CBSE Class 10 Answered
Finding solution of quadratic equations by method of Completing Squares
Consider quadratic equations of the form x2 - 36 = 0 and (x+4)2 - 25 = 0.
In both these equations term containing x is completely inside a square. Such quadratic equations can be solved by taking the square roots on both sides as follows:
x2 = 36 => x = 6 i.e., x = 6 or x = -6.
(x+4)2 - 25 = 0
=> (x+4)2 = 25
=> (x+4) = +25 or -25
=> x = 1 or x = -9
Thus, it can be observed that a quadratic equation involving the x term inside a square can be solved without factorisation.
In fact every quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 can be reduced to the form (x+a)2 - b2 = 0.
Let us see how, with the help of an example.
Consider the quadratic equation x2 + 12x + 35 = 0.
x2 + 12x = x2 + 2. 6. x
= x2 + 2. 6. x + 62 - 62
= (x + 6)2 - 62 [Using the identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2]
So, x2 + 12x + 35 = (x + 6)2 - 62 + 35
= (x + 6)2 - 1
x2 + 12x + 35 = 0
(x + 6)2 - 1 = 0
(x + 6)2 = 1
Thus, we have reduced the given quadratic equation in the desired form.
Now, taking square root on both sides, we get,
x + 6 = 1 or x + 6 = -1
x = 1 - 6 = -5 or x = -1 - 6 = -7
Thus, -5 and -7 are the roots of the quadratic equation x2 + 12x + 35 = 0.
This method of solving a quadratic equation is known as method of completing the squares.
The steps involved in solving a quadratic equation by completing the square, are as follows:
Step 1: Make the coefficient of x2 unity.
Step 2: Express the coefficient of x in the form 2 x p.
Step 3: Add and subtract the square of p.
Step 4: Use the square identity (a + b)2 or (a - b)2 to obtain the quadratic equation in the required form (x+a)2 - b2 =0. Then, take the constant term to the other side of the equation.
Step 5: Take the square root of the obtained equation to get the roots of the given quadratic equation.