CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05

Here is CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05 for your advanced practice. Find detailed High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions and solutions for Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 02 Polynomials. Built for the 2026-27 exam session, these expert-tested questions sharpen your problem-solving skills according to standard CBSE, NCERT, and KVS rules.

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Practicing Class 10 Mathematics HOTS Questions is important for scoring high in Mathematics. Use the detailed answers provided below to improve your problem-solving speed and Class 10 exam readiness.

Download HOTS: Chapter 02 Polynomials (Class 10 Mathematics)

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Form a quadratic polynomial, the sum and product of whose zeroes are \( (-3) \) and \( 2 \) respectively. 
Answer: A general form of a quadratic polynomial is \( ax^2 + bx + c \)
Here, \( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} = -3 \) and \( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} = 2 \)
where, \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) are the roots of given polynomial.
So, the required polynomial is \( x^2 + 3x + 2 \).

 

Question. Find the value of \( k \) for which the roots of the equation \( 3x^2 - 10x + k = 0 \) are reciprocal of each other. 
Answer: Given, equation is \( 3x^2 - 10x + k = 0 \), where roots are reciprocals of each other.
Let the roots be \( \alpha \) and \( \frac{1}{\alpha} \)
\( \therefore \) Product of roots = \( \frac{c}{a} \)

\( \implies \alpha \cdot \frac{1}{\alpha} = \frac{k}{3} \) [\( \because a = 3, b = -10, c = k \)]

\( \implies 1 = \frac{k}{3} \)

\( \implies k = 3 \)

 

Question. Determine the degree of the polynomial \( (x + 1) (x^2 - x - x^4 + 1) \).
Answer: Given polynomial in standard form is :
\( -x^5 - x^4 + x^3 + 1 \)
So, its degree is 5

 

Question. If the product of two zeros of the polynomial \( p(x) = 2x^3 + 6x^2 - 4x + 9 \) is 3, find the third zero of the polynomial.
Answer: If \( \alpha, \beta \), and \( \gamma \) be the three zeros of \( p(x) \). Then,
\( \alpha\beta\gamma = -\frac{9}{2} \)
Since, \( \alpha\beta = 3 \),
we get \( \gamma = -\frac{9}{2} \times \frac{1}{3} = -\frac{3}{2} \)
Thus, the third zero of \( p(x) \) is \( -\frac{3}{2} \).

 

Question. If \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) are the zeros of the polynomial \( p(x) = 4x^2 - 2x - 3 \), find the value of \( \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} \).
Answer: Here, \( \alpha + \beta = \frac{2}{4} \) or \( \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \alpha\beta = \frac{-3}{4} \).
So, \( \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} = \frac{\alpha + \beta}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{1/2}{-3/4} = -\frac{2}{3} \).

 

Question. If one of the zeros of polynomial \( p(x) = (k - 1)x^2 - kx + 1 \) is \( -3 \), find the value of \( k \).
Answer: Since, \( (-3) \) is a zero of \( p(x) \), we have,
\( (k - 1)(-3)^2 - k(-3) + 1 = 0 \)

\( \implies 9k - 9 + 3k + 1 = 0 \),

\( \implies 12k = 8 \)

\( \implies k = \frac{2}{3} \)

 

Question. If \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) be the roots of the equation \( x^2 - 1 = 0 \), then show that \( \alpha + \beta = \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} \).
Answer: Here, \( \alpha + \beta = \frac{0}{1} = 0 \)
\( \because \) Sum of roots = \( \left[ \frac{\text{Coefficient of } x}{\text{Coefficient of } x^2} \right] \)
Also, \( \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} = \frac{\alpha + \beta}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{0}{-1} = 0 \)
Thus, \( \alpha + \beta = \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} \)

 

Short Answer(SA-I) Type Questions

Question. A teacher asked 10 of his students to write a polynomial in one variable on a paper and then to handover the paper. The following were the answer given by the students: \( 2x + 3, 3x^2 + 7x + 2, 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 2, x^3 + \sqrt{3x} + 7, 7x + \sqrt{7}, 5x^3 - 7x + 2, 2x^3 + 3 - \frac{5}{x}, 5x - \frac{1}{2}, ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d, x + \frac{1}{x} \).
Answer the following questions:
(A) How many of the above ten are not polynomials?
(B) How many of the above ten are quadratic polynomials? 

