UNIVERSAL EDUCATION

CISCE 2022-23
CLASS X
MATHEMATICS

Ch. 6 - Solving (simple) Problems (Based on Quadratic Equations)

Points to Remember:

1. Represent the unknown quantity by variable ‘x’.

2. Translate the given statement to form an equation in terms of ‘x’.
3. Solve the quadratic equation.
4. Measures of lengths, area, volume, weight, capacity etc. are always taken as positive.

Exercise 6(A)

1. The product of two consecutive integers is 56. Find the integers.

Sol. Let the two consecutive integers be x and x + 1.
According to the condition given,
x(x + 1) = 56
x + x – 56 = 0
2

x2 + 8x – 7x – 56 = 0
x(x + 8) – 7(x + 8) = 0
(x + 8)(x – 7) = 0
Either x + 8 = 0, then x = –8
Or x – 7 = 0, then x = 7
(i) If x = – 8, then first integer = –8
and second integer = –8 + 1 = –7
(ii) If x = 7, then first integer = 7
and second integer = 7 + 1 = 8
 Required consecutive integers are 7 and 8 or – 8 and –7.

2. The sum of the squares of two consecutive natural numbers is 41. Find the
numbers.
Sol. Let the two consecutive natural numbers be x and x + 1.
According to the condition given,
(x)2 + (x + 1)2 = 41
x + x2 + 2x + 1 = 41
2

2x2 + 2x + 1 – 41 = 0
2x2 + 2x – 40 = 0
x2 + x – 20 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
x + 5x – 4x – 20 = 0
2

x(x + 5) – 4(x + 5) = 0
(x + 5)(x – 4) = 0
Either x + 5 = 0 then x = –5
But x
or x – 4 = 0 then x = 4
 Required consecutive natural numbers are 4 and 5.

1
3. Find the two natural numbers which differ by 5 and the sum of whose squares is
97.
Sol. Let the first natural number be x.
Then second natural number = x + 5
According to the given condition,
(x)2 + (x + 5)2 = 97
 x2 + x2 + 10x + 25 – 97 = 0
 2x2 + 10x – 72 = 0
 x2 + 5x – 36 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
 x + 9x – 4x – 36 = 0
2

 x(x + 9) – 4(x + 9) = 0
 (x + 9)(x – 4) = 0
Either x + 9 = 0, then x = –9
But x
Or x – 4 = 0, then x = 4
 Required natural numbers are 4 and 9.

4. The sum of a number and its reciprocal is 4.25. Find the number.
Sol. Let the number = x
According to the given condition,
1
x+ = 4.25
x
1 425
x+ =
x 100
1 17
x+ =
x 4
 4x + 4 = 17x
2

4x2 – 17x + 4 = 0
4x2 – 16x – x + 4 = 0
4x(x – 4) – 1(x – 4) = 0
(x – 4)(4x – 1) = 0
Either x – 4 = 0 then x = 4
1
Or 4x – 1 = 0 then x =
4
1
 Required number is 4 or .
4

5. Two natural numbers differ by 3. Find the numbers, if the sum of their
7
reciprocals is .
10
Sol. Let the first natural number = x
Then second natural number = x + 3
According to the given condition,
1 1 7
 =
x x3 10
x3x 7
=
x(x  3) 10
2x  3 7
=
x  3x
2
10
7x + 21x = 20x + 30
2

7x2 + 21x – 20x – 30 = 0

7x2 + x – 30 = 0

2
 7x2 + 15x – 14x – 30 = 0
x(7x + 15) – 2(7x + 15) = 0
(7x + 15)(x – 2) = 0
15
Either 7x + 15 = 0, then 7x = –15  x =
7
But x

Or x – 2 = 0, then x = 2
 Required natural numbers are 2 and 5.
3
6. Divide 15 into two parts such that the sum of their reciprocals is .
10
Sol. Let first part = x
Then second part = 15 – x ( sum = 15)
According to the given condition,
1 1 3
 =
x 15  x 10
15  x  x 3
=
x(15  x) 10
15 3
=
15x  x 2
10
150 = 45x – 3x2
3x2 – 45x + 150 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 3)
x2 – 15x + 50 = 0
x2 – 5x – 10x + 50 = 0
x(x – 5) – 10(x – 5) = 0
(x – 5)(x – 10) = 0
Either x – 5 = 0, then x = 5
Or x – 10 = 0, then x = 10
If x = 5, then second part = 15 – 5 = 10
If x = 10, then second part = 15 – 10 = 5
 Required parts are 5 and 10.

7. The sum of the squares of two positive integers is 208. If the square of the larger
number is 18 times the smaller number, find the numbers.
Sol. Let the smaller number be x.
Then the square of larger number = 18x.
According to the given condition,
x2 + 18x = 208
x2 + 18x – 208 = 0
x2 + 26x – 8x – 208 = 0
x(x + 26) – 8(x + 26) = 0
(x + 26)(x – 8) = 0
Either x + 26 = 0, then x = –26
But x .
or x – 8 = 0, then x = 8 ( smaller number).
Larger number = √ √ √ = 12.
 Required positive integers are 8 and 12.

3
8. The sum of the squares of two consecutive positive even numbers is 52. Find the
numbers.
Sol. Let the two consecutive positive even numbers be x and x + 2.
According to the given condition,
(x)2 + (x + 2)2 = 52
x + x2 + 4x + 4 = 52
2

2x2 + 4x – 48 = 0
x2 + 2x – 24 = 0 ….(Dividing each term by 2)
x + 6x – 4x – 24 = 0
2

x(x + 6) – 4(x + 6) = 0
(x + 6)(x – 4) = 0
Either x + 6 = 0, then x = –6
But x
Or x – 4 = 0, then x = 4
Second number = 4 + 2 = 6
 Required consecutive positive even numbers are 4 and 6.

9. Find two consecutive positive odd numbers, the sum of whose squares is 74.
Ans. Let the two consecutive positive odd numbers be x and x + 2.
According to the given condition,
(x)2 + (x + 2)2 = 74
x + x2 + 4x + 4 = 74
2

2x2 + 4x – 70 = 0
x2 + 2x – 35 = 0 ….(Dividing each term by 2)
x + 7x – 5x – 35 = 0
2

x(x + 7) – 5(x + 7) = 0
(x + 7)(x – 5) = 0
Either x + 7 = 0, then x = –7
But x
Or x – 5 = 0, then x = 5
Second number = 5 + 2 = 7
 Required consecutive positive odd numbers are 5 and 7.

10. The denominator of a positive fraction is one more than twice the numerator. If
the sum of the fraction and its reciprocal is 2.9; find the fraction.
Sol. Let numerator of a fraction = x
Then denominator = 2x + 1
x
 Fraction =
2x  1
2x  1
Its reciprocal =
x
According to the given condition,
2x  1 x
 =
x 2x  1
10[(2x + 1)2 + x2] = 29(2x + 1) × x
10[4x2 + 4x + 1 + x2] = 58x2 + 29x
8x2 – 11x – 10 = 0
8x2 – 16x + 5x – 10 = 0
8x(x – 2) + 5(x – 2) = 0
(x – 2)(8x + 5) = 0
Either x – 2 = 0, then x = 2
5
or 8x + 5 = 0, then 8x = –5 ; x =
8
4
 But x .
x=2
x 2 2 2
 Required Fraction = = = =
2x  1 2 2 1 4 1 5

1 1 1
11. Three positive numbers are in the ratio : : . Find the numbers if the sum of
2 3 4
their squares is 244.
1 1 1
Sol. Three positive numbers are in the ratio : : .
2 3 4
Multiply each ratio by L.C.M. of denominators i.e. by 12.
Ratio of required numbers will be 6 : 4 : 3.
Let the common multiple be x.
Three numbers will be 6x, 4x & 3x.
According to the given condition,
(6x)2 + (4x)2 + (3x)2 = 244
36x2 + 16x2 + 9x2 = 244
61x2 = 244
x2 = 4
x –4
2 = 0
(x + 2)(x – 2) = 0
Either x + 2 = 0, then x = –2
But x
Or x – 2 = 0, then x = 2.
 First number = 6x = 6 × 2 = 12
Second number = 4x = 4 × 2 = 8
and third number = 3x = 3 × 2 = 6
 Required positive numbers are 12, 8 and 6.

