NCERT Class 10 Maths Exercise 4.2 Solution – Chapter 4

Class 10MathsChapter 4: Quadratic EquationsExercise 4.2CBSE

Exercise 4.2 of NCERT Class 10 Maths (Chapter 4 – Quadratic Equations) focuses entirely on the factorisation method of finding roots. It includes five direct equation-solving questions and six real-life word problems involving topics like marbles, consecutive integers, right triangles, and cottage industries. This exercise is one of the most important in Chapter 4 for the CBSE board exam.

In this post, you will find clear, step-by-step solutions for every question in Exercise 4.2, written in simple language that Class 10 students can follow easily. By the end, you will know how to split the middle term correctly, form the right quadratic equation from a word problem, and identify equal roots — all key skills tested in CBSE exams.

Quick answers – Exercise 4.2

Open the questions in the official book: NCERT Class 10 Maths Chapter 4 (PDF) or read it on the NCERT website.

Video Solution – Exercise 4.2

Watch the Exercise 4.2 solution on YouTube

Step-by-Step Solutions – Exercise 4.2

Tap a question to see its solution.

Question 1

Question 1 (i)

Find the roots of the following quadratic equation by factorisation: x2−3x−10=0.

Solution:

  1. x2−3x−10=0

    We are given x² – 3x – 10 = 0, and we have to solve it by the factorisation method.

  2. Find two numbers: product=−10,  sum=−3

    For factorisation, we need 2 numbers whose product is -10 and whose sum is -3.

  3. (−5)×(+2)=−10,(−5)+(+2)=−3

    The two numbers are -5 and +2, because their product is -10 and their sum is -3.

  4. x2−5x+2x−10=0

    Now split the middle term -3x into -5x + 2x.

  5. x(x−5)+2(x−5)=0

    Now take out common factors. Take x from the first two terms and 2 from the last two terms.

  6. (x−5)(x+2)=0

    Now x – 5 is a common factor, so we get (x – 5)(x + 2) = 0.

  7. x−5=0⇒x=5

    Set the first factor equal to zero: x – 5 = 0, so x = 5.

  8. x+2=0⇒x=−2∴  x=5 or x=−2

    Set the second factor equal to zero: x + 2 = 0, so x = -2. So the two roots are x = 5 and x = -2.

Final answerx+2=0⇒x=−2∴  x=5 or x=−2
Shortcut / Trick:
Product = constant term (with sign)Sum = coefficient of x (with sign)Wrong sign? The answer will be wrong!

Remember this important trick. For the equation x² + bx + c = 0, the two numbers have product c and sum b. Take the signs correctly, or the roots will be wrong.

Question 1 (ii)

Find the roots of the following quadratic equation by factorisation: 2x2+x−6=0.

Solution:

  1. 2x2+x−6=0

    Our equation is 2x² + x – 6 = 0. We have to solve it by the factorisation method.

  2. a×c=2×(−6)=−12,b=+1

    For factorisation, we must find 2 numbers whose product is -12 and whose sum is +1.

  3. (−3)×4=−12and(−3)+4=+1✓

    The 2 numbers are -3 and +4, because their product is -12 and their sum is +1.

  4. 2x2+4x−3x−6=0

    Now split the middle term x into -3x + 4x and write the equation.

  5. 2x(x+2)−3(x+2)=0

    Take 2x from the first 2 terms and -3 from the next 2 terms.

  6. (2x−3)(x+2)=0

    Now take out the common factor x + 2. We get (2x – 3)(x + 2) = 0.

  7. 2x−3=0⇒x=32orx+2=0⇒x=−2

    By the zero product property, either 2x – 3 = 0, which gives x = 3/2, or x + 2 = 0, which gives x = -2.

Final answer2x−3=0⇒x=32orx+2=0⇒x=−2
Shortcut / Trick:
ac = -12, b = +1 → find pair: 4 & -3Always split middle term after finding pairWarn: never divide whole eq by x — roots lost!

A common mistake is dividing the whole equation by x, which can lose the root x = 0. Here x = 0 is not a root, but it is still a bad habit. Always factorise.

Question 1 (iii)

Find the roots of the following quadratic equation by factorisation: 2 x2+7x+52=0.

