x
b 3x2 + 4 = x2 2x
c 6 8x = 5 3x2
Solving linear equations
3 Solve each of the following equations.

a x6=0
b 2x + 1 = 5
c 3x + 2 = 8
Factorising difference of two squares expressions
4 Factorise each of the following.

a x2 4
b x2 25
9.5
Factorising expressions of the type ax2 + bx
9.6
Factorising quadratic trinomials
c 9 y2
5 Factorise each of the following by taking out the highest common factor.
a x2 + 6x
b x2 x
c 4x2 + 10x
6 Factorise the following quadratic trinomials.

a x2 + 4x + 3
b x2 2x 35
c 2x2 + 5x + 3
Chapter 9 Solving quadratic equations
305
What are quadratic equations?

A quadratic equation is one where the highest index is 2 (the term with the highest
power is a squared term).
Some examples are: x2 + 4x = 10, 3x2 5x = 0 and (x + 3)(x 4) = 0.
WORKED Example 1
Identify each of the following equations as linear, quadratic or other. Do not attempt to
solve them.
a 6(x 2) 3x = 12
b x(x 2) 3x = 12
c x + x(x2 3) = 18
THINK
WRITE
Write the equation.

Expand the brackets.
Collect like terms.
Find the highest index of the
pronumeral and state the type of
equation.
a 6(x 2) 3x = 12
6x 12 3x = 12
3x 12 = 12
The highest index is 1 so the equation is
linear.
Write the equation.

Collect like terms.
equation.
b x(x 2) 3x = 12
x2 2x 3x = 12
x2 5x = 12
quadratic.
Write the equation.

Collect like terms.
equation.
c x + x(x2 3) = 18
x + x3 3x = 18
x3 2x = 18
neither linear nor quadratic. The equation
is other.
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Equations are often written with the right-hand side equal to 0. This can be considered
the standard form of the equation. A quadratic equation written in the form
ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b and c are constants, is in standard form.
For example, the quadratic equation x2 5x 30 = 0 is written in standard form.
WORKED Example 2
Rearrange each of the following quadratic equations so that they are in standard form.
a 5x2 2x + 3 = 2x2 + 4x 12
x
x 1
b ----- --- = x --- 4
3
2 6
Continued over page
306
THINK
WRITE
Write the equation.

To collect like terms on the left-hand
side of the equation, first subtract 2x2
from both sides of the equation.
Subtract 4x from both sides of the
equation.
Add 12 to both sides of the equation
and write in standard form.
a 5x2 2x + 3 = 2x2 + 4x 12
3x2 2x + 3 = 4x 12
Write the equation.
Expand the bracket and find the lowest

common denominator.
Note: Lowest common denominator
(LCD) = 6.
Write each term with the LCD as the

denominator.
1
2
3
4
3x2 6x + 3 = 12
3x2 6x + 15 = 0
2
Multiply both sides of the equation

by the lowest common denominator.
Collect like terms on the left-hand
side and write in standard form.
4
5
x
x 1
----- --- = x --- 4
3
2 6
x2 1
x2
----- --- = --- 4
2 6
3
x2
x 2- 2 4 6
----- 3--- 1--- = --- --- --- --2 3 6
3 2 1 6
3x 2 1
2x 2 24
-------- --- = ------ -----6
6
6
6
3x2 1 = 2x2 24
x2 1 = 24
x + 23 = 0
2
Note: Some quadratic equations have 3 terms (for example, 3x2 6x + 15 = 0) and are
called quadratic trinomials while others have only 2 terms (for example, x2 25 = 0)
and are called quadratic binomials.
remember
remember
1. Quadratic equations are equations where the term with the highest power is a
squared term.
2. A quadratic equation with the right-hand side equal to zero is in standard form
or in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
9A
9.1
1 Identify each of the following equations as linear, quadratic or other. Do not attempt
to solve them.
1
a 2x 1 = 0
b x2 1 = 0
c 3x x2 + 1 = 5x
2x
d 5(x 2) = x(4 x)
e 2x3 = x2 + 1
f 6(x 2) = -----5
WORKED
Example
SkillS
HEET
Recognising
linear
equations
What are quadratic

equations?
307
2x
g x(x 2) = -----5
2
j 2x 4x + 5 = 2(x2 9)
2 x
h --- + --- = 4
x 4
k 6(5 2x) = x(5 x2)
i x3 + 4x2 + 8x = 10
l 2x = 4x
2 Rearrange each of the following quadratic equations so that they are in standard form.
a 3x x2 + 1 = 5x
b 5(x 2) = x(4 x)
c x(5 2x) = 6(5 x2)
2
d 4x2 5x + 2 = 6x 4x2
e 5(x 12) = x(4 2x)
f x2 4x 16 = 1 4x
WORKED
Example
x
x
g --- = 4 ----5
2
1 x
x 1
h --- + --- = --- + --x 2 3 2
Rearranging
quadratic
5x 4x + 5 = 2(x 9) equations
to standard
form
2
3 multiple choice
a Which of the following is a quadratic equation?
A 2x 1 = 0
B 2x 1 = 0
C x2 x = 1 + x2
D x2 x = 1 x2
E 4(x 2) = 2(1 x)
b Which of the following is not a quadratic equation?
1
1 2
A x(x 1) = 2x 1
B --- + 2x = 1
C --- + --- = 1
x
x
x
1
D 2(x 1) + 3x = --E None of these. They are all quadratic equations.
x
4 A square has sides which measure x cm. Its area is equal
to the difference between the area of a circle whose
radius is x cm and a square with sides measuring 2 cm.
a Write the formula for the area of the first square.
b Write the formula for the area of the circle.
c Find the difference between the area of the circle and
the area of the second square.
d Write an equation where the left-hand side is the area
of the first square and the right-hand side is the difference between the area of the circle and the area of
the second square.
e Rearrange this equation so that it is of the form:
ax2 + bx + c = 0.
9.2
2 cm
Solving quadratic equations of the