12. Divide 20 into two parts such that three times the square of one part exceeds
the other part by 10.
Sol. Let first part = x
Then second part = 20 – x ( Sum = 20)
According to the given condition,
3(x)2 – (20 – x) = 10
3x – 20 + x – 10 = 0
2

3x2 + x – 30 = 0
3x + 10x – 9x – 30 = 0
2

x(3x + 10) – 3(3x + 10) = 0

(3x + 10)(x – 3) = 0
10
Either 3x + 10 = 0, then 3x = –10  x =
3
But x
Or x – 3 = 0 then x = 3
First part = 3
Second part = 20 – 3 = 17
 Required parts of 20 are 3 and 17.

13. Three consecutive natural numbers are such that the square of the middle
number exceeds the difference of the squares of the other two by 60. Assume
the middle number to be x and form a quadratic equation satisfying the above
statement. Hence; find the three numbers.
5
Sol. Let the three consecutive natural numbers be x – 1, x and x + 1.
According to the given condition,
(x)2 = [(x + 1)2 – (x – 1)2] + 60
x2 = 4x + 60
x2 – 4x – 60 = 0
x – 10x + 6x – 60 = 0
2

x(x – 10) + 6(x – 10) = 0

(x – 10)(x + 6) = 0
Either x – 10 = 0, then x = 10
or x + 6 = 0, then x = –6.
But x
 Required three consecutive natural numbers are 9, 10 and 11.

14. Out of three consecutive positive integers, the middle number is p. If three
times the square of the largest is greater than the sum of the squares of the
other two numbers by 67; calculate the value of p.
Sol. Let the three consecutive positive integers be p – 1, p and p + 1.
According to the condition,
3(p + 1)2 = (p – 1)2 + p2 + 67
3p + 6p + 3 – p + 2p – 1 – p2 = 67
2 2

p2 + 8p + 2 – 67 = 0
p2 + 8p – 65 = 0
p2 + 13p – 5p – 65 = 0
p(p + 13) – 5(p + 13) = 0
(p + 13)(p – 5) = 0
Either p + 13 = 0, then p = –13
But p .
Or p – 5 = 0, then p = 5
p=5

15. A can do a piece of work in ‘x’ days and B can do the same work in (x + 16) days.
If both working together can do it in 15 days; calculate ‘x’.
1
Sol. A’s 1 day’s work =
x
1
B’s 1 day’s work =
x  16
1 1
Both A and B’s 1 day’s work = 
x x  16
According to the given condition,
1 1 1
 =
x x  16 15
x  16  x 1
=
x(x  16) 15
2x  16 1
=
x  16x
2
15
x + 16x = 30x + 240
2

x2 + 16x – 30x – 240 = 0

x2 – 14x – 240 = 0
x2 – 24x + 10x – 240 = 0
x(x – 24) + 10(x – 24) = 0
(x – 24)(x + 10) = 0
Either x – 24 = 0, then x = 24
Or x + 10 = 0, then x = –10
6
 But x .
 x = 24.

16. One pipe can fill a cistern in 3 hours less than the other. The two pipes together
can fill the cistern in 6 hours 40 minutes. Find the time that each pipe will take
to fill the cistern.
Sol. Let the time taken by other pipe = x hrs.
Time taken by first pipe = x – 3 hrs.
40 2 20
Time taken to fill the cistern together = 6 = 6 = hrs.
60 3 3
According to the condition given,
1 1 3
 = ………… (By comparing one hour work)
x x 3 20
x 3 x 3
=
x(x  3) 20
2x  3 3
=
x  3x
2
20
3x – 9x = 40x – 60
2

3x2 – 9x – 40x + 60 = 0
3x2 – 49x + 60 = 0
3x – 45x – 4x + 60 = 0
2

3x(x – 15) – 4(x – 15) = 0

(x – 15)(3x – 4) = 0
Either x – 15 = 0 then x = 15
4
Or 3x – 4 = 0 then 3x = 4; x =
3
But x ; (x – 3) being time cannot be negative.
 x = 15
Time taken by other pipe = 15 hrs.
Time taken by first pipe = 15 – 3 = 12 hrs.

17. A positive number is divided into two parts such that the sum of the squares of
the two parts is 20. The square of the larger part is 8 times the smaller part.
Taking x as the smaller part of the two parts, find the number.
Sol. Let the smaller part = x
The square of the larger part = 8x.
x2 + 8x = 20
x + 8x – 20 = 0
2

x2 + 10x – 2x – 20 = 0
x(x + 10) – 2(x + 10) = 0
(x + 10)(x – 2) = 0
Either x + 10 = 0, then x = –10
But x positive number.
Or x – 2 = 0, then x = 2
 Smaller part = 2
Larger part = √ √
 Required positive number = 2 + 4 = 6.

7
Exercise 6(B)

1. The sides of a right-angled triangle containing the right angle are 4x cm and
(2x – 1) cm. If the area of the triangle is 30 cm2; calculate the lengths of its
sides.
Sol. Area of a right angled triangle = product of sides containing right angle.
1
= AC  BC
2
1
= × 4x (2x – 1) cm2
2
= 2x(2x – 1) cm2 A
2x(2x – 1) = 30
4x2 – 2x – 30 = 0
2x2 – x – 15 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2) 4x
2x2 – 6x + 5x – 15 = 0
2x(x – 3) + 5(x – 3) = 0
(x – 3)(2x + 5) = 0 C B
2x – 1
Either x – 3 = 0, then x = 3
5
Or 2x + 5 = 0, then 2x = –5; x =
2
But x 4x being length of side cannot be negative.
 AC = 4x = 4 × 3 = 12 cm
BC = 2x – 1
= 2×3–1
= 6–1
= 5 cm
AB = AC2  BC2 ………..by Pythagoras theorem.
= (12)2  (5)2
= 144  25
= 169
= 13 cm
 Lengths of sides are 5 cm, 12 cm and 13 cm.

2. The hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is 26 cm and the sum of other two

sides is 34 cm. Find the lengths of its sides.
Sol. In right ACB,
A
AB = 26 cm
Let AC = x cm
Then BC = (34 – x) cm 26
AC2 + BC2 = AB2 … (By Pythagoras Theorem) x

(x)2 + (34 – x)2 = (26)2

x2 + 1156 + x2 – 68x = 676 C
2x – 68x + 1156 – 676 = 0
2 34 – x B
2x2 – 68x + 480 = 0
x2 – 34x + 240 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
x2 – 24x – 10x + 240 = 0
x(x – 24) – 10(x – 24) = 0
(x – 24)(x – 10) = 0
Either x – 24 = 0, then x = 24
Or x – 10 = 0, then x = 10

8
 If AC = 24 cm, then BC = 34 – 24 = 10 cm
If AC = 10 cm, then BC = 34 – 10 = 24 cm
 Lengths of required sides are 10 cm & 24 cm.

