Polynomials

(2025)

1. Find a quadratic polynomial whose sum and product of zeroes are 0 and - 9,
respectively. Also, find the zeroes of the polynomial so obtained. (3 Mark) (2025)

2. If and are the zeroes of polynomial 3x2 + 6x + k such that (1 Mark) (2025)

(A) 8
(B) 8
(C) 4
(D) 4
3. Two polynomials are shown in the graph below. The number of distinct zeroes of
both the polynomials is : (1 Mark) (2025)

(A) 3
(B) 5
(C) 2
(D) 4
4.

(2 Mark) (2025)

Answers

1. Polynomial is x2 – 0 (x) + (– 9) = x2 – 9
For zeroes :
x2 – 9 = (x + 3) (x – 3)
Zeroes are – 3, 3
2. (D) 4
3. (C) 2
4.
(2024)

1. If one of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial (a-1)x²+ax+1 is -3, then

the value of a is: (2024)

4
Answer. (c)
3

2. For what value of k, the product of zeroes of the polynomial kx²-4x-7 is 2?

(2024)

7
Answer. (b) −
2

Directions:
Assertion (A) is followed by a statement
of Reason (R). Select the correct option from the following options:
(a) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. Reason (R) explains
Assertion (A) completely.
(b) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. Reason (R) does not explain
Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.

3. Assertion (A): Zeroes of a polynomial p(x) = x²-2x-3 are -1 and 3.

Reason (R): The graph of polynomial p(x) = x²-2x-3 intersects x-axis at (-1, 0)
and (3, 0). (2024)

Answer. (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. Reason (R) explains
Assertion (A) completely.

4. The zeroes of a polynomial x² + px + q are twice the zeroes of the

polynomial 4x²- 5x - 6. The value of p is: (2024)
Answer.

5. If the sum of zeroes of the polynomial p(x) = 2x² - k√2x+1 is √2, then value
of k is: (2024)

Answer. (b) 2
2.1 Introduction
MCQ
1. If one of the zeroes of a quadratic polynomial
(k-1)x² + kx + 1 is -3, then the value of k is

2. The degree of polynomial having zeroes -3 and 4 only is

3. If one of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x² + 3x + k is 2, then the

value of k is
(a) 10
(b) -10
(c) -7
(d) -2
(2020)
2.2 Geometrical Meaning of the Zeroes of a Polynomial
MCQ
4. The graph of y = p(x) is given, for a polynomial p(x). The number of zeroes
of p(x) from the graph is

2.3 Relationship between Zeroes and Coefficients of a Polynomial

MCQ
5. Which of the following is a quadratic polynomial with

6. If α, ẞ are the zeroes of a polynomial p(x) = x² + x − 1,

7. If α, ẞ are zeroes of the polynomial x² - 1, then value of (a + B) is

(a) 2
(b) 1
(c) -1
(d) O (2023)
8. If a, ẞ are the zeroes of the polynomial p(x) = 4x² - 3x
Case study: A car moves on a highway. The path it traces is given below:

Based on the above information, attempt any 4 questions from 9 to 13.

9. What is the shape of the curve EFG?
(a) Parabola
(b) Ellipse
(c) Straight line
(d) Circle (Term I, 2021-22)
10. If the curve ABC is represented by the polynomial -(x²+4x+3), then its
zeroes are
(a) 1 and -3
(b) -1 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) - 1 and -3 (Term I, 2021-22)
11. If the path traced by the car has zeroes at -1 and 2, then it is given by
(a) x²+x+2
(b) x2-x+2
(c) x²-x-2
(d) x²+x-2 (Term I, 2021-22)
12. The number of zeroes of the polynomial representing
the whole curve, is
(a) 4
(b) 3
(c) 2
(d) 1 (Term I, 2021-22)
13. The distance between C and Gis
(a) 4 units
(b) 6 units
(c) 8 units
(d) 7 units (Term I, 2021-22)
14. The quadratic polynomial, the sum of whose zeroes is -5 and their product
is 6, is
(a) x²+5x+6
(b) x²-5x+6
(c) x2 - 5x - 6
(d) -x²+5x+6 (Term I, 2021-22, 2020)
VSA (1 mark)
15. If a and ẞ are the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial

16. If one zero of the quadratic polynomial x² + 3x + k is 2, then find the value
of k. (2021C)
17. If a, ẞ are zeroes of the polynomial 2x2 - 5x-4, then
18. If a, ẞ are zeroes of the polynomial - 3x² + x − 5, then