Solution:

  1. 2 x2+7x+52=0

    Our equation is √2x² + 7x + 5√2 = 0. We have to solve it by the factorisation method.

  2. a⋅c=2×52=5×2=10,b=7

    For factorisation, we must split the middle term 7x. For this, find a × c, which is √2 × 5√2 = 10. We need 2 numbers whose product is 10 and whose sum is 7.

  3. 2+5=7and2×5=10✓

    The 2 numbers are 2 and 5, because 2 + 5 = 7 and 2 × 5 = 10. Perfect!

  4. 2 x2+5x+2x+52=0

    Now split the middle term 7x into 5x + 2x and rewrite the equation.

  5. x(2 x+5)+2(2 x+5)=0

    Take x from the first 2 terms to get x(√2x + 5). Take √2 from the next 2 terms. Since √2 × √2 = 2, we get √2(√2x + 5).

  6. (2 x+5)(x+2)=0

    Now take out the common factor √2x + 5. We get 2 factors: √2x + 5 and x + √2.

  7. 2 x+5=0⇒x=−52=−522

    From the first factor: √2x = -5, so x = -5/√2. Rationalising the denominator gives x = -5√2/2.

  8. x+2=0⇒x=−2∴x=−2,  −522

    From the second factor: x = -√2. So our two roots are x = -√2 and x = -5√2/2.

Final answerx+2=0⇒x=−2∴x=−2,  −522
Shortcut / Trick:
Split 7x as 5x + 2x (product = 10 = a⋅c)√2 × √2 = 2. This is the trick in the grouping stepRationalize: -5/root2 = -5root2/2

Here is a common mistake. When you take √2 common, remember √2 × √2 = 2, so the last term stays 5√2 and does not become 10. In the final answer, you must rationalise -5/√2 and write -5√2/2 in the board exam.

Question 1 (iv)

Find the roots of the following quadratic equation by factorisation: 2x2−x+18=0.

Solution:

  1. 2x2−x+18=0

    We are given 2x² – x + 1/8 = 0. We have to solve it by the factorisation method.

  2. Multiply both sides by 8:16x2−8x+1=0

    First make the equation simple. Multiply both sides by 8 to remove the fraction. We get 16x² – 8x + 1 = 0.

  3. 16x2−8x+1=0⇒16x2−4x−4x+1=0

    Now split the middle term -8x into -4x – 4x, because (-4x) + (-4x) = -8x and (-4x) × (-4x) = 16x² × 1.

  4. 4x(4x−1)−1(4x−1)=0

    Now group the terms. Take 4x from the first two terms and -1 from the last two. We get 4x(4x – 1) – 1(4x – 1) = 0.

  5. (4x−1)(4x−1)=0⇒(4x−1)2=0

    Both brackets are the same, so this is a perfect square: (4x – 1)² = 0.

  6. 4x−1=0⇒x=14

    From 4x – 1 = 0 we get x = 1/4. Since both roots are the same, they are called repeated or equal roots.

  7. x=14,x=14(equal roots)

    So both roots of this quadratic equation are equal, and the answer is x = 1/4.

Final answerx=14,x=14(equal roots)
Shortcut / Trick:
See a fraction? First multiply to clear itIf you get (4x−1)2 = 0, the roots are equalDiscriminant = 0 ⇒ equal roots. Remember this!

Here is the exam trick. When an equation has a fraction, first multiply by a suitable number to remove it. This makes the calculation easier. And when both brackets come out the same after factorising, the discriminant is zero, which means the roots are equal.

Question 1 (v)

Find the roots of the following quadratic equation by factorisation: 100x2−20x+1=0.

Solution:

  1. 100x2−20x+1=0

    We are given this quadratic equation and we have to solve it by the factorisation method.

  2. Find 2 numbers: product=100×1=100,  sum=−20

    For factorisation, we need 2 numbers whose product is 100 and whose sum is -20.

  3. −10×(−10)=100,−10+(−10)=−20✓

    The two numbers are -10 and -10, because their product is 100 and their sum is -20.

  4. 100x2−10x−10x+1=0

    Now split the middle term -20x into -10x and -10x.