3. The sides of a right-angled triangle are (x – 1) cm, 3x cm and (3x + 1) cm. Find:
(i) the value of x, A
(ii) the lengths of its sides,
(iii) its area.
3x + 1
x–1
Sol. In right ABC, B = 90
AB = (x – 1) cm, BC = 3x cm and AC = (3x + 1) cm.
By Pythagoras Theorem, B C
3x
AC = AB + BC
2 2 2

(3x + 1)2 = (x – 1)2 + (3x)2

9x2 + 6x + 1 = x2 – 2x + 1 + 9x2
9x2 + 6x + 1 – x2 + 2x – 1 – 9x2 = 0
–x2 + 8x = 0
x2 – 8x = 0
x(x – 8) = 0
Either x = 0 or (x – 8) = 0
But x 3x being length of side cannot be negative.
(i) Or x – 8 = 0, then x = 8
(ii) AB = x – 1 = 8 – 1 = 7 cm
BC = 3x = 3 × 8 = 24 cm
AC = 3x + 1 = 3 × 8 + 1 = 24 + 1 = 25 cm
1 1
(iii) Area of ABC = AB × BC = × 7 × 24 = 84 cm2.
2 2

4. The hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle exceeds one side by 1 cm and the

other side by 18 cm; find the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
Sol. In right triangle ABC, B = 90 A
Let hypotenuse AC = x cm
AB = (x – 1) cm and BC = (x – 18) cm
By Pythagoras Theorem, x
x–1
AC2 = AB2 + BC2
x2 = (x – 1)2 + (x – 18)2
x2 = x2 – 2x + 1 + x2 – 36x + 324 B C
x = 2x – 38x + 325
2 2 x – 18
x2 – 38x + 325 = 0
x – 13x – 25x + 325 = 0
2

x(x – 13) – 25(x – 13) = 0

(x – 13)(x – 25) = 0
Either x – 13 = 0, then x = 13
But x (x – 18) being length of side cannot be negative.
Or x – 25 = 0, then x = 25
 AC = 25 cm, AB = x – 1 = 25 – 1 = 24 cm
BC = x – 18 = 25 – 18 = 7 cm
 Lengths of the sides are 25 cm, 24 cm and 7 cm.

5. The diagonal of a rectangle is 60 m more than its shorter side and the larger side
is 30 m more than the shorter side. Find the sides of the rectangle.
Sol. Let shorter side of a rectangle (b) = x m
 Longer side (l) = (x + 30) m
Length of diagonal = (x + 60) m

9
 (Diagonal)2 = (Longer side)2 + (Shorter side)2 … (Pythagoras Theorem)
(x + 60)2 = (x + 30)2 + x2
x2 + 120x + 3600 = x2 + 60x + 900 + x2
2x + 60x + 900 – x2 – 120x – 3600 = 0
2

x2 – 60x – 2700 = 0
x – 90x + 30x – 2700 = 0
2

x(x – 90) + 30(x – 90 ) = 0

(x – 90)(x + 30) = 0
Either x – 90 = 0, then x = 90
Or x + 30 = 0, then x = –30
But x length of side cannot be negative.
 Longer side = x + 30 = 90 + 30 = 120 m and shorter side = x = 90 m

6. The perimeter of a rectangle is 104 m and its area is 640 m2. Find its length and
breadth.
Sol. Perimeter = 104 m D C
2(l + b) = 104 m
104
l+b = = 52 m
2
52 – x
Let length of the rectangular plot = x m
 Breadth = (52 – x) m
Area = l × b = x (52 – x) A B
x
Area of plot = 640 m2
 x(52 – x) = 640
52x – x2 = 640
x2 – 52x + 640 = 0
x – 20x – 32x + 640
2 = 0
x(x – 20) – 32(x – 20) = 0
(x – 20)(x – 32) = 0
Either x – 20 = 0, then x = 20
Or x – 32 = 0, then x = 32
 Length = 32 m length is greater than the breadth.
Breadth = 52 – 32 = 20 m

7. A foot path of uniform width runs round the inside of a rectangular field 32 m
long and 24 m wide. If the path occupies 208 m2, find the width of the footpath.
Sol.
Length of field = 32 m and D C
Width of field = 24 m
Area of path = 208 m2
Let width of path = x m 24 – 2x
Inner length = (32 – 2x) m x
Inner width = (24 – 2x) m
32 – 2x
x
According to the given condition, A B
32
Area of Outer rectangle – Area of inner rectangle = Area of footpath
768 – (32 – 2x)(24 – 2x) = 208
768 – (768 – 64x – 48x + 4x2) = 208
768 – 768 + 64x + 48x – 4x2 = 208
–4x2 + 112x – 208 = 0 (Dividing each term by –4 we get)
x2 – 28x + 52 = 0
x2 – 26x – 2x + 52 = 0
x(x – 26) – 2(x – 26) = 0
10
 (x – 26)(x – 2) = 0
Either x – 26 = 0, then x = 26
But x width of path cannot be greater than width of field.
Or x – 2 = 0 then x = 2
 Width of the footpath = 2 m

8. Two squares have sides x cm and (x + 4) cm. The sum of their areas is 656 sq.cm.
Express this as an algebraic equation in x and solve the equation to find the
sides of the squares.
Sol. According to the given condition,
x2 + (x + 4)2 = 656
x2 + x2 + 8x + 16 – 656 = 0
2x2 + 8x – 640 = 0
x2 + 4x – 320 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
x + 20x – 16x – 320 = 0
2

x(x + 20) – 16(x + 20) = 0

(x + 20)(x – 16) = 0
Either x + 20 = 0, then x = –20
But x length of side cannot be negative.
Or x – 16 = 0, then x = 16
 Side of first square = 16 cm
Side of second square = 16 + 4 = 20 cm

9. The dimensions of a rectangular field are 50 m by 40 m. A flower bed is prepared

inside this field leaving a gravel path of uniform width all around the flower bed.
The total cost of laying the flower bed and gravelling the path at ₹30 and ₹20 per
square metre, respectively, is ₹52,000. Find the width of the gravel path.
Sol.
Length of the field (l) = 50 m x
Width of the field (b) = 40 m
Let width of the gravel path be x m
Inner length = (50 – 2x) m 40 m
Inner width = (40 – 2x) m
Area of inner flower bed = (50 – 2x)(40 – 2x)
= 2000 – 80x – 100x + 4x2 50 m
= (4x2 – 180x + 2000) sq m
Area of gravel path = 2000 – (4x2 – 180x + 2000)
= 2000 – 4x2 + 180x – 2000
= (–4x2 + 180x) sq m
According to the given condition,
(–4x2 + 180x) × 20 + (4x2 – 180x + 2000) × 30 = 52000
–80x2 + 3600x + 120x2 – 5400x + 60000 = 52000
40x2 – 1800x + 60000 – 52000 = 0
40x2 – 1800x + 8000 = 0
x2 – 45x + 200 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 40)
x – 40x – 5x + 200 = 0
2

x(x – 40) – 5(x – 40) = 0

(x – 40)(x – 5) = 0
Either x – 40 = 0, then x = 40
But x width of path cannot be equal to the width of field.
Or x – 5 = 0, then x = 5
 Width of the gravel path = 5 m

11
10. An area is paved with square tiles of a certain size and the number required is
128. If the tiles had been 2 cm smaller each way, 200 tiles would have been
needed to pave the same area. Find the size of the larger tiles.
Sol. Let the side of larger square tile = x cm
Side of smaller square tile = (x – 2) cm
According to the given condition,
Area paved by larger tiles = Area paved by smaller tiles
No of large tiles × Area of each large tile = No of small tiles × Area of each small tile
128x2 = 200(x – 2)2
128x2 = 200x2 – 800x + 800
200x2 – 800x + 800 – 128x2 = 0
72x2 – 800x + 800 = 0
9x2 – 100x + 100 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 8)
9x2 – 90x – 10x + 100 = 0
9x(x – 10) – 10(x – 10) = 0
(x – 10)(9x – 10) = 0
Either x – 10 = 0, then x = 10
10
Or 9x – 10 = 0, then 9x = 10; x =
9
But x side of smaller tile cannot be negative.
 x = 10
 Side of larger square tile = 10 cm.