form (x a)(x b) = 0
To solve an equation means to find the value of the pronumeral(s), which when substituted, will make the equation a true statement.
Algebra provides other techniques to solve quadratic equations.
The first of these is the Null Factor Law.
Consider the equation a b = 0.
It is reasonable to say that if this equation is true, it is true that either:
a = 0 or b = 0 (or possibly both a and b equal 0).
308
Using the Null Factor Law
Consider the equation (x 3)(x + 5) = 0. This is the factorised form of the equation
x2 + 2x 15 = 0.
In factorised form the equation can be solved using the Null Factor Law.
If (x 3)(x + 5) = 0, then either:
x 3 = 0 or x + 5 = 0
x=3
x = 5.
These solutions can be confirmed by substitution into the factorised form or into the
expanded form: x2 + 2x 15 = 0.
WORKED Example 3
Solve each of the following quadratic equations.
a (x 2)(2x + 1) = 0
b (4 3x)(6 + 11x) = 0
c x(x 3) = 0
THINK
WRITE
a
1
2
3
Write the equation.

Use the Null Factor Law to find
2 linear equations.
Solve the equations.
State the 2 solutions.
Write the equation.

2 linear equations.
2
3
d (x 1)2 = 0
a (x 2)(2x + 1) = 0
Either x 2 = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0
x=2
2x = 1
x=2
x = 1--2
The solutions are x = 1--- and x = 2.

2
b (4 3x)(6 + 11x) = 0
Either 4 3x = 0
or
6 + 11x = 0
3x = 4
x = 4---
11x = 6
6
x = -----
x=
Write the equation.

2 linear equations.
c x(x 3) = 0
Either
x = 0 or
Write the equation.

Rewrite the squared factor as the
product of two factors.
2 linear equations.
Note: The 2 equations are the same.
State the solution.
3
4
6
1
- and x = 1 --- .
The solutions are x = -----
1
2
3
4
5
11
1 1--3
11
x3=0
x=3
The solutions are x = 0 and x = 3.
(x 1)2 = 0
(x 1)(x 1) = 0
Either x 1 = 0 or
x=1
The solution is x = 1.
Note: Quadratic equations usually have two solutions.
x1=0
x=1
309
remember
remember
1. The Null Factor Law states that:

if a b = 0, then either a = 0 or b = 0 or both a = 0 and b = 0.
2. Equations of the form (x a)(x b) = 0 are solved by setting each factor as
equal to 0. The solutions are x = a and x = b.
3. If a = b, that is (x a)2 = 0, the solutions are equal and at x = a.
4. Quadratic equations usually have two solutions.
9B
Solving quadratic equations

of the form (x a)(x b) = 0
1 Solve each of the following quadratic equations.

a (x 2)(x + 3) = 0
b (2x + 4)(x 3) = 0
3
c (x + 2)(x 3) = 0
d (2x + 5)(4x + 3) = 0
WORKED
9.3
Example
g (2x + 1)(3 x) = 0
h (1 x)(3x 1) = 0
i x(x 2) = 0
(x + ) (
(2x + )(
k (5x 1.5)(x + 2.3) = 0
m (x 2)2 = 0
n x(4x 15) = 0
1
--3
2x 1--2
1
1
--- 2x --3
3
)=0
)=0
L Spre
XCE ad
f (2x 1)(x + 30) = 0
sheet
e (x + 4)(2x + 1) = 0
Solving
linear
equations
Solving
(x a)(x b) = 0
o (x + 4) = 0
2
3 The Null Factor Law can be extended to products of more than 2 factors. Use this to
find all the solutions to the following equations.
a (x 2)(x + 2)(x + 3) = 0
b (x + 2)(x + 2)(2x 5) = 0
c (x + 2)(x + 2)(x + 4) = 0
d x(x + 2)(3x + 12) = 0
e (2x 2.2)(x + 2.4)(x + 2.6) = 0
f (2x + 6)(x +
g 3(x 3) = 0
h (x + 1)(x 2) = 0
4 multiple choice
a The solutions to (2x 4)(x + 7) = 0 are:
A x = 4, x = 7
B x = 4, x = 7
D x = 2, x = 7
E x = 1, x = 7
1
--2
2
)(9x 15) = 0
C x = 2, x = 7
Math
cad
2 Identify the equations from the list below which are in the correct form to
apply the Null Factor Law. If they are not in the correct form, state the reason why.
a (2x + 5)(4x + 3) = 0
b x(2x + 5) = 0
c (4x 12 + 2x)(x 1)
d (x 2)x = 0
e (x 2)(x + 2) = 2
f (5x + 0.02)(x 2) = 0
x3
g ------------ = 0
h (x + 1--- )2(x + 3) = 0
2
x+3
Solving
i 3x(x 4) = 0
(x a)(x b) = 0
310
x
b The Null Factor Law can not be applied to the equation x x + --1- --- 1 = 1 because:
2 2
A there are more than 2 factors
B the right hand side equals 1
C the first factor is a simple x term
D the third term has x in a fraction
E the second term contains a fraction
Work
T
SHEE
9.1
5 A ball thrown upwards follows the path of the function h = (t + 0.25)(4 t), where
h metres is the height of the ball t seconds after it has been thrown. Find how long it
takes for the ball to reach the ground after it has been thrown.
1
1 Is the equation x 5x2 = x2 linear, quadratic or other? Give a reason for your answer.
2 Is the equation 2x + 3 = 6 5x linear, quadratic or other? Give a reason for your answer.
3 Write the quadratic equation 4x2 3 = 15x + 4 in standard form.
4 Write the quadratic equation x(2x 4) = 3x + 5 in standard form.
4 x
5 Write the quadratic equation --- + --- = 4x + 1 in standard form.
x 2
6 Solve the quadratic equation (x 7)2 = 0.
7 Solve the quadratic equation (x + 1)(x + 2) = 0.
8 Solve the quadratic equation (4x 3)(5 2x) = 0.
9 Solve the quadratic equation 6p(3p 5) = 0.
10 Solve the quadratic equation (2x 3)(2x + 3) = 0.
5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 311 Friday, January 13, 2006 11:15 AM
311
Invventions and their inv

