Unit 2: Quadratic Equations – Exercise 2.1

Standard Form (\( ax^2+bx+c=0 \)), Factorization, Completing Square, Quadratic Formula & Graphs | Class 10 Mathematics (PECTAA 2026)

Prepared by Muhammad Tayyab, Subject Specialist Mathematics, Govt Christian High School Daska

📌 Based on National Curriculum 2023 / PECTAA 2026 Syllabus

📖 What's Inside: This exercise covers writing quadratic equations in standard form (\( ax^2+bx+c=0 \)), solving by factorization, completing square method, quadratic formula, and graphical solutions. Perfect for Punjab Boards exam preparation.

⬇️ Download PDF (Exercise 2.1 Solved – Unit 2 Exercise 2.1 Solution PDF)

📚 Related Resources – Unit 2: Quadratic Equations & Inequalities

Class 10 Math Unit 2 Exercise 2.1 – Quadratic Equations: Complete Guide

Exercise 2.1 of Unit 2 introduces students to quadratic equations – one of the most important topics in algebra. Students learn to write equations in standard form \( ax^2+bx+c=0 \), solve using multiple methods (factorization, completing square, quadratic formula), and understand graphical solutions.

What You Will Learn

By working through Exercise 2.1, students master: writing quadratic equations in standard form \( ax^2+bx+c=0 \), solving by factorization (splitting the middle term), solving by completing the square method, using the quadratic formula \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a} \), and finding graphical solutions by plotting parabolas.

Topics Covered in This Exercise

Why Exercise 2.1 Is Important

Exercise 2.1 is the foundation of Unit 2. Board exam papers frequently feature questions on solving quadratic equations using various methods. This exercise builds essential skills that are used throughout the rest of the unit.

Punjab Board Preparation

Students preparing for board exams under any of the 10 BISE Punjab boards should prioritise this exercise. Quadratic equations are a fundamental topic and appear in multiple sections of board papers. Practising every part of Q1-Q5 by hand is highly recommended.

Exam Tips for Quadratic Equations

Common Mistakes Students Make

Muhammad Tayyab Subject Specialist Mathematics

MSc Mathematics · Govt Christian High School Daska, Sialkot, Punjab

Content reviewed against the PECTAA 2026 / National Curriculum 2023 syllabus for Class 10 Mathematics, applicable to all 10 BISE Punjab boards.

Last updated: Source: Punjab Curriculum & Textbook Board (PCTB)

📖 Exercise 2.1 – Solved Problems

1 Write the following quadratic equations in standard form:
(i) \(3x - 1 = 2x^2\) \[ \begin{aligned} 3x - 1 &= 2x^2 \\ 0 &= 2x^2 - 3x + 1 \\ \mathbf{2x^2 - 3x + 1} &= \mathbf{0} \end{aligned} \]

(ii) \(2x(x + 1) = 4(2x + 3)\) \[ \begin{aligned} 2x(x+1) &= 4(2x+3) \\ 2x^2 + 2x &= 8x + 12 \\ 2x^2 + 2x - 8x - 12 &= 0 \\ 2x^2 - 6x - 12 &= 0 \\ 2(x^2 - 3x - 6) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x^2 - 3x - 6 &= 0 \end{aligned} \]

(iii) \(2x^2 - 4x = 4x + 7\) \[ \begin{aligned} 2x^2 - 4x &= 4x + 7 \\ 2x^2 - 4x - 4x - 7 &= 0 \\ \mathbf{2x^2 - 8x - 7} &= \mathbf{0} \end{aligned} \]

(iv) \(4(3x - 2) = 9x^2\) \[ \begin{aligned} 4(3x - 2) &= 9x^2 \\ 12x - 8 &= 9x^2 \\ 0 &= 9x^2 - 12x + 8 \\ \mathbf{9x^2 - 12x + 8} &= \mathbf{0} \end{aligned} \]

(v) \(2x + \frac{1}{x} = 5 - \frac{1}{x},\; x \neq 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} 2x + \frac{1}{x} &= 5 - \frac{1}{x} \\ \text{Multiplying by } x:\quad 2x^2 + 1 &= 5x - 1 \\ 2x^2 + 1 - 5x + 1 &= 0 \\ \mathbf{2x^2 - 5x + 2} &= \mathbf{0} \end{aligned} \]