11. A farmer has 70 m. of fencing, with which he encloses three sides of a

rectangular sheep pen; the fourth side being a wall. If the area of the pen is
600 sq.m, find the length of its shorter side.
WALL
Sol.
Let the length of shorter side = x m
 Length of larger side = (70 – 2x) m
 Area of rectangular pen = x(70 – 2x) x x
 x(70 – 2x) = 600
70x – 2x2 = 600
–2x + 70x – 600 = 0
2

x2 – 35x + 300 = 0 … (Dividing each term by –2) 70 – 2x

x –15x – 20x + 300 = 0
2

x(x – 15) – 20(x – 15) = 0

(x – 15)(x – 20) = 0
Either x – 15 = 0 then x = 15
Or x – 20 = 0 then x = 20
 Length of its shorter side = 15 m or 20 m.

12. A square lawn is bounded on three sides by a path 4 m wide. If the area of the
7
path is that of the lawn, find the dimensions of the lawn.
8
4m 4m
Sol. Let the side of square lawn = x m
Width of path = 4m x
Length of outer rectangle = (x + 8) m
Width of outer rectangle = (x + 4) m
According to the given condition, x
x+4
+ x LAWN x
7 2
(x + 8) (x + 4) – x2 = x 4
8

12
x+8
 7 2
x2 + 12x + 32 – x2 = x
8
96x + 256 = 7x2
7x2 – 96x – 256 = 0
7x2 – 112x + 16x – 256 = 0
7x(x – 16) + 16(x – 16) = 0
(x – 16)(7x + 16) = 0
Either x – 16 = 0, then x = 16
16
Or 7x + 16 = 0, then 7x = –16; x =
7
But x length of side cannot be negative.

 Side of square lawn = 16 m

13. The area of a big rectangular room is 300 m2. If the length were decreased by
5 m and the breadth increased by 5 m; the area would be unaltered. Find the
length of the room.
Sol.
Let length of the room = x m.
300
 Width = m
x
In second case,
 300 
Length = (x –5) m and width =   5 m
 x 
According to the given condition,
 300 
(x – 5)   5  = 300
 x 
(x  5)(300  5x) 300
=
x 1
(x – 5)(300 + 5x) = 300x
300x + 5x2 – 1500 – 25x = 300x
5x2 + 300x – 25x – 300x – 1500 = 0
5x2 – 25x – 1500 = 0
x2 – 5x – 300 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 5)
x – 20x + 15x – 300 = 0
2

x(x – 20) + 15(x – 20) = 0

(x – 20)(x + 15) = 0
Either x – 20 = 0, then x = 20
Or x + 15 = 0, then x = –15
But x length cannot be negative.
 Length of the room = 20 m

Exercise 6(C)

1. The speed of an ordinary train is x km/hr and that of an express train is (x + 25)
km per hour.
(i) Find the time taken by each train to cover 300 km.
(ii) If the ordinary train takes 2 hrs more than the express train; calculate
speed of the express train.
300
Sol. (i) Time taken by ordinary train to cover 300 km = hrs
x

13
 300
(ii) Time taken by express train to cover 300 km = hrs
x  25
According to the given condition,
300 300
 = 2
x x  25

3750 = x2 + 25x
x + 25x – 3750
2 = 0
x2 + 75x – 50x – 3750 = 0
x(x + 75) – 50(x + 75) = 0
(x + 75)(x – 50) = 0
Either x + 75 = 0 then x = –75
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 50 = 0, then x = 50
 Speed of an ordinary train = 50 km/hr.
Speed of express train = 50 + 25 = 75 km/hr.

2. If the speed of a car is increased by 10 km per hr, it takes 18 minutes less to

cover a distance of 36 km. Find the speed of the car.
Sol. Let the speed of car = x km/hr
According to the given condition,
36 36 18
 =
x x  10 60
3
36 =
10
[ ]
x2 + 10x – 1200 = 0
x2 + 40x – 30x – 1200 = 0
x(x + 40) – 30(x + 40) = 0
(x + 40)(x – 30) = 0
Either x + 40 = 0, then x = –40
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 30 = 0, then x = 30
 Speed of the car = 30 km/hr.

3. If the speed of an aeroplane is reduced by 40 km per hr, it takes 20 minutes

more to cover 1200 km. Find the speed of the aeroplane.
Sol. Let the speed of aeroplane = x km/hr.
According to the given condition,
1200 1200 20
 =
x  40 x 60
1
1200 =
3
[ ]
x2 – 40x = 144000
x2 – 40x – 144000 = 0
x – 400x + 360x – 144000 = 0
2

x(x – 400) + 360(x – 400) = 0

(x – 400) (x + 360) = 0
Either x – 400 = 0, then x = 400
14
 Or x + 360 = 0, then x = –360,
But x Speed cannot be negative.
 x = 400
Hence speed of aeroplane = 400 km/hr.

4. A car covers a distance of 400 km at a certain speed. Had the speed be 12 km/h
more, the time taken for the journey would have been 1 hour 40 minutes less.
Find the original speed of the car.
Sol. Let the original speed of the car be x km/hr.
According to the given condition,
400 400 5
 =
x x  12 3
5
400 =
3
[ ]
x2 + 12x – 2880 = 0
x2 + 60x – 48x – 2880 = 0
x(x + 60) – 48(x + 60) = 0
(x + 60)(x – 48) = 0
Either x – 48 = 0, then x = 48
Or x + 60 = 0, then x = –60,
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Hence, original speed of the car = 48 km/hr.

5. A girl goes to her friend’s house, which is at a distance of 12 km. She covers half
of the distance at a speed of ‘x’ km/hr and the remaining distance at a speed of
(x + 2) km/hr. If she takes 2 hrs 30 minutes to cover the whole distance, find ‘x’.
Sol. According to the given condition,
6 6 5
 =
x x2 2
6x  12  6x 5
=
x(x  2) 2
12x  12 5
=
x 2  2x 2
5x2 + 10x = 24x + 24
5x2 -14x – 24 = 0
5x – 20x + 6x – 24
2 = 0
5x(x – 4) + 6(x – 4) = 0
(x – 4)(5x + 6) = 0
Either x – 4 = 0, then x = 4
6
Or 5x + 6 = 0, then 5x = –6; x =
5
But x Speed cannot be negative.
 x = 4 km/hr.