  5. 10x(10x−1)−1(10x−1)=0

    Now take 10x from the first 2 terms and -1 from the last 2 terms.

  6. (10x−1)(10x−1)=0

    Now take out the common factor 10x – 1. We get (10x – 1)² = 0.

  7. 10x−1=0  ⟹  x=110

    Both factors are equal, so 10x – 1 = 0 gives x = 1/10.

  8. x=110 and x=110(equal roots)

    Both roots of this equation are equal: x = 1/10 and x = 1/10.

Final answerx=110 and x=110(equal roots)
Shortcut / Trick:
100x2 – 20x + 1 = (10x)2 – 2(10x)(1) + 12= (10x−1)2 ⇒ Perfect Square!Directly:  x = 110

Here is the shortcut. This equation is a perfect square of the form a² – 2ab + b², where a = 10x and b = 1. So you can directly write (10x – 1)² = 0.

Question 2

Question 2 (i)

John and Jivanti together have 45 marbles. Both of them lost 5 marbles each, and the product of the number of marbles they now have is 124. Find out how many marbles they had to start with.

Solution:

  1. Let John’s marbles=x,Jivanti’s marbles=45−x

    Let John have x marbles. Then Jivanti has 45 – x marbles, because together they have 45.

  2. After losing 5 each: John=x−5,Jivanti=40−x

    Each of them lost 5 marbles. So John has x – 5 left and Jivanti has 45 – x – 5, which is 40 – x marbles.

  3. (x−5)(40−x)=124

    The condition says the product of their marbles is 124. So we write (x – 5)(40 – x) = 124.

  4. 40x−x2−200+5x=124

    Expand the left side. Opening the brackets gives 40x – x² – 200 + 5x = 124.

  5. x2−45x+324=0

    Move all the terms to one side and simplify. We get the standard quadratic equation x² – 45x + 324 = 0.

  6. x2−36x−9x+324=0  ⟹  x(x−36)−9(x−36)=0

    Now factorise. Split the middle term -45x into -36x and -9x, then take out the common factor.

  7. (x−9)(x−36)=0  ⟹  x=9 or x=36

    So (x – 9)(x – 36) = 0, which means x = 9 or x = 36. Both are valid solutions.

  8. If x=36:John=36,Jivanti=9If x=9:John=9,Jivanti=36

    When x = 36, John had 36 and Jivanti had 9 marbles. When x = 9, John had 9 and Jivanti had 36 marbles. Both cases give the same answer.

Final answerIf x=36:John=36,Jivanti=9If x=9:John=9,Jivanti=36
Shortcut / Trick:
Product = 124, Sum = 45 → after losing 5 each, sum = 35Two numbers with sum 35 and product 124 → 9 and 26? No! → 9 and 26 ≠ 124Always form the equation first — don’t guess!

A common mistake is to directly guess 9 and 26 by looking at the sum 35. But 9 × 26 = 234, not 124. So always form the proper quadratic equation and factorise.

Question 2 (ii)

A cottage industry produces a certain number of toys in a day. The cost of production of each toy (in rupees) was found to be 55 minus the number of toys produced in a day. On a particular day, the total cost of production was ₹ 750. Find out the number of toys produced on that day.

Solution:

  1. Total Revenue=Units×Price per Unit

    This idea is very useful in real life. In a factory, the more items you make, the lower the cost per item, and the total cost becomes a quadratic equation.

  2. Let number of toys=x

    First, let the number of toys made that day be x.

  3. Cost per toy=55−x

    The problem says the cost of each toy is 55 minus the number of toys made that day. So the cost per toy is Rs. (55 – x).

  4. Total Cost=x×(55−x)=750

    Total cost = number of toys × cost per toy, and this is given as Rs. 750. So the equation is x(55 – x) = 750.

  5. 55x−x2=750

    Open the bracket to get 55x – x² = 750.

  6. x2−55x+750=0

    Move everything to one side: x² – 55x + 750 = 0. This is our quadratic equation.

  7. x2−25x−30x+750=0

    Now split the middle term. Break 55x into 25x and 30x, because 25 × 30 = 750 and 25 + 30 = 55.

  8. x(x−25)−30(x−25)=0⇒(x−25)(x−30)=0

    Take out the common factor: x(x – 25) – 30(x – 25) = 0, so (x – 25)(x – 30) = 0.