19. Form a quadratic polynomial, the sum and product of whose zeroes are -3
and 2 respectively. (2020)
20. Find the quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are 3 and -4 respectively.
(Board Term 1, 2015)
SAI (2 marks)
21. If one zero of the polynomial p(x) = 6x² + 37x - (k − 2) is reciprocal of the
other, then find the value of k. (2023)
22. If a and ẞ are zeroes of the polynomial x² - p(x + 1) + c such that
(a+1)(B+ 1) = 0, then find the value of c. (Board Term 1, 2016)
23. If a and Bare zeroes of 4x² +3x+7, then find the value

SA II (3 marks)
24. Find a quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are reciprocals of the zeroes of
the polynomial f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, a +0, c + 0. (2020)
25. Find the value of k such that the polynomial x² - (k+6)x+2(2k - 1) has sum
of its zeroes equal to half of their product. (Delhi 2019)
26. Find the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial

27. Find the quadratic polynomial, sum and product of whose zeroes are -1
and - 20 respectively. Also, find the zeroes of the polynomial so obtained.
(2019)
28. If a and ẞ are zeroes of 4x² - x - 4, find quadratic

29. If a and ẞ are the zeroes of p(x) = 6x² - 7x + 2. Find

30. Find the zeroes of quadratic polynomial 6x² - 3 - 7x and verify the
relationship between the zeroes and the coefficients of the polynomial. (Board
Term 1, 2015)

CBSE Sample Questions

2.3 Relationship between Zeroes and Coefficients of a Polynomial
MCQ
1. If a and ẞ are the zeros of a polynomial f(x) = px² - 2x + 3p and α + B = aẞ,
then pis
(a) -2/3
(b) 2/3
(c) 1/3
(d) -1/3 (2022-23)
2. If 2 and 1/2 are the zeroes of px² +5x+r, then
(a) p=r=2
(b) p=r=-2
(c) p=2, r=-2
(d) p=-2, r=2 (Term I, 2021-22)
Case study: The figure given alongside shows the path of a diver, when she
takes a jump from the diving board. Clearly, it is a parabola.
Annie was standing on a
diving board, 48 feet above
the water level. She took
a dive into the pool. Her
height (in feet) above the
water level at any time 't'
(in seconds) is given by the
polynomial h(t) such that h(t)
=-16t² + 8t+k.
Based on above information,
attempt any 4 out of 5 subparts.
3. What is the value of k?
(a) O
(b) -48
(c) 48
(d) 48 / -16
(Term I, 2021-22)
4. At what time will she touch the water in the pool?
(a) 30 seconds
(c) 1.5 seconds
(b) 2 seconds
(d) 0.5 seconds (Term I, 2021-22)
5. Rita's height (in feet) above the water level is given by another polynomial
p(t) with zeroes -1 and 2. Then p(t) is given by
(a) t²+t-2
(b) t2+2t-1
(c) 24t2-24t+48
(d) -24t2 + 24t+48 (Term I, 2021-22)
6. A polynomial q(t) with sum of zeroes as 1 and the product as -6 is modelling
Anu's height in feet above the water at any time t (in seconds). Then q(t) is
given by
(a) t²+t+6
(b) t²+t-6
(c) -8t²+8t+48
(d) 8t2 - 8t+48 (Term I, 2021-22)
7. The zeroes of the polynomial r(t) = −12t² + (k − 3)t +48 are additive
inverse of each other. Then k is
(a) 3
(b) 0
(c) -1.5
(d) -3 (Term 1, 2021-22)
8. Case Study: Applications of Parabolas-Highway Overpasses/Underpasses
A highway underpasses is parabolic in shape.

Parabola
A parabola is the graph that results from p(x) = ax² + bx + c. Parabolas are
symmetric about a vertical line known as the Axis of Symmetry.
The Axis of Symmetry runs through the maximum or minimum point of the
parabola which is called the Vertex.
Based on above information, attempt any 4 out of 5 subparts.
(i) If the highway overpass is represented by x² - 2x - 8. Then its zeroes are
(a) (2,-4)
(b) (4,-2)
(c) (-2,-2)
(d) (-4,-4)
(ii) The highway overpass is represented graphically. Zeroes of a polynomial
can be expressed graphically. Number of zeroes of polynomial is equal to
number of points where the graph of polynomial
(a) Intersects x-axis
(b) Intersects y-axis
(c) Intersects y-axis or x-axis
(d) None of the above
(iii) Graph of a quadratic polynomial is a
(a) straight line
(b) circle
(c) parabola
(d) ellipse
(iv) The representation of Highway Underpass whose one zero is 6 and sum of
the zeroes is 0, is
(a) x²-6x+2
(b) x²-36
(c) x²-6
(d) x²-3
(v) The number of zeroes that polynomial f(x) = (x − 2)² +4 can have is
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 0
(d) 3 (2020-21)
VSA (1 mark)
9. If the sum of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial
3x² - kx + 6 is 3, then find the value of k. (2020-21)
SAI (2 marks)
10. Find a quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are 5-3√2
and 5+3√2. (2020-21)
SA II (3 marks)
11. If the zeroes of the polynomial x² + px + q are double in value to the
zeroes of the polynomial 2x2 - 5x - 3, then find the values of p and q. (2022-
23)