6. A car made a run of 390 km in ‘x’ hours. If the speed had been 4 km/hour more,
it would have taken 2 hours less for the journey. Find ‘x’.
Sol. According to the given condition,
390 390
 = 4
x 2 x

15
  1 1
390    = 4
 (x  2) x 
xx2 4
=
x(x  2) 390
2 4
=
x(x  2) 390
1
=
x(x  2)
x2 – 2x = 195
x2 – 2x – 195 = 0
x – 15x + 13x – 195 = 0
2

x(x – 15) + 13(x – 15) = 0

(x – 15)(x + 13) = 0
Either x – 15 = 0, then x = 15
Or x + 13 = 0 then x = –13
But x Time cannot be negative.
 Value of x = 15.

7. A goods train leaves a station at 6 p.m., followed by an express train which

leaves at 8 p.m. and travels 20 km/hour faster than the goods train. The express
train arrives at a station 1040 km away, 36 minutes before the goods train.
Assuming that the speeds of both the trains remain constant between the two
stations; calculate their speeds.
Sol. Let speed of goods train = x km/hr.
Then speed of express train = (x + 20) km/hr.
Difference of time taken = 8 p.m. – 6 p.m. + 36 minutes = 2 hours 36 minutes.
36 3 13
= 2 = 2 = hrs.
60 5 5
According to the given condition,
1040 1040 13
 =
x x  20 5
 1 1  13
1040   =
 x x  20  5
 x  20  x  13
1040   =
 x(x  20)  5
20 13 1
= 
x(x  20) 5 1040
20 1
=
x  20x
2
400
x2 + 20x = 8000
x2 + 20x – 8000 = 0
x + 100x – 80x – 8000
2 = 0
x(x + 100) – 80(x + 100) = 0
(x + 100)(x – 80) = 0
Either x + 100 = 0, then x = –100
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 80 = 0, then x = 80
 Speed of goods train = 80 km/hr.
Speed of express train = 80 + 20 = 100 km/hr.

16
8. A man bought an article for ₹x and sold it for ₹16. If his loss was x percent, find
the cost price of the article.
Sol. C.P. of article = ₹ x
S.P. of article = ₹ 16
 Loss = C.P. – S.P.
= ₹ (x – 16)
Loss  100
Loss % =
C.P.
(x  16)  100
=
x
According to the given information,
(x  16)(100)
x =
x
x2 = 100x – 1600
x2 – 100x + 1600 = 0
x – 20x – 80x + 1600 = 0
2

x(x – 20) – 80(x – 20) = 0

(x – 20)(x – 80) = 0
Either x – 20 = 0, then x = 20
Or x – 80 = 0, then x = 80
 Cost Price = ₹ 20 or ₹ 80

9. A trader bought an article for ₹ x and sold it for ₹ 52, thereby making a profit of
(x – 10) per cent on his outlay. Calculate the cost price.
Sol. C.P. of article = ₹ x
S.P. of article = ₹ 52
Profit = S.P. – C.P. = ₹ 52 – x
Pr ofit  100 (52  x)  100
Profit % = =
C.P. x
According to the given information,
(52  x)  100
x – 10 =
x
x2 – 10x = 5200 – 100x
x2 – 10x + 100x – 5200 = 0
x2 + 90x – 5200 = 0
x2 + 130x – 40x – 5200 = 0
x(x + 130) – 40(x + 130) = 0
(x + 130)(x – 40) = 0
Either x + 130 = 0, then x = –130
But x Cost cannot be negative.
Or x – 40 = 0, then x = 40
 Cost price of the article = ₹40

10. By selling a chair for ₹75, Mohan gained as much percent as its cost. Calculate
the cost of the chair.
Sol. Let C.P. of chair = ₹ x
Profit = x %
S.P. of chair = ₹75
Total profit = ₹ (75 – x)
Pr ofit  100
 Profit % =
C.P.
17
 (75  x)  100
x =
x
x = 7500 – 100x
2

x2 + 100x – 7500 = 0
x2 + 150x – 50x – 7500 = 0
x(x + 150) – 50(x + 150) = 0
(x + 150)(x – 50) = 0
Either x + 150 = 0, then x = –150
But x Cost cannot be negative.
Or x – 50 = 0, then x = 50
 Cost price of the chair = ₹50

Exercise 6(D)

1. The sum S of n successive odd numbers starting from 3 is given by the relation:
S = n(n + 2). Determine n, if the sum is 168.
Sol. S = n(n + 2)
 n(n + 2) = 168
n2 + 2n – 168 = 0
n2 + 14n – 12n – 168 = 0
n(n + 14) – 12(n + 14) = 0
(n + 14)(n – 12) = 0
Either n + 14 = 0, then n = –14
But n n is number of terms.
Or n – 12 = 0, then n = 12
Hence n = 12

2. A stone is thrown vertically downwards and the formula d = 16t2 + 4t gives the
distance, d metres, that it falls in t seconds. How long does it take to fall 420
metres?
Sol. d = 16t2 + 4t, d = 420 m
 16t2 + 4t = 420
16t2 + 4t – 420 = 0
4t2 + t – 105 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 4)
4t2 + 21t – 20t – 105 = 0
t(4t + 21) – 5(4t + 21) = 0
(4t + 21)(t – 5) = 0
21
Either 4t + 21 = 0, then 4t = –21; t =
4
But t time cannot be negative.
Or t – 5 = 0, then t = 5
 t = 5 seconds

3. The product of the digits of a two digit number is 24. If its unit’s digit exceeds
twice its ten’s digit by 2; find the number.
Sol. Let ten’s digit = x
Unit’s digit = 2x + 2
According to the given condition,
 x(2x + 2) = 24
2x2 + 2x – 24 = 0
x2 + x – 12 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
x2 + 4x – 3x – 12 = 0
x(x + 4) – 3(x + 4) = 0
18
 (x + 4)(x – 3) = 0
Either x + 4 = 0, then x = –4,
But x Digit cannot be negative.
Or x – 3 = 0, then x = 3
 Ten’s digit = 3
Unit’s digit = 3 × 2 + 2 = 6 + 2 = 8
 Required Number = 8 + 10 × 3 = 8 + 30 = 38

4. The ages of two sisters are 11 years and 14 years. In how many years time will
the product of their ages be 304?
Sol. Let the number of years = x
According to the given condition,
(11 + x)(14 + x) = 304
154 + 11x + 14x + x2 = 304
x2 + 25x – 150 = 0
x2 + 30x – 5x – 150 = 0
x(x + 30) – 5(x + 30) = 0
(x + 30)(x – 5) = 0
Either x + 30 = 0, then x = –30
But x time cannot be negative.
Or x – 5 = 0, then x = 5
 Number of years = 5

5. One year ago, a man was 8 times as old as his son. Now his age is equal to the
square of his son’s age. Find their present ages.
Sol. One year ago, let the age of son = x years; present age = (x + 1) yrs
One year ago, age of his father = 8x years; present age = (8x + 1) yrs
According to the given condition,
 8x + 1 = (x + 1)2
x2 + 2x + 1 = 8x + 1
x2 + 2x + 1 – 8x – 1 = 0
x2 – 6x = 0
x(x – 6) = 0
Either x = 0, which is not possible.
Or x – 6 = 0, then x = 6
 Present age of father = 8x + 1 = 8 × 6 + 1 = 48 + 1 = 49 years.
Present age of son = x + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7 years.