In
inventors
The solutions to the equations
give the puzzles answer code.
2
8
(N 3)(G 16) = 0
3
9
10
4
10
11
10
12
2
2
5(C 4)(M 18) = 0
13
6
2
14
12
10
14
12
2(3I 15)(U 14) = 0

(2Z 30)(3E 6) = 0
(7P 7)(2S 24) = 0
11
13
10
11
15
16
12
F
(
3 3)(W 19) = 0
2(H 17)(2L 12)(A 11) = 0
(2D 42)(T 8) = 0
V
3(
5 4)(O 7) = 0
R
(Y 13)(
2 5) = 0
17
10
2
20
18
12
10
12
18
2
11
10
12
11
12
7
6
19
1
10
4
8
15
11
10
19
11
13
10
2
10
13
7
11
21
312
Solving quadratic equations with

2 terms
Solving quadratic equations of the form ax2 + c = 0
If the right-hand side of an equation is equal to zero, but the left-hand side is not in
factorised form, it is necessary to factorise the left-hand side.
If there are 2 terms, look for a common factor and then use the difference of two
squares rule, a2 b2 = (a + b)(a b), if c is negative in ax2 + c = 0.
WORKED Example 4

a x2 1 = 0
b 2x2 8 = 0
THINK
WRITE
a
1
2
Write the equation.

Make sure that the right-hand side is equal
to zero; check for common factors, then
factorise the left-hand side using the
difference of two squares rule.
Use the Null Factor Law to find 2 linear

equations.
State the solutions.
Write the equation.

Make sure that the right-hand side is equal to
zero and take out the common factor.
Divide both sides of the equation by the
numerical common factor.
Factorise the left-hand side using the
difference of two squares rule.
equations.
State the solutions.
2
3
4
5
6
7
x2 1 = 0
x2 12 = 0
(x + 1)(x 1) = 0
Either x + 1 = 0 or x 1 = 0
x = 1
x=1

(This can be abbreviated to x = 1.)
b
2x2 8 = 0
2(x2 4) = 0
x2 4 = 0
x2 22 = 0
(x + 2)(x 2) = 0
Either x + 2 = 0 or x 2 = 0
x = 2
x=2
(This can be abbreviated to x = 2.)
Note: Equations of the form ax2 + c = 0 (where c is positive) have no real solutions as
the left-hand side of the equation can form only the sum of two squares.
Solving quadratics of the form ax2 + bx = 0

We are now factorising equations where the second term is a pronumeral term instead
of a number term. In this type of question, x is a common factor and the remaining
factor is a binomial one. Remember to make sure that the right-hand side of the
equation is equal to zero and to look for any numerical common factor as well as x.
313
WORKED Example 5
Solve each of the following equations.

a x2 + 4x = 0
THINK
a
b 2x2 4x = 0
WRITE
a x2 + 4x = 0
Write the equation.
Make sure that the right-hand side of the

equation is equal to zero and factorise by
taking out a common factor of x.
x(x + 4) = 0

equations, one of which is x = 0.
Either
Write the solutions.
Write the equation.
Make sure that the right-hand side of the

equation is equal to zero and factorise by
taking out common factors 2 and x.
2x(x + 2) = 0

equations.
Either
x = 0 or x + 4 = 0
x=0
x = 4

b 2x2 4x = 0
2x = 0 or
x+2=0
x=0
x = 2
Note: This form always has two solutions, one of which is x = 0.

Many worded problems can be modelled and then solved using a quadratic equation.
WORKED Example 6
If the square of a number is multiplied by 5, the answer is 45. Find the number.
THINK
WRITE
Define the number.
Let x be the number.
Write an equation which can be used to find the

number.
5x2 = 45
Solve the equation by making the right-hand

side equal to zero, factorising the left-hand side
and using the Null Factor Law.
5x2 45 = 0
5(x2 9) = 0
x2 9 = 0
x2 32 = 0
(x + 3)(x 3) = 0
x + 3 = 0 or x 3 = 0
x = 3
x=3
Write the answer in a sentence.
The number is either 3 or 3.
314
remember
remember
1. If there are two terms in the equation:

(a) make sure that the right-hand side is equal to zero
(b) factorise the left-hand side by taking out any common factors and use the
difference of two squares rule if appropriate
(c) use the Null Factor Law
(d) solve any linear equations.
2. Equations of the form ax2 + c = 0 have 2 solutions of opposite sign if c is
negative.
3. Equations of the form ax2 + c = 0 have no real solutions if c is positive.
4. Equations of the form ax2 + bx = 0 have 2 solutions, one of which is x = 0.
9C
EXCE
et
reads
L Sp he
SkillS
9.4
c
f
i
l
o
2x2 18 = 0
49 x2 = 0
x2 + 6 = 0
3x2 + 48 = 0
x2 = 0
2 Solve each of the following equations.

a x2 + 6x = 0
b x2 8x = 0
5
2
d x 11x = 0
e 2x2 12x = 0
2
g 3x 2x = 0
h 4x2 + 7x = 0
2
j x +x=0
k 4x2 x = 0
2
m 2x 24x = 0
n x2 + 18x = 0
c
f
i
l
o
x2 + 9x = 0
2x2 15x = 0
2x2 5x = 0
x2 5x = 0
x2 2.5x = 0
Example
WORKED
Example
Factorising
difference of
two squares
expressions
9.5
SkillS
HEET

a x2 9 = 0
b x2 16 = 0
4
2
d 2x 50 = 0
e 100 x2 = 0
2
g 3x 27 = 0
h 5x2 20 = 0
2
j 2x + 18 = 0
k x2 + 9 = 0
2
m 4x + 100 = 0
n x2 = 0
WORKED
Solving
ax2 + c = 0
HEET
3 multiple choice
a The solutions to 4x2 36 = 0 are:
A x = 3 and x = 3
B x = 9 and x = 9
D x = 2 and x = 2
E x = 6 and x = 6
b What are the solutions to x2 5x = 0?
A x = 1 and x = 5
B x = 0 and x = 5
D x = 1 and x = 5
E x = 1 and x = 1
Factorising
expressions
of the type
ax2 + bx
EXCE
et
reads
L Sp he
Solving
ax2 + bx = 0
WORKED
Example
Mat
d
hca

with 2 terms
Solving quadratic
equations with
2 terms
C x = 1 and x = 1
C x = 0 and x = 5
4 If the square of a number is multiplied by 2, the answer is 32. Find the number.
5 When a positive number is subtracted from its square, the result is zero.
a If the number is x, what is the square of the number?
b Write an expression subtracting the number from its square.
c Write an equation using this expression.
d Solve the equation.
e Answer the question in a sentence and explain why one of the solutions does not suit
the problem.
315
Solving quadratic equations with

3 terms
In many cases the general quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be factorised so that
the left-hand side is a pair of brackets. Then it can be solved using the Null Factor Law.
Solving x2 + bx + c = 0 by factorising
The technique used for factorising quadratic trinomials such as x2 5x 6 can be used
to solve the corresponding equation x2 5x 6 = 0. (See Factorising, chapter 6.)
When solving quadratic equations with 3 terms always look for common factors
first.
WORKED Example 7
a x2 5x 6 = 0
b x2 + 14x = 15
THINK
a
3
4
WRITE
Write the equation, making sure that

a x2 5x 6 = 0
the right-hand side is equal to zero.
Check for common factors.
Find a factor pair of the last term
6: 6 + 1 = 5
(6) with a sum which is equal to the
coefficient of the middle term (5).
Rewrite the equation in factorised form.
(x 6)(x + 1) = 0
Use the Null Factor Law to form
Either x 6 = 0 or x + 1 = 0
2 linear equations.
Continued over page
GAME
time
6 Angelo Vertucci designed a scarf and sought the endorsement

of pop star Kylie Ciccone. Calculating manufacturing,
warehousing, distribution and taxation costs in addition to
Kylies enormous fee, Angelo found that he would have to
sell 1 000 000 scarves at $64 each before he made any profit.
The gross income from sales was expected to be the square
of Kylie Ciccones fee.
a Use a pronumeral to define Kylie Ciccones fee.
b What is the expected gross income in
terms of this pronumeral?
c How many dollars is the
expected gross income?
d Write an equation relating the
gross income to the square of
Kylie Ciccones fee.
e Use the equation to find Kylie
Ciccones fee.
Solving
quadratic
equations
001
316
THINK
5
6
3
4
5
6
WRITE
x=6
x = 1
Solve the linear equations.

the right-hand side is equal to zero.
Check for common factors.
Find a factor pair of the last term
(15) with a sum which is equal to
the coefficient of the middle term
(14).
Rewrite the equation in factorised
form.
Use the Null Factor Law to form two
linear equations.
Solve the linear equations.
x2 + 14x = 15
x + 14x 15 = 0
2
15: 15 + 1 = 14
(x + 15)(x 1) = 0
Either x + 15 = 0
or
x1=0
x = 15
x=1
These solutions can be verified by substitution. Check this for yourself.

Unfortunately, not all quadratics of the form x2 + bx + c = 0 can be factorised.
If none of the factor pairs of the constant term (c) add up to the middle coefficient
(b), then it is not possible to factorise in this way. For example, the equation
x2 + 3x + 1 = 0 has only the factor pairs 1 and 1 (1 + 1 = 2) and 1 and 1 (1 + 1 = 2).
Neither add up to the coefficient (3). This technique is not useful because the solutions
are not integers.
Some equations have no solutions.
Solving ax2 + bx + c = 0 by factorising
The technique used for factorising quadratic expressions such as 2x2 + 7x + 3 can be
used to solve the corresponding equation, 2x2 + 7x + 3 = 0.
WORKED Example 8
Solve the quadratic equation 2x2 + 7x + 3 = 0.