  9. x=25orx=30

    Both values are valid. At x = 25 the cost per toy is Rs. 30, and at x = 30 the cost per toy is Rs. 25. Both are positive, so the number of toys made is 25 or 30.

Final answerx=25orx=30
Shortcut / Trick:
Middle term split: find 2 numbers whose product = 750 and sum = 5525 × 30 = 750,  25 + 30 = 55 ✓Cost per toy must be positive: 55 – x > 0 ⇒ x < 55,  both 25 and 30 satisfy

Remember the factorisation shortcut: find two numbers whose product is the constant term, 750, and whose sum is the coefficient of x, 55. Here 25 and 30 fit perfectly. Also check in the exam that the cost per toy is positive, which means x must be less than 55.

Question 3

Find two numbers whose sum is 27 and product is 182.

Solution:

  1. Let the two numbers be x and (27−x)

    Let the first number be x. Then the second number is 27 – x, because their sum is 27.

  2. x(27−x)=182

    The condition says the product of the two numbers is 182. So we write x(27 – x) = 182.

  3. 27x−x2=182

    Expand the left side: 27x – x² = 182.

  4. x2−27x+182=0

    Move everything to one side: x² – 27x + 182 = 0. This is our quadratic equation.

  5. x2−13x−14x+182=0

    Now split the middle term. 13 × 14 = 182 and 13 + 14 = 27, so write -27x as -13x – 14x.

  6. x(x−13)−14(x−13)=0⇒(x−13)(x−14)=0

    Take out the common factor (x – 13). We get (x – 13)(x – 14) = 0.

  7. x=13orx=14

    So x = 13 or x = 14. Both are valid solutions.

  8. Numbers: 13 and 14(13+14=27, 13×14=182)

    The two numbers are 13 and 14. Check: 13 + 14 = 27 ✓ and 13 × 14 = 182 ✓.

Final answerNumbers: 13 and 14(13+14=27, 13×14=182)
Shortcut / Trick:
Sum = 27, Product = 182Factor pairs of 182: 13 × 14 = 18213 + 14 = 27 ✓ → Direct answer!

Here is the exam trick. First look at the factor pairs of 182 with sum 27. Since 13 × 14 = 182 and 13 + 14 = 27, you get the answer directly. But in the board exam, always write all the steps.

Question 4

Find two consecutive positive integers, sum of whose squares is 365.

Solution:

  1. Area of two square rooms=132+142=365 sq. ft.

    Think of real life: if 2 square rooms have sides that are consecutive integers and their total area is 365 square feet, we get this same equation.

  2. Let integers=n and (n+1)

    Let the two consecutive positive integers be n and n + 1.

  3. n2+(n+1)2=365

    The sum of their squares is 365, so the equation is n² + (n + 1)² = 365.

  4. n2+n2+2n+1=365

    Expand (n + 1)² to get n² + 2n + 1. So the left side becomes 2n² + 2n + 1.

  5. 2n2+2n+1−365=0⇒2n2+2n−364=0

    Move 365 to the left side. The equation becomes 2n² + 2n – 364 = 0.

  6. n2+n−182=0

    Divide the whole equation by 2. It simplifies to n² + n – 182 = 0.

  7. n2+14n−13n−182=0⇒n(n+14)−13(n+14)=0

    Split the middle term using 14 and 13, then factorise: n(n + 14) – 13(n + 14) = 0.

  8. (n−13)(n+14)=0⇒n=13 or n=−14

    The factors are n – 13 and n + 14, so n = 13 or n = -14. But the integers must be positive, so we reject n = -14.

  9. n=13,n+1=14⇒132+142=169+196=365✓

    So the two consecutive positive integers are 13 and 14. Check: 169 + 196 = 365, which is correct!

Final answern=13,n+1=14⇒132+142=169+196=365✓
Shortcut / Trick:
Product of 2 numbers = 18214 – 13 = 1 (consecutive!)14 × 13 = 182 ✓

Here is the shortcut. In n² + n – 182, break the constant 182 into 2 numbers with a difference of 1, because the integers are consecutive. 13 and 14 have product 182 and difference 1, so you get the answer directly.