SOLUTIONS
Previous Years' CBSE Board Questions
1. (a): Given, -3 is a zero of quadratic polynomial
(k-1)x² + kx + 1.
:- (k-1) (-3)2+k(-3)+1=0
= 9k-9-3k+1=06k-8=0
k=8/6 = k= 4/2
2. (a): Since, the polynomial has two zeroes only. So, the degree of the
polynomial is 2.
3. (b): Given, 2 is a zero of the polynomial
p(x) = x²+3x+k.
:- p(2) = 0⇒(2)² + 3(2) + k = 0⇒ 4+6+k=0
= 10+ k=0k = -10
4. (b):
Here, y = p(x) touches the x-axis at one point.
So, number of zeros is one.
5. (a): Consider option (a)
3x(3x-5)=0

6. (a): We have, p(x) = x² + x − 1, a + B = -1

and a . ẞ=-1
7. (d): Since, a, ẞ are the zeroes of polynomial x² - 1
:- x²+0x-1=0
:- Sum of zeroes, (a + B) = 0
8. (d): Since, a, ẞ are the zeroes of polynomial p(x) = 4x² - 3x-7

9. (a): Shape of curve EFG is parabola.

10. (d): Given polynomial is - (x²+4x+3).
Corresponding equation is x² + 4x+3=0
⇒ x²+x+3x+3= 0 (x + 1)(x+3)= 0
⇒ x=-1,- 3
11. (c): The polynomial having zeroes α, ẞ is
k[x² - (a + B) x + aẞ], where k is real.
Here α = -1 and B = 2
:- Required polynomial = k [x² - (-1+2)x+(-1) x (2)]
= [x2-x-2] (for k = 1)
12. (a): Given curve cuts the x-axis at four distinct points. So, number of zeroes
will be 4.
13. (b): The distance between point C and G is 6 units.
14. (a): Let a, ẞ be the zeroes of required polynomial p(x).
Given, α + B = -5 and aẞ = 6
:- p(x) = k[x² - (-5)x + 6 ] = k[x² +5x+6]
Thus, one of the polynomial which satisfy the given condition is x²+5x+6.
15. Given, a and ẞ are the zeros of the polynomial
f(x) = x²-x-4.
:- α + B = 1 and aẞ = -4

16. Given, polynomial is f(x) = x²+3x+k

Since, 2 is zero of the polynomial f(x).
:- f(2) = 0
= f(2) = (2)2+3x2+k⇒ 4+6+k=0⇒ k = -10
17. Given, a and ẞ are zeros of 2x²-5x-4
:- α+ß = 5/2 and aẞ = -2

18. Given, a and ẞ are zeros of -3x²+x-5

:- α + B = 1/3 and aẞ = 5/3

19. Let a, ẞ be the zeroes of required polynomial p(x).

Given, a + B = -3 and aẞ = 2
:- p(x) = k[x² - (-3)x + 2] = k[x² + 3x + 2]
For k = 1, p(x) = x²+3x+2
Hence, one of the polynomial which satisfy the given condition is x² + 3x + 2.
20. We have, 3 and - 4 are the zeroes of quadratic polynomial. Now, sum of
zeroes = 3 + (− 4) = − 1
Product of zeroes = 3(-4) = - 12
:- Required quadratic polynomial is
k[x² - (sum of zeroes)x + product of zeroes]
= k[x² - (-1)x+(-12)] = x²+x-12 (for k = 1)
21. Let one zero of the polynomial p(x) be a, then the
other zero be 1/α.
For zeroes of polynomial p(x) = 6x²+37x - (k-2)
⇒k-2-6 ⇒ k=-4
22. The given polynomial is x² - p(x + 1) + c If a and ẞ are zeroes of given
polynomial

Now, (a + 1) (B + 1) = 0
= aẞ+a+B+1=0
= -p+c+p+1=0c+1=0.. c = -1
23. Given, a and ẞ are zeroes of 4x² + 3x + 7.