THINK
1

the right-hand side equals 0. Check for
common factors.
Find the factor pair of 6 (ac = 2 3 = 6)
with a sum equal to 7 (the coefficient of
the middle term).
Rewrite the expression on the left-hand
side by breaking the middle term into 2
terms using the factor pair from step 2.
WRITE
2x2 + 7x + 3 = 0
6: 6 + 1 = 7
2x2 + 6x + x + 3 = 0
317
THINK
WRITE
Factorise by grouping terms.

equations.
2x(x + 3) + 1(x + 3) = 0
(x + 3)(2x + 1) = 0
x + 3 = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0
x = 3
2x = 1
x = 1--2
The solutions are 3 and
State the two solutions.
1--- .
2
Note: The quadratic expression could also be factorised using the cross-product
method.
remember
remember
The general quadratic equation, ax2 + bx + c = 0, may be solved by following

these steps.
1. Check for common factors.
2. Factorise by grouping after finding a factor pair of ac which adds to b or by
using the cross-product method.
3. Use the Null Factor Law to form linear equations.
4. Solve the linear equations.
x2 + 6x + 5 = 0
x2 + 4x + 4 = 0
x2 x 12 = 0
x2 + x = 20
0 = x2 2x 8
c
f
i
l
2x x 15 = 0
3x2 + 5x + 2 = 0 ax2 + bx + Solving
c=0
7x2 2x 5 = 0
6x2 + 17x + 5 = 0
L Spre
XCE ad
Solving
x2 + bx + c = 0
L Spre
XCE ad
Math
cad
3 multiple choice
a The quadratic equation x2 + 2x 8 = 0 has solutions at:
A x = 4 and x = 2
B x = 4 and x = 2
C x = 4 and x = 4
D x = 2 and x = 2
E no solutions which are integers.
b The quadratic equation x2 7x 8 = 0 has solutions at:
A x = 1 and x = 8
B x = 1 and x = 8
C x = 8 and x = 1
D x = 1 and 8
E no solutions which are integers.
sheet

a 2x2 + 7x + 3 = 0
b 2x2 + x 1 = 0
8
2
d 2x + 8x + 6 = 0
e 3x2 + 13x + 14 = 0
2
g 5x 22x + 21 = 0
h 5x2 17x + 6 = 0
2
j 7x 33x + 20 = 0
k 4x2 + 4x 3 = 0
c
f
i
l
o
WORKED
Example
Factorising
quadratic
trinomials
sheet

Example
a x2 6x + 8 = 0
b x2 + 6x + 8 = 0
7
2
d x +x6=0
e x2 + 2x 15 = 0
2
g x + 2x 24 = 0
h x2 5x 24 = 0
2
j x + 13x + 12 = 0
k x2 10x = 11
2
m x + 29x = 100
n x2 15x = 50
WORKED
9.6
9D

with 3 terms
Solving quadratic
equations with
3 terms
318
c The quadratic equation 4a2 + 13a + 3 has solutions at:

A a = 3 and a = 1
B a = 3 and a = 1
Ca=
GC p
am
rogr TI
D a = 3 and a =
Solving
quadratic
equations
sio
Solving
quadratic
equations
E a = 4 and a = 3
and a = 3
5 The displacement of a tortoise from the finish line of a race t minutes after it begins to
move, is given by the equation, x = t2 5t + 4, where x metres is the displacement of
the tortoise from the finish line. (Displacement is both the distance and direction from
the finish line.)
a What is the value of x when the tortoise is at the finish line?
b Rewrite the equation, replacing x with the value it takes
when the tortoise reaches the finish line.
c Solve the equation.
d Use your solutions to find when the tortoise first reaches
the finish line.
e If the tortoise walks past the finish line, realises its
mistake and returns to the finish line, how long does the
whole journey take?
GAM
me
E ti
Solving
quadratic
equations
002
QUEST
E
NG
S
M AT H
--14
1
--4
4 A painter dropped a brush

from a scaffold 20 m off the
ground when painting this
building. The height, h m, of
the brush above the ground t
seconds after it is dropped is
given by the equation h = 2
t2 t.
a What is the value of h
when the brush hits the
ground?
b Rewrite
the
equation
replacing h with the value it
takes when the brush hits
the ground.
c Solve the equation.
d Find the time it takes for
the brush to reach the
ground.
am
rogr Ca
GC p
CH LL
A
1 Zoe was given a surprise party at a pizza restaurant. The total bill came
to $120, which her friends shared equally. If Zoe had paid her share of
the cost, each of her friends would have paid 50 cents less. How many
attended the party?
2 How many different size squares can you make by
connecting dots in the figure shown? Each square must
have a dot at each vertex.
319
What is the best way

way to catch
a bandicoot?
Solve the quadratic equations.
The smaller of the two solutions gives the first
letter after each equation and the larger gives
the second, solving the puzzles code.
x 2 2x 8 = 0
x 2 14x + 45 = 0
x 2 4x 32 = 0
4
5
A L
H G
x 2 + 8x + 15 = 0
x 2 + 7x = 18
21 = x 2 + 4x
3 7 9
3 2 1 1 5 8 5 9
D U
S F
x2 1 = 0
P T
5 1 5
6
x 2 + x = 56
6 6 9
0 = x 2 36
N W
E M
K O
4 6 1 5 8 3 3
320
THINKING
Is the price right?
At the beginning of the chapter we met Azimi who was hoping to raise money for
an excursion by selling Moroccan craft items. Azimi knows that at $20 each, 30
items will be sold, but for every $1 reduction in the price 5 more will be sold.
1 Let the discount in the price of the craft items be x. The price of the items will
be given by (20 x). The number of items sold will be 30 + 5x. The income
from sales will be given by the price the number sold. Write an expression for
the income.
2 Azimi needs to raise at least $800 for the excursion. Therefore, the income must
equal $800. Form a quadratic equation by expanding (20 x)(30 + 5x) = 800
and rewriting the equation in standard form.
3 Factorise and solve the quadratic equation to find two prices between which the
Moroccan craft items should be priced.
4 Examine the equation in more detail to find the price at which the income will
be greatest, and find what this maximum income is equal to.
321
Solving quadratic equations in turning