Answer: (A) Three, namely: \( x^3 + \sqrt{3x} + 7, 2x^3 + 3 - \frac{5}{x}, x + \frac{1}{x} \)
(As they contain square roots of the variable and negative power of \( x \))
(B) One, namely \( 3x^2 + 7x + 2 \)

 

Question. If one of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial \( f(x) = 4x^2 - 8kx - 9 \) is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign of the other, then find the value of \( k \).
Answer: \( f(x) = 4x^2 - 8kx - 9 \)
Let one of the zeroes of the polynomial be \( \alpha \) and the other zeroes be \( -\alpha \)
Sum of zeroes = \( -\left( \frac{b}{a} \right) = \frac{8k}{4} \)
\( \alpha + (-\alpha) = 0 \)
So, \( \frac{8k}{4} = 0 \)

\( \implies k = 0 \)

 

Question. Can \( (x - 5) \) be the remainder on division of a polynomial \( p(x) \) by \( (x + 8) \)? 
Answer: No. We know that we cannot divide the polynomials which have same degree. As we can see that degree of \( (x - 5) \) = degree of \( (x + 8) \). So, they are not divisible.

 

Question. If the zeros of the polynomial \( x^3 - 3x^2 + x + 1 \) are \( a - b, a \) and \( a + b \), then find the values of \( a \) and \( b \).
Answer: As \( (a - b), a \) and \( (a + b) \) are zeros of \( x^3 - 3x^2 + x + 1 \), we have:
\( a - b + a + a + b = 3 \)

\( \implies 3a = 3 \), or \( a = 1 \) ...(i)
\( a (a - b) + a (a + b) + (a - b) (a + b) = 1 \)

\( \implies 3a^2 - b^2 = 1 \) ...(ii)
and \( (a - b) a (a + b) = -1 \)

\( \implies a(a^2 - b^2) = -1 \) ...(iii)
From (i) and (ii), we have \( b = \pm \sqrt{2} \)
Thus, \( a = 1, b = \pm \sqrt{2} \)

 

Question. What number should be added to the polynomial \( x^2 - 5x + 4 \) so that \( 3 \) is the zero of the polynomial?
Answer: Let \( k \) be the number to be added to the given polynomial. Then the polynomial becomes \( x^2 - 5x + (4 + k) \).
As 3 is the zero of the polynomial, we get:
\( (3)^2 - 5(3) + (4 + k) = 0 \)

\( \implies (4 + k) = 15 - 9 \)

\( \implies 4 + k = 6 \)

\( \implies k = 2 \)
Thus, 2 is to be added to the polynomial.

 

Question. If the zeroes of a polynomial \( x^2 - 8x + k = 0 \), is the HCF of \( (6, 12) \), then find the value of \( k \). 
Answer: HCF of \( (6, 12) = 6 \)
So, 6 is one of the roots of the polynomial.
\( f(x) = x^2 - 8x + k = 0 \)
\( f(6) = (6)^2 - 8(6) + k = 0 \)
\( 36 - 48 + k = 0 \)
\( -12 + k = 0 \)

\( \implies k = 12 \).

 

Short Answer (SA-II) Type Questions

Question. Find the quadratic polynomial sum and product of whose zeroes are \( -1 \) and \( -20 \) respectively. Also, find the zeroes of the polynomial so obtained. 
Answer: Let \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) the zeroes of the polynomial.
Given : sum of zeroes, \( \alpha + \beta = -1 \)
product of zeroes, \( \alpha\beta = -20 \)
Equation of polynomial :
\( x^2 - (\text{sum of zeroes})x + \text{product of zeroes} = 0 \)
\( \therefore x^2 - (-1)x + (-20) = 0 \)

\( \implies x^2 + x - 20 = 0 \)
On splitting the middle term,
\( x^2 + 5x - 4x - 20 = 0 \)

\( \implies x(x + 5) - 4(x + 5) = 0 \)

\( \implies (x - 4) (x + 5) = 0 \)

\( \implies x = 4, -5 \)
Hence, the zeroes of the polynomial are 4 and \( -5 \).

 

Question. Find a quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are reciprocals of the zeroes of the polynomial \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, a \neq 0, c \neq 0 \). 
Answer: Let \( \alpha, \beta \) be the zeroes of \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). Thus
\( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} \) and \( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} \)
Now, \( \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} = \frac{\alpha + \beta}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{-b/a}{c/a} = -\frac{b}{c} \)
\( \frac{1}{\alpha} \cdot \frac{1}{\beta} = \frac{1}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{1}{c/a} = \frac{a}{c} \)
\( \therefore \) Polynomial is: \( x^2 - (\text{sum of roots})x + \text{product roots} \)
\( x^2 - \left( -\frac{b}{c} \right)x + \frac{a}{c} = 0 \)

\( \implies cx^2 + bx + a = 0 \)
So, the required polynomial is \( cx^2 + bx + a \).