Question 5

The altitude of a right triangle is 7 cm less than its base. If the hypotenuse is 13 cm, find the other two sides.

Solution:

  1. Ladder against wall: base, height, hypotenuse=13 cm

    This is just like a ladder leaning against a wall, where the base, the height and the ladder form a right triangle.

  2. Let base=x cm, altitude=(x−7) cm

    Let the base of the right triangle be x cm. The altitude is 7 cm less than the base, so the altitude is x – 7 cm.

  3. Hypotenuse=13 cm (given)

    The hypotenuse is given as 13 cm, and we will use the Pythagoras theorem.

  4. x2+(x−7)2=132

    By the Pythagoras theorem, base² + altitude² = hypotenuse². So x² + (x – 7)² = 13².

  5. x2+x2−14x+49=169

    Now expand (x – 7)² to get x² – 14x + 49, and 13² = 169.

  6. 2x2−14x+49−169=0⇒2x2−14x−120=0

    Add the two x² terms and move 169 to the left side. We get 2x² – 14x – 120 = 0.

  7. x2−7x−60=0

    Divide the whole equation by 2. It simplifies to x² – 7x – 60 = 0.

  8. x2−12x+5x−60=0⇒x(x−12)+5(x−12)=0⇒(x+5)(x−12)=0

    Now split the middle term -7x into -12x + 5x and factorise. We get (x + 5)(x – 12) = 0.

  9. x=12(since x=−5 rejected, side>0)

    So x = 12 or x = -5. But the length of a side cannot be negative, so we reject x = -5. The base is 12 cm and the altitude is 12 – 7 = 5 cm.

Final answerx=12(since x=−5 rejected, side>0)
Shortcut / Trick:
Split -7x as -12x + 5xProduct = -60, Sum = -7Always reject negative side

When splitting the middle term, remember the two numbers must have product -60 and sum -7. They are -12 and +5. And do not forget to reject the negative value in the board exam, or you will lose marks.

Question 6

A cottage industry produces a certain number of pottery articles in a day. It was observed on a particular day that the cost of production of each article (in rupees) was 3 more than twice the number of articles produced on that day. If the total cost of production on that day was ₹ 90, find the number of articles produced and the cost of each article.

Solution:

  1. Total cost=(no. of items)×(price per item)

    This idea is used everywhere in real life. In a shop, total bill = quantity × price per item. When the price depends on the quantity, the equation becomes quadratic.

  2. Let number of articles=x

    First, set the variable. Let the number of articles made that day be x.

  3. Cost per article=2x+3 (Rs)

    The question says the cost of each article is 3 more than twice the number of articles made that day. So the cost per article is Rs. (2x + 3).

  4. Total cost=x×(2x+3)=90

    Total cost = number of articles × cost per article, and this is given as Rs. 90. So the equation is x(2x + 3) = 90.

  5. 2x2+3x−90=0

    Open the bracket to get 2x² + 3x = 90. Subtract 90 from both sides to get 2x² + 3x – 90 = 0.

  6. 2x2+15x−12x−90=0

    Now solve this by factorisation. Split the middle term 3x so that the two numbers have product 2 × (-90) = -180 and sum 3. The numbers are 15 and -12.

  7. x(2x+15)−6(2x+15)=0⇒(2x+15)(x−6)=0

    Take out the common factor: x(2x + 15) – 6(2x + 15) = 0, so the factors are (2x + 15)(x – 6) = 0.

  8. x=−152 (rejected),x=6

    From 2x + 15 = 0 we get x = -15/2, but the number of articles cannot be negative or a fraction, so we reject it. From x – 6 = 0 we get x = 6, which is the valid answer.

  9. x=6,Cost per article=2(6)+3=Rs 15

    So 6 articles were made that day, and the cost of each article is 2 × 6 + 3 = Rs. 15. This is our final answer.

Final answerx=6,Cost per article=2(6)+3=Rs 15
Shortcut / Trick:
Product = 2x2 + 3x = 90Split 3x as +15x – 12x (product = -180)x < 0 ⇒ always reject in real-life problems

Remember the factorisation trick. In the ac method, find the product 2 × (-90) = -180, then find 2 numbers with product -180 and sum 3. In the exam, whenever x comes out negative or a fraction that is not possible in real life, reject it at once.