point form a(x b)2 + c = 0
Another form of the quadratic equation is a(x b)2 + c = 0. This is called the turning point
form. It enables us to find the key features of the corresponding graph, y = a(x b)2 + c,
called the parabola.
We will learn about these graphs in the next chapter as well as the importance of
solving quadratic equations.
WORKED Example 9
Solve each of the following equations, identifying those with no real solutions.
a 4(x + 2)2 16 = 0
b 2(x 4)2 + 50 = 0
c 2(x + 5)2 + 18 = 0
THINK
a 1 Write the equation. It is in turning point
form.
Divide
both sides of the equation by the
2
constant outside the bracket (4).
3 Rewrite the 2 terms as squares.
4 Factorise using the formula
a2 b2 = (a + b)(a b) where
a = x + 2 and b = 2.
Simplify
the brackets.
5
(x + 2)2 4 = 0
(x + 2)2 22 = 0
(x + 2 + 2)(x + 2 2) = 0
(x + 4)(x) = 0
x(x + 4) = 0
x = 0 or x + 4 = 0
x = 4
Use the Null Factor Law to solve the

equation.
Write the equation.

Rewrite the 2 terms as squares.
There are no solutions because this is the
sum of two squares, not the difference.
b 2(x 4)2 + 50 = 0
(x 4)2 + 25 = 0
Write the equation.

Rewrite the 2 terms as squares.
Factorise using the rule
a2 b2 = (a + b)(a b) where
a = x + 5 and b = 3.
Simplify the brackets.
Use the Null Factor Law to solve the
equation.
2
3
4
WRITE
a
4(x + 2)2 16 = 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
(x 4)2 + 52 = 0
There are no real solutions.
2(x + 5)2 + 18 = 0
(x + 5)2 9 = 0
(x + 5)2 32 = 0
(x + 5 + 3)(x + 5 3) = 0
(x + 8)(x + 2) = 0
x + 8 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
x = 8
x = 2
322
remember
remember
Quadratic equations in turning point form, a(x b)2 + c = 0, can be solved by

following these steps.
1. Divide both sides by a.
2. Rewrite the left-hand side as two squares.
3. Factorise by using the difference of two squares rule, if possible. (Obtaining the
sum of two squares indicates that no real solutions can be found.)
4. Use the Null Factor Law to form linear equations.
5. Solve the linear equations.
9.7
SkillS
HEET
Further
factorising
differences of two
squares expressions
9E

in turning point form
a(x b)2 + c = 0
1 Solve each of the following equations, identifying those with no real solutions.
a 4(x + 2)2 4 = 0
b 4(x + 2)2 + 4 = 0
c 2(x + 3)2 32 = 0
9
2
2
d 2(x 4) 32 = 0
e (x + 2) 9 = 0
f (x 2)2 9 = 0
Solving
2
2
g 5(x + 2.2) + 125 = 0
h 5(x 2.2) 125 = 0
i 4(x + 2)2 16 = 0
a(x b)2 + c = 0
2
2
j 4(x + 0.2) + 64 = 0
k (x + 2.8) 1 = 0
l (x + 2.8)2 + 9 = 0
2
2
m 3(x + 5) 12 = 0
n 3(x 4) + 48 = 0
o 2(x 8)2 32 = 0
2
2
p 3(x + 2.2) + 27 = 0
q 0 = 3(x + 0.5) 1.5 r 3(x + 1.5)2 + 75 = 0
2
s 0 = x 1.44
t 16(x 1.7)2 9 = 0
Solving
WORKED
EXCE
Mat
hca
Example
et
reads
L Sp he
a(x b)2 + c = 0
Work
T
SHEE
9.2
2 multiple choice
The quadratic equation 16(x + 16)2 16 = 0 has:
A the solutions x = 16 and x = 16
B the solutions x = 1 and x = 1
C the solutions x = 16 and x = 17
D the solutions x = 15 and x = 17
E no solutions
2
1 Identify the equation
3x 2 + 1 = x 2 as linear, quadratic or other.
1 x
x
2 Rearrange the following quadratic equation so that it is in standard form: --- + --- = --- + 1
---.
x 4
6 3
3 Solve the quadratic equation (2x + 12)(3x + 21) = 0.
4 Solve the following quadratic equation 2x 1--- 3x + 1--- = 0 .
5
9
5 Solve the quadratic equation 5x2 80 = 0.
6 Solve the quadratic equation 5x2 12x = 0.
7 Solve the quadratic equation x2 12x + 11 = 0.
8 Solve the quadratic equation x2 + x 2 = 0.
9 Solve the quadratic equation 5(x 2)2 125 = 0.
10 Solve the quadratic equation 4(x 3)2 + 64 = 0.
323
Problems and applications using