6. The age of a father is twice the square of the age of his son. Eight years hence,
the age of the father will be 4 years more than three times the age of the son.
Find their present ages.
Sol. Let present age of son = x years; Eight yrs hence = (x + 8) yrs
Present age of father will be = 2x2 years; Eight yrs hence = (2x2 + 8) yrs
According to the given condition,
2x2 + 8 = 3(x + 8) + 4
2x2 + 8 = 3x + 24 + 4
2x2 + 8 – 3x – 28 = 0
2x2 – 3x – 20 = 0
2x2 – 8x + 5x – 20 = 0
2x(x – 4) + 5(x – 4) = 0
(x – 4)(2x + 5) = 0
Either x – 4 = 0, then x = 4
5
Or 2x + 5 = 0, then 2x = – 5; x =
2
19
 But x age cannot be negative.
 Present age of son = 4 years.
Present age of father = 2x2 = 2(4)2 = 2 × 16 = 32 years.

7. The speed of a boat in still water is 15 km/hr. It can go 30 km upstream and

return downstream to the original point in 4 hours 30 minutes. Find the speed
of the stream.
Sol. Let the speed of stream = x km/hr.
Speed of boat in still water = 15 km/hr.
30
Time taken down-stream = hr.
15  x
30
Time taken up-stream = hr.
15  x
According to the given condition,
30 30 9
+ =
15  x 15  x 2
9
30 =
2
[ ]
[ ]
225 – x2 = 200
x2 – 25 = 0
(x)2 – (5)2 = 0
(x + 5)(x – 5) = 0
Either x + 5 = 0, then x = –5
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 5 = 0, then x = 5
 Speed of stream = 5 km/hr.

8. Mr. Mehra sends his servant to the market to buy oranges worth ₹15. The
servant having eaten three oranges on the way, Mr. Mehra pays 25 paise per
orange more than the market price. Taking x to be the number of oranges which
Mr. Mehra receives, form a quadratic equation in x. Hence, find the value of x.
Sol. No. of oranges received by Mr. Mehra = x
Total no. of oranges bought = x + 3
Total cost = ₹ 15
According to the given condition,
15 15 1
 =
x x3 4
15x  45  15x 1
=
x(x  3) 4
45 1
=
x  3x
2
4
x + 3x = 180
2

x2 + 3x – 180 = 0
x2 + 15x – 12x – 180 = 0
x(x + 15) – 12(x + 15) = 0
(x + 15)(x – 12) = 0
Either x + 15 = 0, then x = –15
But x Number of oranges cannot be negative.
20
 Or x – 12 = 0, then x = 12
 x = 12

9. ₹250 is divided equally among a certain number of children. If there were 25

children more, each would have received 50 paise less. Find the number of
children.
Sol. Let the number of children = x
Amount to be divided = ₹ 250
250
 Each child will get = ₹
x
250
In second case, each child will get = ₹
x  25
According to the given condition,
250 250 50 1
 = =
x x  25 100 2
250(x  25)  250x 1
=
x(x  25) 2
250x  6250  250x 1
=
x(x  25) 2
6250 1
=
x(x  25) 2
x + 25x – 12500 = 0
2

x2 + 125x – 100x – 12500 = 0

x(x + 125) – 100(x + 125) = 0
(x + 125)(x – 100) = 0
Either x + 125 = 0, then x = –125
But x Number of children cannot be negative.
Or x – 100 = 0, then x = 100
 No. of children = 100

10. An employer finds that if he increases the weekly wages of each worker by ₹ 5
and employs five workers less, he increases his weekly wage bill from ₹ 3,150 to
₹ 3,250. Taking the original weekly wage of each worker as ₹ x; obtain an
equation in x and then solve it to find the weekly wages of each worker.
Sol. Let the original weekly wage of each worker = ₹ x
New weekly wage of each worker = ₹ (x + 5)
According to the given condition,

[ ]
5x(x + 5) = 15750 – 100x
5x2 + 25x = 15750 – 100x
5x + 125x – 15750 = 0
2

x2 + 25x – 3150 = 0 ……(Dividing each term by 5)

x + 70x – 45x – 3150 = 0
2

x(x + 70) – 45(x + 70) = 0

(x + 70) (x – 45) = 0
Either x + 70 = 0, then x = –70
But x Weekly wage cannot be negative.
Or x – 45 = 0, then x = 45
 Weekly wages per worker = ₹ 45

21
11. A trader bought a number of articles for ₹ 1,200. Ten were damaged and he sold
each of the remaining articles at ₹ 2 more than what he paid for it, thus getting
a profit of ₹ 60 on the whole transaction.
Taking the number of articles he bought as x, form an equation in x and solve it.
Sol. Let number of articles bought = x
C.P. = ₹ 1200
Profit = ₹ 60
S.P. = ₹ 1200 + 60 = ₹ 1260
No. of articles damaged = 10
Remaining articles sold = x – 10
According to the given condition,
1260 1200
 = 2
x  10 x
1260x  1200x  12000
= 2
x(x  10)
60x  12000 2
=
x  10x
2
1
2x – 20x = 60x + 12000
2

2x2 – 80x – 12000 = 0

x2 – 40x – 6000 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
x2 – 100x + 60x – 6000 = 0
x(x – 100) + 60(x – 100) = 0
(x – 100)(x + 60) = 0
Either x – 100 = 0, then x = 100
Or x + 60 = 0, then x = –60
But x Number of articles cannot be negative.
 Number of articles = 100

12. The total cost price of a certain number of identical articles is ₹ 4,800. By
selling the article at ₹ 100 each, a profit equal to the cost price of 15 articles is
made. Find the number of articles bought.
Sol. Total cost of some articles = ₹ 4800
Let number of articles = x
S.P. of one article = ₹ 100
 S.P. of x articles = ₹ 100x
Profit = Cost price of 15 articles
15  4800 72000
= =
x x
 S.P. = C.P. + profit
72000
100x = 4800 +
x
100x2 = 4800x + 72000
x2 = 48x + 720 ………..(Dividing each term by 100)
x – 48x – 720 = 0
2

x – 60x + 12x – 720 = 0

2

x(x – 60) + 12(x – 60) = 0

(x – 60)(x + 12) = 0
Either x – 60 = 0, then x = 60
Or x + 12 = 0, then x = –12
But x Number of articles cannot be negative.
Number of articles = 60

22
Exercise 6(E)

1. The distance by road between two towns A and B is 216 km, and by rail it is 208
km. A car travels at a speed of x km/hr and the train travels at a speed which is
16 km/hr faster than the car. Calculate:
(i) the time taken by the car to reach town B from A, in terms of x;
(ii) the time taken by the train, to reach town B from A, in terms of x.
(iii) If the train takes 2 hours less than the car, to reach town B, obtain an
equation in x, and solve it.
(iv) Hence, find the speed of the train.
216
Sol. (i)  Time taken by car = hr.
x
208
(ii) Time taken by train = hr.
x  16
(iii) According to the given condition,
216 208
 = 2
x x  16
216(x  16)  208x
= 2
x(x  16)
216x  3456  208x 2
=
x  16x
2
1
8x  3456
= 2
x 2  16x
8x + 3456 = 2x2 + 32x
2x2 + 32x – 8x – 3456 = 0
2x2 + 24x – 3456 = 0
x2 + 12x – 1728 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 2)
x + 48x – 36x – 1728 = 0
2

x(x + 48) – 36(x + 48) = 0

(x + 48)(x – 36) = 0
Either x + 48 = 0, then x = –48
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 36 = 0, then x = 36
(iv)Speed of the train = x + 16
= 36 + 16 = 52 km/hr.