 

Question. If the zeroes of the polynomial \( x^2 + px + q \) are double the value to the zeroes of \( 2x^2 - 5x - 3 \), find the value of \( p \) and \( q \). 
Answer: Let \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) are zeroes of the \( 2x^2 - 5x - 3 \)
\( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} = \frac{5}{2} \) ...(i)
\( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} = -\frac{3}{2} \) ...(ii)
According to the question, \( 2\alpha \) and \( 2\beta \) are zeroes of \( x^2 + px + q \)
\( 2\alpha + 2\beta = -p \)

\( \implies 2(\alpha + \beta) = -p \)
\( 2 \left( \frac{5}{2} \right) = -p \) [from eqn. (i)]
\( p = -5 \)
\( 2\alpha \times 2\beta = q \)

\( \implies 4\alpha\beta = q \)
\( 4 \left( -\frac{3}{2} \right) = q \) [from eqn. (ii)]
\( q = -6 \)
Hence, \( p = -5 \) and \( q = -6 \).

 

Question. Find the value of \( k \) such that the polynomial \( x^2 - (k + 6)x + 2(2k - 1) \) has the sum of its zeros equal to half of their product. 
Answer: Given polynomial is : \( p(x) = x^2 - (k + 6) x + 2(2k - 1) \)
In the given quadratic equation:
\( a = 1 \)
\( b = -(k + 6) \)
\( c = 2(2k - 1) \)
Sum of zeroes = \( -\frac{b}{a} = k + 6 \) ...(i)
Product of zeroes = \( \frac{c}{a} = 2(2k - 1) \) ...(ii)
According to the given condition:
Sum of the zeroes = \( \frac{1}{2} \times \text{Product of zeroes} \)

\( \implies k + 6 = \frac{1}{2} \times 2 (2k - 1) \)

\( \implies k + 6 = 2k - 1 \)

\( \implies 2k - k = 6 + 1 \)

\( \implies k = 7 \)
Hence, the value of \( k \) is 7.

 

Question. Find the zeroes of following polynomials by factorisation method and verify relation between the zeroes and coefficients of polynomials.
(A) \( 2x^2 + \frac{7}{2}x + \frac{3}{4} \) 
(B) \( 2s^2 - (1 + 2\sqrt{2})s + \sqrt{2} \) 
(C) \( 7y^2 - \frac{11}{3}y - \frac{2}{3} \) 

Answer: (A) Let \( f(x) = 2x^2 + \frac{7}{2}x + \frac{3}{4} = 8x^2 + 14x + 3 \) (Multiplying the given equation by 4)
\( = 8x^2 + (12x + 2x) + 3 \)
\( = 8x^2 + 12x + 2x + 3 \)
\( = 4x(2x + 3) + 1(2x + 3) \)
\( = (2x + 3)(4x + 1) \)
The zeroes of \( f(x) \) are given by \( f(x) = 0 \).
So, the value of \( 2x^2 + \frac{7}{2}x + \frac{3}{4} \) is zero when \( x = -\frac{3}{2} \) or \( x = -\frac{1}{4} \)

\( \implies x = -\frac{3}{2}, -\frac{1}{4} \)
Verification:
Sum of the zeroes = \( -(\text{coefficient of } x) \div \text{coefficient of } x^2 \)
\( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} \)
\( \left( -\frac{3}{2} \right) + \left( -\frac{1}{4} \right) = -\frac{7}{4} \)
\( -\frac{7}{4} = -\frac{7}{4} \)
Product of the zeroes = \( \frac{\text{constant term}}{\text{coefficient of } x^2} \)
\( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} \)
\( \left( -\frac{3}{2} \right) \left( -\frac{1}{4} \right) = \frac{3/4}{2} = \frac{3}{8} \)
\( \frac{3}{8} = \frac{3}{8} \)
Hence, verified.
(B) Let \( f(s) = 2s^2 - (1 + 2\sqrt{2})s + \sqrt{2} \)
\( = 2s^2 - s - 2\sqrt{2}s + \sqrt{2} \)
\( = s(2s - 1) - \sqrt{2}(2s - 1) \)
\( = (2s - 1)(s - \sqrt{2}) \)
The zeroes of \( f(s) \) are given by \( f(s) = 0 \)
So, the value is zero when \( 2s^2 - (1 + 2\sqrt{2})s + \sqrt{2} = 0 \)
i.e., when \( s = \frac{1}{2} \) or \( \sqrt{2} \)