Key Takeaways – Exercise 4.2

  • Factorisation (splitting the middle term) is the quickest method to find roots when the quadratic can be factored neatly.
  • Always reject negative values for physical quantities like length, number of marbles, or number of articles.
  • Equal roots occur when the quadratic is a perfect square — seen in Q1(iv) and Q1(v) where both roots are the same.
  • Word problems must be converted into a standard quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0 before solving.
  • Verify your roots by substituting back into the original equation — a habit that saves marks in board exams.

CBSE Board Exam Tips

  • In CBSE board exams, word problems from Exercise 4.2 (like the marble problem or the right triangle problem) are frequently asked for 3 marks — always define your variable clearly and write the equation before solving.
  • When splitting the middle term, remember: find two numbers whose product equals a×c and whose sum equals b; writing this step explicitly earns method marks even if the final answer is wrong.
  • For questions involving equal roots (like Q1(iv) and Q1(v)), mention ‘equal roots’ in your answer — examiners look for this observation.
  • Never forget to reject the negative or zero root in geometry and real-life problems; write ‘rejected since side/number cannot be negative’ to get full marks.

Practice MCQs – Exercise 4.2

1. What are the roots of the quadratic equation x^2 – 5x + 6 = 0 by factorisation?

  • Ax = 2 and x = 3
  • Bx = -2 and x = -3
  • Cx = 1 and x = 6
  • Dx = -1 and x = 6
Show answer

Correct answer: A. x = 2 and x = 3

We split -5x as -2x – 3x since (-2)×(-3)=6 and (-2)+(-3)=-5, giving (x-2)(x-3)=0, so x=2 or x=3.

2. The roots of 2x^2 – 7x + 3 = 0 by factorisation are:

  • Ax = 3 and x = 1/2
  • Bx = -3 and x = -1/2
  • Cx = 3 and x = -1/2
  • Dx = 1/3 and x = 2
Show answer

Correct answer: A. x = 3 and x = 1/2

We need two numbers with product 2×3=6 and sum -7: they are -6 and -1. Factorising gives (2x-1)(x-3)=0, so x=1/2 or x=3.

3. Which of the following quadratic equations has equal (repeated) roots?

  • A4x^2 – 12x + 9 = 0
  • Bx^2 – 5x + 6 = 0
  • Cx^2 + x – 6 = 0
  • D2x^2 + x – 1 = 0
Show answer

Correct answer: A. 4x^2 – 12x + 9 = 0

For 4x^2 – 12x + 9 = 0, the discriminant is (-12)^2 – 4(4)(9) = 144 – 144 = 0, which means both roots are equal (x = 3/2).

4. Two numbers have a sum of 20 and a product of 96. The quadratic equation formed to find them is:

  • Ax^2 – 20x + 96 = 0
  • Bx^2 + 20x + 96 = 0
  • Cx^2 – 20x – 96 = 0
  • Dx^2 + 20x – 96 = 0
Show answer

Correct answer: A. x^2 – 20x + 96 = 0

If one number is x, the other is (20 – x). Their product gives x(20 – x) = 96, which simplifies to x^2 – 20x + 96 = 0.

5. The roots of x^2 – 20x + 96 = 0 (sum = 20, product = 96) are:

  • A8 and 12
  • B6 and 14
  • C4 and 16
  • D9 and 11
Show answer

Correct answer: A. 8 and 12

Splitting -20x as -8x – 12x gives (x-8)(x-12)=0, so x=8 or x=12. Check: 8+12=20 and 8×12=96.

6. The altitude of a right triangle is 5 cm less than its base. If the hypotenuse is 25 cm, what is the base?

  • A20 cm
  • B15 cm
  • C25 cm
  • D10 cm
Show answer

Correct answer: A. 20 cm

Let base = x, altitude = x-5. By Pythagoras: x^2 + (x-5)^2 = 625, giving 2x^2 – 10x – 600 = 0, i.e. x^2 – 5x – 300 = 0. Factorising: (x-20)(x+15)=0, so x=20 (x=-15 rejected).