(vi) \(\frac{6x + 6}{20 - x} = \frac{1}{x},\; x \neq 0,20\) \[ \begin{aligned} \frac{6x+6}{20-x} &= \frac{1}{x} \\ x(6x+6) &= 20 - x \\ 6x^2 + 6x &= 20 - x \\ 6x^2 + 6x - 20 + x &= 0 \\ \mathbf{6x^2 + 7x - 20} &= \mathbf{0} \end{aligned} \]
2 Solve the following quadratic equations by factorization method:
(i) \(x^2 - x - 6 = 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} x^2 - x - 6 &= 0 \\ x^2 - 3x + 2x - 6 &= 0 \\ x(x-3) + 2(x-3) &= 0 \\ (x-3)(x+2) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x-3=0 \;&\text{or}\; x+2=0 \\ \mathbf{x=3} \;&\text{or}\; \mathbf{x=-2} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \{3,\ -2\} \)

(ii) \(x^2 + 3x - 28 = 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} x^2 + 3x - 28 &= 0 \\ x^2 + 7x - 4x - 28 &= 0 \\ x(x+7) - 4(x+7) &= 0 \\ (x+7)(x-4) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x=-7 \;&\text{or}\; x=4 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \{-7,\ 4\} \)

(iii) \(6x^2 + 13x - 5 = 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} 6x^2 + 13x - 5 &= 0 \\ 6x^2 + 15x - 2x - 5 &= 0 \\ 3x(2x+5) - 1(2x+5) &= 0 \\ (2x+5)(3x-1) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x=-\frac{5}{2} \;&\text{or}\; x=\frac{1}{3} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{-\frac{5}{2},\ \frac{1}{3}\right\} \)

(iv) \(x^2 - \frac{3}{2}x = \frac{9}{2}\) \[ \begin{aligned} x^2 - \frac{3}{2}x &= \frac{9}{2} \\ \text{Multiply by }2:\; 2x^2 - 3x &= 9 \\ 2x^2 - 3x - 9 &= 0 \\ 2x^2 - 6x + 3x - 9 &= 0 \\ 2x(x-3) + 3(x-3) &= 0 \\ (x-3)(2x+3) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x=3 \;&\text{or}\; x=-\frac{3}{2} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{3,\ -\frac{3}{2}\right\} \)

(v) \(\frac{3x-8}{x-2} = \frac{5x-2}{x+5}\) \[ \begin{aligned} \frac{3x-8}{x-2} &= \frac{5x-2}{x+5} \\ (3x-8)(x+5) &= (5x-2)(x-2) \\ 3x^2+15x-8x-40 &= 5x^2-10x-2x+4 \\ 3x^2+7x-40 &= 5x^2-12x+4 \\ 0 &= 2x^2 - 19x + 44 \\ 2x^2 - 19x + 44 &= 0 \\ 2x^2 - 11x - 8x + 44 &= 0 \\ x(2x-11) - 4(2x-11) &= 0 \\ (2x-11)(x-4) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{11}{2} \;&\text{or}\; x=4 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{\frac{11}{2},\ 4\right\} \)

(vi) \(\frac{1}{x-1} - \frac{1}{x+3} = \frac{1}{35}\) \[ \begin{aligned} \frac{1}{x-1} - \frac{1}{x+3} &= \frac{1}{35} \\ \frac{(x+3)-(x-1)}{(x-1)(x+3)} &= \frac{1}{35} \\ \frac{4}{x^2+2x-3} &= \frac{1}{35} \\ 140 &= x^2+2x-3 \\ 0 &= x^2+2x-143 \\ x^2+13x-11x-143 &= 0 \\ x(x+13) - 11(x+13) &= 0 \\ (x+13)(x-11) &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow x=-13 \;&\text{or}\; x=11 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \{-13,\ 11\} \)
3 Solve by completing the square method:
(i) \(2x^2 + 5x + 2 = 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} 2x^2 + 5x + 2 &= 0 \\ x^2 + \frac{5}{2}x + 1 &= 0 \\ x^2 + \frac{5x}{2} &= -1 \\ \text{Add } \left(\frac{5}{4}\right)^2:&\quad x^2 + \frac{5x}{2} + \frac{25}{16} = -1 + \frac{25}{16} \\ \left(x + \frac{5}{4}\right)^2 &= \frac{9}{16} \\ x + \frac{5}{4} &= \pm \frac{3}{4} \\ x &= -\frac{5}{4} \pm \frac{3}{4} \\ \Rightarrow x = \frac{-5+3}{4} &= -\frac{1}{2} \quad\text{or}\quad x = \frac{-5-3}{4} = -2 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{-\frac{1}{2},\ -2\right\} \)