\( \implies s = \frac{1}{2}, \sqrt{2} \)
Verification:
Sum of the zeroes = \( -(\text{coefficient of } s) \div \text{coefficient of } s^2 \)
\( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} \)
\( \frac{1}{2} + \sqrt{2} = -\frac{-(1 + 2\sqrt{2})}{2} \)
\( \frac{1 + 2\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{1 + 2\sqrt{2}}{2} \)
Product of the zeroes = \( \frac{\text{constant term}}{\text{coefficient of } s^2} \)
\( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} \)
\( \frac{1}{2} \times \sqrt{2} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \)
\( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \)
Hence, verified.
(C) Let \( f(y) = 7y^2 - \frac{11}{3}y - \frac{2}{3} \)
\( = 21y^2 - 11y - 2 \)
\( = 21y^2 + (3y - 14y) - 2 \)
\( = 21y^2 + 3y - 14y - 2 \)
\( = 3y(7y + 1) - 2(7y + 1) \)
\( = (7y + 1)(3y - 2) \)
The zeroes of \( f(y) \) are given by \( f(y) = 0 \)
So, the value of \( 7y^2 - \frac{11}{3}y - \frac{2}{3} \) is zero when \( y = -\frac{1}{7} \) or \( y = \frac{2}{3} \)

\( \implies y = -\frac{1}{7}, \frac{2}{3} \)
Verification:
Sum of the zeroes = \( -(\text{coefficient of } y) \div \text{coefficient of } y^2 \)
\( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} \)
\( -\frac{1}{7} + \frac{2}{3} = -\frac{-11}{21} \)
\( \frac{11}{21} = \frac{11}{21} \)
Product of the zeroes = \( \frac{\text{constant term}}{\text{coefficient of } y^2} \)
\( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} \)
\( \left( -\frac{1}{7} \right) \left( \frac{2}{3} \right) = \frac{-2/3}{7} \)
\( -\frac{2}{21} = -\frac{2}{21} \)
Hence, verified.

 

Question. Find a quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are 1 and -3. Verify the relation between the coefficients and zeroes of polynomial. 
Answer: Sum of zeroes, \( S = 1 + (-3) = -2 \) ...(i)
Product of zeroes, \( P = 1 \times (-3) = -3 \) ...(ii)
Quadratic polynomial \( p(x) = x^2 - Sx + P \)
\( = x^2 - (-2)x - 3 = x^2 + 2x - 3 \)
Here, \( a = 1, b = 2, c = -3 \)
\( -\frac{b}{a} = -\frac{2}{1} = -2 \)
Sum of zeroes = \( -\frac{b}{a} = -2 \) [using eqn. (i)]
Also, \( \frac{c}{a} = \frac{-3}{1} = -3 \)
Product of zeroes = \( \frac{c}{a} = -3 \) [using eqn. (ii)]
Hence, verified.

 

Question. If one root of the equation \( 3x^2 - 8x + 2k + 1 = 0 \) is seven times the other, find the two roots and the value of \( k \).
Answer: Let \( \alpha \) and \( 7\alpha \) be the two roots of the equation: \( 3x^2 - 8x + (2k + 1) = 0 \)
Then, \( \alpha + 7\alpha = 8\alpha = \frac{8}{3} \) .....(i)
and \( \alpha \cdot (7\alpha) = 7\alpha^2 = \frac{2k + 1}{3} \) .....(ii)
From (i) \( \alpha = \frac{1}{3} \). So, the two roots are \( \frac{1}{3} \) and \( \frac{7}{3} \)
Using \( \alpha = \frac{1}{3} \) in (ii), we have:
\( 7 \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^2 = \frac{2k + 1}{3} \)

\( \implies 2k + 1 = \frac{7}{3} \)

\( \implies 2k = \frac{4}{3} \)

\( \implies k = \frac{2}{3} \)

 