quadratic equations
There are many situations in science, engineering, economics and other fields where
quadratic equations are a vital part of the mathematics used. In this section we will look
at some of these applications.
WORKED Example 10
The distance travelled by an accelerating
skier is given by the formula d = 3t + t2,
where t is the time in seconds and d is the
distance in metres. If the distance
travelled was 130 m, for how long was
the skier travelling?
THINK
1 Write the equation.
2 Substitute the given value into the equation.
3 Rearrange the equation so that it is in
the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
4 Factorise the left-hand side of the
equation, using the factors of 130
which add up to 3.
5 Solve the equation by using the Null
Factor Law.
6 Evaluate the result.
7
Answer the question in a sentence.
WRITE
d = 3t + t2
130 = 3t + t2
0 = 3t + t2 130
t2 + 3t 130 = 0
130: 10 + 13 = 3
(t 10)(t + 13) = 0
Either t 10 = 0 or t + 13 = 0
t = 10
t = 13
The only feasible answer is t = 10
because time is always positive.
The skier was travelling for 10 seconds.
WORKED Example 11
When 10 is added to the square of a positive number the result is equal to 3 times the
number subtracted from twice its square. Find the number.
THINK
WRITE
Let x be the positive number.
1 Define the unknown quantity.
The square of a positive number:
x2
2 Translate each part of the sentence into
2
an algebraic expression or term.
Add 10 to the (positive number) :
x2 + 10
Three times the number:
3x
Three times the number is subtracted
from twice its square:
2x2 3x
Continued over page
5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 324 Tuesday, January 24, 2006 11:14 AM
324
THINK
3 Form a quadratic equation and
rearrange it so that it is in the form
ax2 + bx + c = 0.
4 Solve the equation by factorising.
Evaluate the result.
Answer the question in a sentence.
WRITE
x2 + 10 = 2x2 3x
10 = x2 3x
2
x 3x 10 = 0
10: 5 + 2 = 3
(x 5)(x + 2) = 0
x5=0
or x + 2 = 0
x=5
x = 2
The number is positive so x = 5 is the only valid
solution.
The number is 5.
remember
remember
When solving worded problems involving quadratic equations follow these steps.
1. Define the terms if required.
2. Convert the sentences or sentence parts into algebraic terms.
3. Look for keywords such as equal, subtracted from, multiplied by . . . and so on.
4. Write an equation in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0.
5. Solve the equation by factorising the left-hand side and using the Null Factor
Law.
6. Decide which solutions are valid.
7. Answer the question in a sentence.
9F
EXCE
et
reads
L Sp he
Solving
quadratic
equations
d
Mat
hca
Solving
quadratic
equations
GC p
am
rogr TI
Solving
quadratic
equations
GC p
sio
am
rogr Ca
Solving
quadratic
equations
WORKED
Example
10
Problems and applications

using quadratic equations
1 The acceleration of a car is given by the

formula d = 5t + t2, where t is the time in
seconds and d the distance in metres. If the
distance travelled was 150 m, for how long
was the car travelling?
2 The distance travelled by a ball thrown
downwards from a tall building is given by
the formula h = 9.8t + 4.9t2, where h is in
metres and t is in seconds. If the building is
73.5 metres high, how long did it take for
the ball to reach the ground?
(Hint: Divide both sides of the quadratic
equation by 4.9 before solving.)
325
3 A truck is accelerating over a certain

distance (in metres). Its final speed (v m/s)
is related to its starting speed (u m/s),
according to the rule v2 = u2 + 1500. Find
the trucks starting and final speeds, given
that the trucks final speed is 5 times its
starting speed.
4 The total profit, P, for a new novel (measured in thousands of dollars), is determined
by its selling price, p, (in dollars) according to the formula P = (p 5)2 + 49.
a Find the value of p which makes the novel break even. (That is when the profit is
zero.)
b Find the selling price of the novel which gives a profit of $13 000.
5 The height of a soccer ball when Stan
Lazaridis kicked it is determined by
the formula y = 0.1x2 + 3x, where x
is the horizontal distance from the
striker.
a How far is the kicked ball from
the striker when it hits the ground?
b What horizontal distance does the
ball cover when the height of the
ball first reaches 20 m?
WORKED
Example
11
6 When a certain number is multiplied by 15 and added to its square, the result is zero.
Find the number, which is not zero.
7 When 10 is added to the square of a certain number, the result is 7 times that number.
Find the number, which is positive.
8 Three times the square of a certain positive number is equal to 2 more than 5 times
the number. Find the number.
9 Mathilda is being pushed on a swing in her backyard. The swing follows the path
given by the formula h = 1--- (x2 3x + 4) where h metres is the height of the swing
4
above the ground, x metres from the point where Mathilda is first pushed.
a Find the height of the swing when she is first pushed.
b Find the horizontal distance that the swing has travelled when it reaches the
original height.
10 A golf ball is hit along a fairway. The height, h metres after it has travelled x metres
2
1
- (x 180x). Find how far the ball lands from
horizontally, follows the rule h = -------270
the golfer.
326
11 A ball is thrown upwards from the window of a building. The ball is h metres above
the ground when it is a horizontal distance of x metres from the building. The path of
the ball follows the rule h = x2 + 4x + 21. How far from the building will the ball land?
Work
T
SHEE
9.3
12 A rectangular piece of timber x metres wide is being used to make furniture. It is