7. A number of students each contributed an equal amount for a picnic. If there were 5 more students, each would contribute Rs 10 less, and the total collected is Rs 1500. Which equation models this?

  • Ax^2 + 5x – 750 = 0
  • Bx^2 – 5x + 750 = 0
  • Cx^2 + 5x + 750 = 0
  • Dx^2 – 5x – 750 = 0
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Correct answer: A. x^2 + 5x – 750 = 0

Let x = number of students; each pays 1500/x. With x+5 students each pays 1500/(x+5) = 1500/x – 10. Simplifying gives x^2 + 5x – 750 = 0.

8. For the equation 3x^2 – 2sqrt(6)x + 2 = 0, the roots found by factorisation are:

  • Asqrt(6)/3 and sqrt(6)/3 (equal roots)
  • Bsqrt(2)/3 and sqrt(3)
  • Csqrt(6) and 1/3
  • D-sqrt(6)/3 and -sqrt(6)/3
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Correct answer: A. sqrt(6)/3 and sqrt(6)/3 (equal roots)

The equation can be written as (sqrt(3)x – sqrt(2))^2 = 0, giving x = sqrt(2)/sqrt(3) = sqrt(6)/3 as a repeated root. Discriminant = 0 confirms equal roots.

9. Two consecutive positive integers have a sum of squares equal to 613. What are the integers?

  • A17 and 18
  • B16 and 17
  • C18 and 19
  • D15 and 16
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Correct answer: A. 17 and 18

Let integers be n and n+1. Then n^2 + (n+1)^2 = 613 gives 2n^2 + 2n – 612 = 0, i.e. n^2 + n – 306 = 0. Factorising: (n-17)(n+18)=0, so n=17 (n=-18 rejected), giving 17 and 18.

10. In a factorisation problem, after splitting the middle term of ax^2 + bx + c = 0, we set each linear factor to zero. This gives us the:

  • ARoots of the equation
  • BCoefficients of the equation
  • CDiscriminant of the equation
  • DDegree of the equation
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Correct answer: A. Roots of the equation

Setting each factor equal to zero uses the Zero Product Property: if P × Q = 0, then P = 0 or Q = 0. Each solution gives a root (value of x that satisfies the equation).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in NCERT Class 10 Maths Exercise 4.2?

Exercise 4.2 has 6 questions in total. Question 1 has five parts (i to v) asking you to find roots by factorisation, Question 2 has two word-problem parts, and Questions 3 to 6 are individual word problems. So altogether there are 11 sub-parts to practise.

Is Exercise 4.2 important for the CBSE Class 10 board exam?

Yes, Exercise 4.2 is very important for the CBSE board exam. The factorisation method and word problems from this exercise are regularly asked as 2-mark or 3-mark questions. The right triangle problem (Q5) and the consecutive integers problem (Q3 and Q4) are especially popular in board papers.

What is the factorisation method for solving a quadratic equation?

In the factorisation method, you rewrite the middle term of ax^2 + bx + c = 0 as two terms whose coefficients multiply to give a×c and add to give b. This lets you split the equation into two linear factors, and setting each factor to zero gives the two roots.

Why are some roots rejected in word problems like Q5 (right triangle)?

In real-life problems, quantities like length, number of marbles, or number of articles cannot be negative or zero. So if one root of the quadratic is negative, it is rejected as it has no physical meaning, and only the positive root is accepted as the answer.

What does it mean when a quadratic equation has equal roots?

Equal roots (also called repeated roots) mean both solutions of the quadratic equation are the same number. This happens when the quadratic is a perfect square, for example 100x^2 – 20x + 1 = 0 gives x = 1/10 twice. In such cases the discriminant (b^2 – 4ac) equals zero.

How do I convert a word problem into a quadratic equation for Exercise 4.2?

First, read the problem carefully and assign a variable (usually x) to the unknown quantity. Then translate the given conditions into a mathematical equation using the relationships stated — sum, product, difference, or geometric formula. Simplify until you get the standard form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, then solve by factorisation.

NCERT Class 10 Maths Solutions – All Exercises

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Source: Questions from the NCERT Mathematics Textbook for Class 10, Chapter 4. Solutions written by IrfanEdu.

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