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Quadratic Equations in Real Life

Jun 6, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers Chapter 6 of Class 10 ICSE Mathematics: how to form and solve real-life problems using quadratic equations, focusing on numbers, geometry, time-work, speed-distance, and profit-loss.

Types of Quadratic Problems

  • Quadratic equations are used to solve problems involving numbers, geometric figures, ages, speed, and work.
  • Problems often require translating a word problem into a quadratic equation and solving for unknowns.

Problems Based on Numbers

  • Consecutive integer/natural number problems often use variable assignment (e.g., let first number be x, next is x+1).
  • Reciprocals and sum/products of numbers can create quadratic equations.
  • Age problems use current or past/future ages to set up equations.

Geometrical Figure Problems

  • Common problems include triangles and rectangles with relationships between sides, area, or perimeter.
  • Assign variables to unknown sides, set up equations using properties like Pythagoras’ theorem or area formulae.

Time, Speed, and Work Problems

  • Problems may involve objects moving at different speeds or working together to finish a task.
  • Express time as distance/speed or work as 1/rate, and form equations accordingly.
  • Use the relation: total work = work by A + work by B.

Profit, Loss, and Cost Problems

  • Set cost/selling price/profit as variables.
  • Use given relationships (like percentage profit or loss) to form a quadratic in the unknown.

Other Common Problem Types

  • Problems on distribution among individuals, paths/tiles around fields, and arrangements in rows and columns.
  • Assign variables to unknowns, express relationships as equations, and solve the resulting quadratic.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Quadratic Equation — An equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0.
  • Roots — The solutions to a quadratic equation.
  • Factorization — Breaking down the quadratic into two linear factors.
  • Nature of Roots — Determined by the discriminant (b² - 4ac), tells if roots are real, equal, or complex.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice forming and solving quadratic equations from word problems.
  • Complete all exercises from Chapter 6 in the Selina Mathematics textbook.
  • Revise key formulae and methods for solving quadratic equations.
  • Prepare for exam questions by reviewing solved examples and attempting similar problems independently.