divided into three pieces, one 2 metres long, and 2 square pieces.
a Find an algebraic expression for the area of the piece that is 2 metres long.
b Find an algebraic expression for the sum of the areas of the 2 squares.
c If the area of the original piece of timber is 12 square metres, use a quadratic
equation to find the width of the timber.
THINKING
Home sweet home
Lieng has 30 m of fencing material to place a fence around her chicken enclosure,
as shown in the figure below the chickens.
xm
1 Find the perimeter of the enclosure in terms of x
and y, expressing the answer in simplest form.
ym
ym
2 Write an equation making the perimeter found in
part 1 equal to the amount of fencing material
xm
available.
3 Using your equation for the perimeter from part 2, show that y = 15 x.
4 Find the area of the enclosure in terms of x and y.
5 Substitute your value of y into the area equation so that the area is expressed in
terms of x only.
6 Simplify the equation by removing the brackets.
7 Use the equation to find the dimensions of the fence which give the enclosure an
area equal to 50 m2.
327
summary
Copy the sentences below. Fill in the gaps by choosing the correct word or
expression from the word list that follows.
1
A
equation is one where the term with the highest power of
the unknown quantity is a squared term.
To solve a quadratic equation the right-hand side should be equal to

.
A quadratic equation with the right-hand side equal to zero is in

form.
When factorising the left-hand side of a quadratic equation, look for

first.
If a b = 0, then either a = 0 or b = 0 or both a = 0 and b = 0. This is called

the
Law.
The solutions of the equation x2 3x = 0 are x = 0 and
Equations of the form ax2 + c = 0 have 2 solutions if the left-hand side can
be written as the
of two squares.
When factorising a quadratic trinomial (3 terms), find the factor pair

which adds to the
of the middle term.
An equation of the form a(x b)2 + c = 0 is said to be in

form.
point
10
When solving worded problems involving quadratic equations it is important to first

the terms.
11
When dealing with worded problems we need to decide which solutions

are
.
WORD
x=3
quadratic
valid
LIST
define
zero
Null Factor
coefficient
difference
common factors
turning
standard
328
CHAPTER
review
9A
9A
9B
9B
9B
9C
9C
9C
9D
9C
9D
9D
9C,D
1 multiple choice
Which of the following is not a quadratic equation?
B x2 1 + 2x = 0
C x2
A x2 1 = 0
1
E x2 1 + 2x = 2x2 10x + 2
D x2 --- = 0
x
2 multiple choice
Which of the following is in standard form?
A x2 + 1 = 0
B x2 1 = 2
2
2
Dx =x +1
E ax2 + bx + c = 1
5 Determine the solutions to the equation (4 x)(2x 7) = 0.

6 Find the solutions to the quadratic equation 3x2 27 = 0.
7 Determine the solutions to the equation 5x2 125 = 0.
8 Determine the solutions to the equation 2x2 + 14x = 0.
9 Solve the equation x2 4x 5 = 0.
10 Determine the solutions to the equation x2 11x + 10 = 0.
11 Find the solutions to the equation 2x2 9x 5 = 0.
12 Solve the following equations, identifying those with no real solutions:
a x2 + 11x + 10 = 0
b 3x2 + 6x = 0
c 2x2 1 = 0.
9F
14 The distance travelled by a motorbike is given by

the formula d = 18t + 2t2, where t is the time in
seconds and d is the distance in metres. How
long would it take the motorbike to travel a
distance of 180 m?
9F
15 When 20 is subtracted from the square of a

certain number, the result is 8 times that number.
Find the number, which is negative.
CHAPTER
C 2x2 = x2 + 3
4 multiple choice
If the solutions to the quadratic equation (x 3)(x b) = 0 are 3 and 5, then b is equal to:
A5
B 5
C3
D 3
E 15
13 Determine the solutions to the following equations:

b 4(x 3)2 36 = 0
a (x + 2)2 16 = 0
=0
3 Find the solutions to the quadratic equation (x 3)(2x + 8) = 0.
9E
test
yourself
1
--2
c (x + 1)2 = 25.

Chap 09

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chap 09

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 303 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 304 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

Maths Quest 8 for Victoria

Are you ready?

Recognising linear equations

1 Classify each of the following equations as either linear or non-linear.

Solving linear equations

3 Solve each of the following equations.

Factorising difference of two squares expressions

4 Factorise each of the following.

Factorising expressions of the type ax2 + bx

Factorising quadratic trinomials

6 Factorise the following quadratic trinomials.

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 305 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Chapter 9 Solving quadratic equations

What are quadratic equations?

Write the equation.

Write the equation.

Write the equation.

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 306 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 for Victoria

Write the equation.

Write the equation.

Expand the bracket and find the lowest

Write each term with the LCD as the

Multiply both sides of the equation

What are quadratic

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 307 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

Chapter 9 Solving quadratic equations

Solving quadratic equations of the

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 308 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 for Victoria

Using the Null Factor Law

Write the equation.

State the 2 solutions.

Write the equation.

The solutions are x = 1--- and x = 2.

State the 2 solutions.

Write the equation.

Write the equation.

Note: Quadratic equations usually have two solutions.

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 309 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

Chapter 9 Solving quadratic equations

1. The Null Factor Law states that:

Solving quadratic equations

1 Solve each of the following quadratic equations.

k (5x 1.5)(x + 2.3) = 0

f (2x 1)(x + 30) = 0

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 310 Wednesday, January 11, 2006 2:34 AM

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 11/1/06

Maths Quest 9 for Victoria

Maths Quest 9 / Final Pages / 13/1/06

5_61_03282_MQV09 - 09_tb Page 311 Friday, January 13, 2006 11:15 AM

Chapter 9 Solving quadratic equations

Invventions and their inv

2(3I 15)(U 14) = 0