24. Let α, ẞ are the zeroes of the polynomial ax² + bx + c.

25. The given polynomial is f(x) = x² - (k + 6)x + 2(2k − 1)

According to question,

26.

Hence, the relationship between zeros and coefficients of the polynomial is

verified.
27. Let the zeros of the quadratic polynomial be a and B.
Given, a + B = -1 and α-B = -20
Then, the quadratic polynomial will be
f(x) = x² - (α + B)x+α.B
⇒ f(x) = x² - (-1)x + (−20) ⇒ f(x) = x²+x-20
To find the zeros of the polynomial, we put f(x) = 0
⇒ x²+x-20=0⇒ x²+5x-4x-20=0
⇒ x(x+5)-4(x+5)=0⇒x=4, -5
:- x = 4 and 5 are the zero of the polynomial so obtained.
28. Given, & and ẞ are the zeroes of the polynomial 4x² - x - 4.

29. Given, a and ẞ are the zeroes of the polynomial 6x2-7x+2.

Now, we have to find quadratic polynomial whose zeroes

30. Let f(x)=6x2-3-7x or 6x2-7x-3

= 6x2-9x+2x-3=(3x+1) (2x-3)
Zeroes of polynomial is given by f(x) = 0
Hence, the relationship between zeroes and coefficients of the polynomial is
verified.

CBSE Sample Questions

1. (b): Given polynomial, f(x) = px² - 2x + 3p
a, ẞ are the roots of px² - 2x + 3p = 0

2.

3. (c): Initially, at t = 0, Annie's height above water level

is 48 feet
So, at t = 0, h(0) = 48 feet
:- h(0)=-16(0)2+8(0) + k = 48
⇒ k=48 (1)
4. (b): When Annie touches the pool,
her height = 0 feet
i.e., -16t²+8t+48 = 0
2t2 t-602t2-4t+3t-6=0
2t(t-2)+3(t-2)=0
(2t+3)(t-2)=0t=2 or t = -3/2
Since time cannot be negative, so t = 2 seconds. (1)
5. (d): :: t = -1 and t = 2 are the two zeroes of the
polynomial p(t), then
p(t) = k(t-(-1))(t − 2)
= k(t + 1)(t-2) = k(t² - t -2)
When t = 0 (initially), h(0) = 48 feet
⇒p(0) = k(02-0-2)=48-2k=48⇒ k=-24
So the polynomial is
p(t)=-24(t2- t- 2) = -24t² + 24t+48 (1)
6. (c): A polynomial q(t) with sum of zeroes as 1 and the product of zeroes as
6 is given by
q(t) = k(t² - (sum of zeroes)t + product of zeroes)
= k(t² - 1t + (-6)) = k(t² - t - 6)
When t = 0 (initially), q(0) = 48 feet
q(0) = k(0² - 1(0) - 6) = 48
-6k = 48 k=-8
Required polynomial q(t) = -8(t² - t -6)
=-8t²+8t+48 (1)
7. (a): When the zeroes are negative of each other, then sum of the zeroes = 0

8. (i) (b): Let p(x) = x² - 2x-8= x²-4x+2x-8

= x(x-4)+2(x-4) = (x + 2) (x − 4)
Clearly, p(x) = 0 when x = 4, -2
So, (4, -2) are zeroes of polynomial.
(ii) (a): Intersects x-axis
(iii) (c): parabola
(iv) (b): Since sum of zeroes is 0 and one zero is 6.
:- The other zero is -6.
So, the required equation of curve is (x+6) (x-6)
= x² - 36
(v) (c): Let f(x) = 0
⇒ (x-2)²+4=0 ⇒ (x − 2)² = − 4 which is not possible.
9. Given polynomial is 3x² - kx + 6
Clearly, sum of zeroes, a + B = k/3
⇒ 3=k/3 ⇒ k=9
(1×4) (1)
10. Given, 5-3√2 and 5+3√2 are the zeroes of a
quadratic polynomial.
:- Sum of zeroes = 5-3√2+5+3√2=10 (1/2)
Product of zeroes = (5-3√2)(5+3√2)=7 (1/2)
:- Required polynomial is k[x² - 10x+7]
or x²-10x+7
(For k = 1) (1)
11. Let a and ẞ be the zeros of the polynomial 2x² - 5x - 3
Then sum of roots α + B = 5/2 (1/2)
And product of roots aẞ = -3/2. (1/2)
According to question,
2α and 2ẞ will be the zeros of x² + px +q
Then 2a +2ẞ= -p
2(α + B) = -p
2 x 5/2=-p
p = -5 (1)
And 2α × 2B = q
4αẞ= q
So q=4x-3/2=-6 (1)