(ii) \(x^2 + x = 42\) \[ \begin{aligned} x^2 + x &= 42 \\ \text{Add } \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2:&\quad x^2 + x + \frac{1}{4} = 42 + \frac{1}{4} \\ \left(x + \frac{1}{2}\right)^2 &= \frac{169}{4} \\ x + \frac{1}{2} &= \pm \frac{13}{2} \\ x &= -\frac{1}{2} \pm \frac{13}{2} \\ \Rightarrow x = \frac{-1+13}{2} &= 6 \quad\text{or}\quad x = \frac{-1-13}{2} = -7 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \{6,\ -7\} \)

(iii) \(12x^2 + 7x = 12\) \[ \begin{aligned} 12x^2 + 7x &= 12 \\ x^2 + \frac{7x}{12} &= 1 \\ \text{Add } \left(\frac{7}{24}\right)^2:&\quad x^2 + \frac{7x}{12} + \frac{49}{576} = 1 + \frac{49}{576} \\ \left(x + \frac{7}{24}\right)^2 &= \frac{625}{576} \\ x + \frac{7}{24} &= \pm \frac{25}{24} \\ x &= -\frac{7}{24} \pm \frac{25}{24} \\ \Rightarrow x = \frac{-7+25}{24} &= \frac{18}{24} = \frac{3}{4} \quad\text{or}\quad x = \frac{-7-25}{24} = -\frac{32}{24} = -\frac{4}{3} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{\frac{3}{4},\ -\frac{4}{3}\right\} \)

(iv) \(\frac{x+3}{2x-7} = \frac{2x-1}{x-3}\) \[ \begin{aligned} (x+3)(x-3) &= (2x-1)(2x-7) \\ x^2 - 9 &= 4x^2 - 16x + 7 \\ 0 &= 3x^2 - 16x + 16 \\ x^2 - \frac{16}{3}x &= -\frac{16}{3} \\ \text{Add } \left(\frac{8}{3}\right)^2:&\quad \left(x - \frac{8}{3}\right)^2 = -\frac{16}{3} + \frac{64}{9} = \frac{16}{9} \\ x - \frac{8}{3} &= \pm \frac{4}{3} \\ \Rightarrow x = \frac{8+4}{3} &= 4 \quad\text{or}\quad x = \frac{8-4}{3} = \frac{4}{3} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{4,\ \frac{4}{3}\right\} \)

(v) \(\frac{1}{1+x} - \frac{1}{3-x} = \frac{6}{35}\) \[ \begin{aligned} \frac{(3-x)-(1+x)}{(1+x)(3-x)} &= \frac{6}{35} \\ \frac{2-2x}{3+2x-x^2} &= \frac{6}{35} \\ 70 - 70x &= 18 + 12x - 6x^2 \\ 6x^2 - 82x + 52 &= 0 \\ x^2 - \frac{41}{3}x &= -\frac{26}{3} \\ \text{Add } \left(\frac{41}{6}\right)^2:&\quad \left(x - \frac{41}{6}\right)^2 = \frac{1369}{36} \\ x - \frac{41}{6} &= \pm \frac{37}{6} \\ \Rightarrow x = \frac{41+37}{6} &= 13 \quad\text{or}\quad x = \frac{41-37}{6} = \frac{2}{3} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{13,\ \frac{2}{3}\right\} \)

(vi) \(\frac{3x-1}{4x+7} = 1 - \frac{6}{x+7}\) \[ \begin{aligned} \frac{3x-1}{4x+7} &= \frac{x+1}{x+7} \\ (3x-1)(x+7) &= (x+1)(4x+7) \\ 3x^2 + 20x - 7 &= 4x^2 + 11x + 7 \\ 0 &= x^2 - 9x + 14 \\ x^2 - 9x &= -14 \\ \text{Add } \left(\frac{9}{2}\right)^2:&\quad \left(x - \frac{9}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{25}{4} \\ x - \frac{9}{2} &= \pm \frac{5}{2} \\ \Rightarrow x = \frac{9+5}{2} &= 7 \quad\text{or}\quad x = \frac{9-5}{2} = 2 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \{7,\ 2\} \)
4 Use quadratic formula to solve:
(i) \(2x^2 - 5x + 3 = 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} a=2,\; b=-5,\; c=3 &: \quad x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a} = \frac{5\pm\sqrt{25-24}}{4} = \frac{5\pm1}{4} \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2} \;&\text{or}\; x=\frac{4}{4} = 1 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{\frac{3}{2},\ 1\right\} \)