2. A trader buys x articles for a total cost of ₹ 600.

(i) Write down the cost of one article in terms of x. If the cost per article were
₹ 5 more, the number of articles that can be bought for ₹ 600 would be four
less.
(ii) Write down the equation in x for the above situation and solve it for x.
600
Sol. (i) C.P. of 1 article = ₹
x

(ii) According to the given condition,

[ ]=5
[ ]

[ ]
x2 – 4x – 480 = 0

23
 x2 – 24x + 20x – 480 = 0
x(x – 24) + 20(x – 24) = 0
(x – 24)(x + 20) = 0
Either x – 24 = 0, then x = 24
Or x + 20 = 0, then x = –20
But x Number of articles cannot be negative.
Hence no. of articles = 24

3. A hotel bill for a number of people for overnight stay is ₹ 4,800. If there were 4
people more, the bill each person had to pay, would have reduced by ₹ 200. Find
the number of people staying overnight.
Sol. Let the number of persons staying overnight = x
4800
Amount to be paid by each person = ₹
x
In second case:
No. of persons = x + 4
4800
Then amount to be paid by each person =
x4
According to the given condition,
4800 4800
 = 200
x x4
1 1 
4800    = 200
 x x  4
x4x
4800   = 200
 x(x  4) 
4800  4
= 200
x(x  4)
200x(x + 4) = 19200
x(x + 4) = 96
x + 4x – 96 =
2 0
x2 + 12x – 8x – 96 = 0
x(x + 12) – 8(x + 12) = 0
(x + 12)(x – 8) = 0
Either x + 12 = 0, then x = –12
But x No of people cannot be negative.
Or x – 8 = 0, then x = 8
Hence no. of persons staying overnight = 8

4. An aeroplane travelled a distance of 400 km at an average speed of x km/hr. On

the return journey, the speed was increased by 40 km/hr. Write down an
expression for the time taken for:
(i) the onward journey;
(ii) the return journey.
If the return journey took 30 minutes less than the onward journey, write down
an equation in x and find its value.
Sol. Speed of an aeroplane during onward journey = x km/hr.
Speed of aeroplane on return journey = (x + 40) km/hr.
400
(i) time taken for onward journey = hrs.
x
400
(ii) time taken for return journey = hrs.
x  40
24
 According to the given condition,
400 400 1
 =
x x  40 2
1 1  1
400    = 2
 x x  40 

 x  40  x  1
400   =
 x(x  40)  2
400  40 1
=
x(x  40) 2
x(x + 40) = 400 × 40 × 2
x2 + 40x = 32000
x2 + 40x – 32000 = 0
x2 + 200x – 160x – 32000 = 0
x(x + 200) – 160(x + 200) = 0
(x + 200)(x – 160) = 0
Either x + 200 = 0, then x = –200
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 160 = 0, then x = 160
 x = 160

5. ₹ 6,500 were divided equally among a certain number of persons. Had there been
15 persons more, each would have got ₹ 30 less. Find the original number of
persons.
Sol. Let original number of persons = x
Amount = ₹ 6,500
6500
 Each person will get = ₹
x
In second case, no. of persons = x + 15
6500
 Each person would get = ₹
x  15
According to the given condition,
6500 6500
 = 30
x x  15
6500x  97500  6500x 30
=
x(x  15) 1
97500 30
=
x  15x
2
1
30x2 + 450x = 97500
30x2 + 450x – 97500 = 0 … (Dividing each term by 30)
x2 + 15x – 3250 = 0
x2 + 65x – 50x – 3250 = 0
x(x + 65) – 50(x + 65) = 0
(x + 65) (x – 50) = 0
Either x + 65 = 0, then x = –65
But x Number of persons cannot be negative.
Or x – 50 = 0, then x = 50
 Original number of persons = 50

25
6. A plane left 30 minutes later than the scheduled time and in order to reach its
destination 1500 km away in time, it has to increase its speed by 250 km/hr
from its usual speed. Find its usual speed.
Sol. Let the usual speed of plane = x km/hr
Distance = 1500 km.
Increased speed = (x + 250) km/hr
According to the given condition,
1500 1500 30 1
 = =
x x  250 60 2
1500x  375000  1500x 1
=
x(x  250) 2
375000 1
=
x  250x
2
2
x2 + 250x = 750000
x2 + 250x – 750000 = 0
x2 + 1000x – 750x – 750000 = 0
x(x + 1000) – 750(x + 1000) = 0
(x + 1000)(x – 750) = 0
Either x + 1000 = 0, then x = –1000
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x - 750 = 0, then x = 750
 Usual speed of the plane = 750 km/hr.
7. Two trains leave a railway station at the same time. The first train travels due
west and the second train due north. The first train travels 5 km/hr faster than
the second train. If after 2 hours, they are 50 km apart, find the speed of each
train.
N
Sol. Let the speed of the second train = x km/hr. 50
Speed of the first train = (x + 5) km/hr.
According to the given condition,
WN2 = OW2 + ON2 ----Pythagoras theorem W O
502 = [2(x + 5)]2 + [2x]2
2500 = 4(x2 + 10x + 25) + 4x2
625 = x2 + 10x + 25 + x2 ………… (Dividing each term by 4)
2x2 + 10x – 600 = 0
x2 + 5x – 300 = 0 ………..(Dividing each term by 2)
x + 20x – 15x – 300 = 0
2

x(x + 20) – 15(x + 20) = 0

(x + 20) (x – 15) = 0
Either x + 20 = 0, then x = - 20
But x Speed cannot be negative.
Or x – 15 = 0, then x = 15
Speed of the second train = 15 km/hr.
Speed of the first train = 15 + 5 = 20 km/hr.

8. The sum S of first n even natural numbers is given by the relation S = n(n + 1).
Find n, if the sum is 420.
Sol. S = n(n + 1)
 n(n + 1) = 420
n + n – 420 = 0
2

n2 + 21n – 20n – 420 = 0

n(n + 21) – 20(n + 21) = 0
(n + 21)(n – 20) = 0
Either n + 21 = 0, then n = –21
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 But n n is number of terms.
Or n – 20 = 0, then n = 20
 n = 20.

9. The sum of the ages of a father and his son is 45 years. Five year ago, the
product of their ages (in years) was 124. Determine their present ages.
Sol. Let the present age of father = x years
Present age of his son = (45 – x) years
5 years ago,
Age of father = (x – 5) years
Age of son = 45 – x – 5 = (40 – x) years
According to the given condition,
(x – 5)(40 – x) = 124
40x – x2 – 200 + 5x = 124
–x + 45x – 200 – 124 = 0
2

–x2 + 45x – 324 = 0

x2 – 45x + 324 = 0
x2 – 36x – 9x + 324 = 0
x(x – 36) – 9(x – 36) = 0
(x – 36)(x – 9) = 0
Either x – 36 = 0, then x = 36
Or x – 9 = 0, then x = 9, but it is not possible as age of father cannot be less than his
son.
 Age of father = 36 years
Age of son = 45 – 36 = 9 years.