(ii) \(2x^2 - 7x - 15 = 0\) \[ \begin{aligned} a=2,\; b=-7,\; c=-15 &: \quad x=\frac{7\pm\sqrt{49+120}}{4}=\frac{7\pm\sqrt{169}}{4}=\frac{7\pm13}{4} \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{20}{4} = 5 \;&\text{or}\; x=\frac{-6}{4} = -\frac{3}{2} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{5,\ -\frac{3}{2}\right\} \)

(iii) \(2x^2 + 7x = 15\) \[ \begin{aligned} 2x^2 + 7x - 15 &= 0 \\ a=2,\; b=7,\; c=-15 &: \quad x=\frac{-7\pm\sqrt{49+120}}{4}=\frac{-7\pm13}{4} \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2} \;&\text{or}\; x=\frac{-20}{4} = -5 \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{\frac{3}{2},\ -5\right\} \)

(iv) \(x^2 + 11 = 7x\) \[ \begin{aligned} x^2 - 7x + 11 &= 0 \\ a=1,\; b=-7,\; c=11 &: \quad x=\frac{7\pm\sqrt{49-44}}{2}=\frac{7\pm\sqrt{5}}{2} \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{7+\sqrt{5}}{2} \;&\text{or}\; x=\frac{7-\sqrt{5}}{2} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{\frac{7+\sqrt{5}}{2},\ \frac{7-\sqrt{5}}{2}\right\} \)

(v) \(\frac{x+4}{x-4} + \frac{x-2}{x-3} = 6\frac{1}{3} = \frac{19}{3}\) \[ \begin{aligned} \frac{(x-3)(x+4)+(x-4)(x-2)}{(x-4)(x-3)} &= \frac{19}{3} \\ \frac{2x^2 - 5x - 4}{x^2 - 7x + 12} &= \frac{19}{3} \\ 6x^2 - 15x - 12 &= 19x^2 - 133x + 228 \\ 0 &= 13x^2 - 118x + 240 \\ a=13,\; b=-118,\; c=240 &: \quad x=\frac{118\pm\sqrt{13924-12480}}{26}=\frac{118\pm\sqrt{1444}}{26}=\frac{118\pm38}{26} \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{156}{26} = 6 \;&\text{or}\; x=\frac{80}{26} = \frac{40}{13} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{6,\ \frac{40}{13}\right\} \)

(vi) \(\frac{3x-3}{x+1} = \frac{2x-1}{x-1}\) \[ \begin{aligned} (3x-3)(x-1) &= (2x-1)(x+1) \\ 3x^2 - 6x + 3 &= 2x^2 + x - 1 \\ x^2 - 7x + 4 &= 0 \\ a=1,\; b=-7,\; c=4 &: \quad x=\frac{7\pm\sqrt{49-16}}{2}=\frac{7\pm\sqrt{33}}{2} \end{aligned} \] \( \text{S.S} = \left\{\frac{7+\sqrt{33}}{2},\ \frac{7-\sqrt{33}}{2}\right\} \)
5 Solve graphically:
(i) \(x^2 - 3x - 18 = 0\)
Vertex: \(a=1,\; b=-3,\; c=-18\)
\(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a} = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5\)
\(x\)-3-2-1011.523456
\(y=x^2-3x-18\)0-8-14-18-20-20.25-20-18-14-80
Graph of y = x^2 - 3x - 18 cutting x-axis at x = -3 and x = 6

\( \text{Solution Set} = \{-3,\ 6\} \)


(ii) \(x^2 - 5x - 14 = 0\)
Vertex: \(a=1,\; b=-5,\; c=-14\)
\(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a} = \frac{5}{2} = 2.5\)
\(x\)-2-10122.534567
\(y=x^2-5x-14\)0-8-14-18-20-20.25-20-18-14-80
Graph of y = x^2 - 5x - 14 cutting x-axis at x = -2 and x = 7

\( \text{Solution Set} = \{-2,\ 7\} \)