10. In an auditorium, seats were arranged in rows and columns. The number of rows
was equal to the number of seats in each row. When the number of rows was
doubled and the number of seats in each row was reduced by 10, the total
number of seats increased by 300. Find:
(i) the number of rows in the original arrangement.
(ii) the number of seats in the auditorium after re-arrangement.
Sol. Let the number of rows in the auditorium = x
No. of seats in each row = x
Total number of seats in the auditorium = x × x = x2
In second case, No. of rows = 2x
No. of seats in each row = x – 10
Then the total seats will = x2 + 300
According to the given condition,
2x(x – 10) = x2 + 300
2x2 – 20x = x2 + 300
2x – x – 20x – 300 = 0
2 2

x2 – 30x + 10x – 300 = 0

x(x – 30) + 10(x – 30) = 0
(x – 30)(x + 10) = 0
Either x – 30 = 0, then x = 30
Or x + 10 = 0, then x = –10
But x no of rows cannot be negative.
(i) No. of rows in original arrangement = 30
(ii) No. of seats after re-arrangements = x2 + 300 = (30)2 + 300
= 900 + 300
= 1200

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11. Mohan takes 16 days less than Manoj to do a piece of work. If both working
together can do it in 15 days, in how many days will Mohan alone complete the
work?
Ans. Let time taken by Mohan = x days
Time taken by Manoj = (x + 16) days
1
Mohan’s 1 day’s work =
x
1
Manoj’s 1 day’s work =
x  16
1
Together one day’s work =
15
1 1 1
  =
x x  16 15
x  16  x 1
=
x(x  16) 15
2x  16 1
=
x  16x
2
15
30x + 240 = x2 + 16x
x2 + 16x – 30x – 240 = 0
x2 – 14x – 240 = 0
x – 24x + 10x – 240 = 0
2

x(x – 24) + 10(x – 24) = 0

(x + 10)(x – 24) = 0
Either x + 10 = 0, then x = –10
But x No of days cannot be negative.
Or x – 24 = 0, then x = 24
 Mohan can do the work in = 24 days.

12. Two years ago, a man’s age was three times the square of his son’s age. In three
years time, his age will be four times his son’s age. Find their present ages.
Sol.
Age(yrs) 2 years ago Present After 3 years.
Son x x+2 x+2+3=x+5
Man 3x2 3x2 + 2 3x2 + 2 + 3 = 3x2 + 5
According to the given condition,
3x2 + 5 = 4(x + 5)
3x2 + 5 = 4x + 20
3x2 – 4x + 5 – 20 = 0
3x2 – 4x – 15 = 0
3x2 – 9x + 5x – 15 = 0
3x(x – 3) + 5(x – 3) = 0
(x – 3)(3x + 5) = 0
Either x – 3 = 0, then x = 3
5
Or 3x + 5 = 0, then 3x = –5; x =
3
But x age cannot be negative.
x=3
 Son’s present age = x + 2 = 3 + 2 = 5 years.
Man’s present age = 3x2 + 2 = 3(3)2 + 2 = 27 + 2 = 29 years.

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13. In a certain positive fraction, the denominator is greater than the numerator by
3. If 1 is subtracted from the numerator and the denominator both, the fraction
1
reduces by . Find the fraction.
14
Sol. Let the numerator of a fraction = x
Denominator = x + 3
x
 Fraction =
x3
According to the given condition,
x x 1 1
 =
x  3 x  3 1 14
x x 1 1
 =
x3 x2 14
x(x  2)  (x  1)(x  3) 1
=
(x  3)(x  2) 14
x 2  2x  (x 2  2x  3) 1
=
x  5x  6
2
14
x  2x  x  2x  3
2 2
1
=
x  5x  6
2
14
3 1
=
x  5x  6
2
14
x + 5x + 6 = 42
2

x2 + 5x + 6 – 42 = 0
x2 + 5x – 36 = 0
x2 + 9x – 4x – 36 = 0
x(x + 9) – 4(x + 9) = 0
(x + 9)(x – 4) = 0
Either x + 9 = 0, then x = –9
It’s a positive fraction.
Or x – 4 = 0, then x = 4
x 4 4
 Fraction = = =
x3 43 7

14. In a two digit number, the ten’s digit is bigger. The product of the digits is 27
and the difference between two digits is 6. Find the number.
Sol. Let one’s digit = x
Then ten’s digit = x + 6
According to the given condition,
 x(x + 6) = 27
x + 6x – 27 = 0
2

x2 + 9x – 3x – 27 = 0
x(x + 9) – 3(x + 9) = 0
(x + 9)(x – 3) = 0
Either x + 9 = 0, then x = –9
Digit cannot be negative.
Or x – 3 = 0, then x = 3
 Number = 10T + U = 10(3 + 6) + 3 = 93.

29
15. Some school children on an excursion by a bus to a picnic spot at a distance of
300 km. While returning, it was raining and the bus had to reduce its speed by 5
km/hr and it took two hours longer for returning. Find the time taken to return.
Sol. Distance = 300 km.
Let the speed of the bus = x km/hr
300
 Time taken = hours.
x
While returning, speed of the bus = (x – 5) km/hr.
300
 Time taken =
x 5
According to the given condition,
300 300
 = 2
x 5 x
300x – 300  x – 5 
= 2
x(x  5)
300x  300x  1500
= 2
x(x  5)
1500
= 2
x 2  5x
2x2 – 10x = 1500
x2 – 5x = 750 ….(Dividing each term by 2)
x2 – 5x – 750 = 0
x2 – 30x + 25x – 750 = 0
x(x – 30) + 25(x – 30) = 0
(x – 30)(x + 25) = 0
Either x – 30 = 0, then x = 30
Or x + 25 = 0, then x = –25,
Speed cannot be negative.
 Speed of the bus = 30 km/hr
300 300
Time taken while returning = = = 12 hours.
x 5 25

16. ₹ 480 is divided equally among ‘x’ children. If the number of children were 20
more then each would have got ₹ 12 less. Find ‘x’.
Sol. Number of children = x
480
 Each child’s share = ₹
x
In second case, number of children = x + 20
480
 Each child’s share =
x  20
According to the given condition,
480 480
 = 12
x x  20
 x  20  x 
480   = 12
 x(x  20) 
480  20
= 12
x 2  20x
12x2 + 240x – 480 × 20 = 0
x2 + 20x – 800 = 0 ……(Dividing each term by 12)
x + 40x – 20x – 800
2 = 0
x(x + 40) – 20(x + 40) = 0
30
 (x + 40)(x – 20) = 0
Either x + 40 = 0, then x = –40
Number of children cannot be negative.
Or x – 20 = 0, then x = 20
 Number of children = 20

17. A bus covers a distance of 240 km at a uniform speed. Due to heavy rain its speed
gets reduced by 10 km/hr and as such it takes two hours longer to cover the total
distance. Assuming the uniform speed to be ‘x’ km/hr, form an equation and
solve it to evaluate ‘x’.
Sol. Let the speed of the bus be x km/hr.
According to the given condition,
= 2
x2 – 10x = 1200
x2 – 10x – 1200 = 0
x – 40x + 30x – 1200 = 0
2

x(x – 40) + 30(x – 40) = 0

(x – 40)(x + 30) = 0
Either x – 40 = 0, then x = 40
Or x + 30 = 0, then x = –30, The
Speed cannot be negative.
 Speed of the bus = 40 km/hr.

18. The sum of the ages of Vivek and his younger brother Amit is 47 years. The
product of their ages in years is 550. Find their ages.
Sol. Let Vivek’s present age be x years.
Amit’s present age will be (47 – x) years.
According to the given condition,
x (47 – x) = 550
47x – x2 = 550
x2 – 47x + 550 = 0
x – 25x – 22x + 550 = 0
2

x(x – 25) – 22(x – 25) = 0

(x – 25)(x – 22) = 0
Either x – 25 = 0, then x = 25
Or x – 22 = 0, then x = 22
Vivek is older to Amit.
Vivek’s present age = x = 25 years
Amit’s present age = (47 – x) = 47 – 25 = 22 years.

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