(iii) \(2x^2 + 13x + 6 = 0\)
Vertex: \(a=2,\; b=13,\; c=6\)
\(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{13}{4} = -3.25\)
\(x\)-7-6-5-4-3.25-3-2-1-0.5
\(y=2x^2+13x+6\)130-9-14-15.125-14-12-50
Graph of y = 2x^2 + 13x + 6 cutting x-axis at x = -6 and x = -0.5

\( \text{Solution Set} = \{-6,\ -0.5\} \)


(iv) \(4x^2 + 12x - 27 = 0\)
Vertex: \(a=4,\; b=12,\; c=-27\)
\(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{12}{8} = -1.5\)
\(x\)-5-4.5-4-3-2-1.5-1011.52
\(y=4x^2+12x-27\)130-11-27-35-36-35-27-11013
Graph of y = 4x^2 + 12x - 27 cutting x-axis at x = -4.5 and x = 1.5

\( \text{Solution Set} = \{-4.5,\ 1.5\} \)

📝 Multiple Choice Questions (Unit 2 Review)

1. The standard form of a quadratic equation is:

✅ Correct Answer: (A) \(ax^2+bx+c=0, a\neq0\)
A quadratic equation must have \(a \neq 0\) and degree 2.

2. The quadratic formula is:

✅ Correct Answer: (A) \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}\)
This is the standard quadratic formula for \(ax^2+bx+c=0\).

3. The solutions of \(x^2-5x+6=0\) are:

✅ Correct Answer: (A) \(2, 3\)
\(x^2-5x+6 = (x-2)(x-3) = 0 \Rightarrow x=2, 3\)

4. In completing the square, we add and subtract:

✅ Correct Answer: (A) \(\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2\)
For \(x^2+bx\), add and subtract \(\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2\) to complete the square.

5. The graph of a quadratic equation is called:

✅ Correct Answer: (B) A parabola
The graph of \(y=ax^2+bx+c\) is a parabola (U-shaped curve).

📈 Key Concepts – Quadratic Equations

  • Standard Form: \(ax^2+bx+c=0,\; a\neq0\)
  • Quadratic Formula: \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}\)
  • Completing Square: \(x^2+bx = \left(x+\frac{b}{2}\right)^2 - \left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2\)
  • Vertex of Parabola: \(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a}\) for \(y=ax^2+bx+c\)
  • Discriminant: \(\Delta = b^2-4ac\) determines nature of roots

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is taught in Exercise 2.1 of Class 10 Math Unit 2?

Exercise 2.1 covers writing quadratic equations in standard form (\( ax^2+bx+c=0 \)), solving by factorization, completing square method, and graphical solutions. It includes applications and step-by-step problem-solving techniques.

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

The standard form of a quadratic equation is \( ax^2+bx+c=0 \), where \( a \neq 0 \), and \( a, b, c \) are real numbers.

How do you solve quadratic equations by factorization?

To solve by factorization, write the quadratic in standard form, factor the expression, set each factor equal to zero, and solve for \( x \). This method works when the quadratic can be factored easily.

What is the completing square method?

The completing square method involves adding and subtracting \( \left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2 \) to transform \( ax^2+bx+c=0 \) into \( (x+p)^2 = q \), then solving by taking square roots.

What is the quadratic formula?

The quadratic formula is \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a} \). It provides the solutions to any quadratic equation \( ax^2+bx+c=0 \) and works even when factorization is difficult.

Is this solution according to the PECTAA 2026 syllabus?

Yes, these solutions are prepared according to the PECTAA 2026 / National Curriculum 2023 syllabus for Class 10 Mathematics.

Is this Exercise 2.1 solution valid for all Punjab Boards?

Yes, the content follows the unified Punjab textbook and is applicable to students of all 10 BISE Punjab boards.

Are solved PDF notes available for Exercise 2.1?

Yes, a complete solved PDF for Exercise 2.1 is embedded on this page and available to download for free.

Can I download the Unit 2 Exercise 2.1 solution as a PDF?

Yes, use the Download PDF button on this page to save the complete solved Exercise 2.1 notes to your device.

Is Exercise 2.1 important for Class 10 board exams?

Yes, quadratic equations are a fundamental topic tested in board exams. Exercise 2.1 builds essential skills in solving quadratic equations using multiple methods.

Who prepared these Class 10 Math Unit 2 notes?

These notes were prepared by Muhammad Tayyab, Subject Specialist Mathematics at Govt Christian High School Daska, for Hira Science Academy.

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