Question. Without actually calculating the zeroes, form a quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are reciprocals of the zeroes of the polynomial \( 5x^2 + 2x - 3 \). 
Answer: Let \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) be the zeroes of \( 5x^2 + 2x - 3 \)
Then, \( \alpha + \beta = -\left( \frac{b}{a} \right) = -\frac{2}{5} \) and \( \alpha\beta = \frac{c}{a} = -\frac{3}{5} \)
Now \( \frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta} = \frac{\alpha + \beta}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{-2/5}{-3/5} = \frac{2}{3} \)
and \( \frac{1}{\alpha} \cdot \frac{1}{\beta} = \frac{1}{\alpha\beta} = -\frac{5}{3} \)
Thus, a quadratic polynomial where zeroes are \( \frac{1}{\alpha} \) and \( \frac{1}{\beta} \) is \( x^2 - (\text{sum of roots})x + \text{product of roots} = 0 \)

\( \implies x^2 - \frac{2}{3}x - \frac{5}{3} = 0 \)
i.e., \( 3x^2 - 2x - 5 \)

 

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Obtain other zeroes of the polynomial \( f(x) = 2x^4 + 3x^3 - 5x^2 - 9x - 3 \) if two of its zeroes are \( -\sqrt{3} \) and \( \sqrt{3} \). 
Answer: Since \( \sqrt{3} \) and \( -\sqrt{3} \) are zeroes of \( f(x) \), \( (x - \sqrt{3})(x + \sqrt{3}) \) i.e., \( (x^2 - 3) \) is a factor of \( f(x) \). To obtain other two zeroes, we shall determine the quotient, by dividing \( f(x) \) with \( (x^2 - 3) \)
\[ \begin{array}{r|l} x^2 - 3 & 2x^4 + 3x^3 - 5x^2 - 9x - 3 \\ & 2x^4 \quad - 6x^2 \\ \hline & 3x^3 + x^2 - 9x - 3 \\ & 3x^3 \quad - 9x \\ \hline & x^2 - 3 \\ & x^2 - 3 \\ \hline & 0 \end{array} \]
Here, quotient = \( 2x^2 + 3x + 1 \)
= \( (2x + 1) (x + 1) \)
So, the two zeroes are \( -1 \) and \( -1/2 \).

 

Question. Given that the zeroes of the cubic polynomial \( x^3 - 6x^2 + 3x + 10 \) are of the form \( a, a + b, a + 2b \) for some real numbers \( a \) and \( b \), find the values of \( a \) and \( b \) as well as the zeroes of the given polynomial. 
Answer: Let \( p(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 3x + 10 \) and \( (a), (a + b) \) and \( (a + 2b) \) are the zeroes of \( p(x) \).
We know: Sum of the zeroes = \( -(\text{coefficient of } x^2) \div \text{coefficient of } x^3 \)

\( \implies a + (a + b) + (a + 2b) = -(-6) \)

\( \implies 3a + 3b = 6 \)

\( \implies a + b = 2 \)

\( \implies a = 2 - b \) ...(i)
Product of all the zeroes = \( -(\text{constant term}) \div \text{coefficient of } x^3 \)
\( a(a + b)(a + 2b) = -10 \)
\( (2 - b) (2) (2 + b) = -10 \) [Using eqn. (i)]
\( (2 - b) (2 + b) = -5 \)
\( 4 - b^2 = -5 \)

\( \implies b^2 = 9 \)

\( \implies b = \pm 3 \)
When \( b = 3, a = 2 - 3 = -1 \) [Using equation (i)]

\( \implies a = -1 \) when \( b = 3 \).
When \( b = -3, a = 2 - (-3) = 5 \) [Using equation (i)]

\( \implies a = 5 \) when \( b = -3 \).
Case 1: when \( a = -1 \) and \( b = 3 \)
The zeroes of the polynomial are: \( a = -1, a+b = -1+3=2, a+2b = -1+2(3)=5 \).
\( \implies -1, 2 \) and \( 5 \) are the zeroes.
Case 2: when \( a = 5 \) and \( b = -3 \)
The zeroes of the polynomial are: \( a = 5, a+b = 5-3=2, a+2b = 5-2(3)=-1 \).
\( \implies -1, 2 \) and \( 5 \) are the zeroes.
In both the cases, the zeroes of the polynomial are \( -1, 2, 5 \).

 

Question. Given that \( \sqrt{2} \) is a zero of the cubic polynomial \( 6x^3 + \sqrt{2}x^2 - 10x - 4\sqrt{2} \), find its other two zeroes. 
Answer: Let \( p(x) = 6x^3 + \sqrt{2}x^2 - 10x - 4\sqrt{2} \)
As \( \sqrt{2} \) is one of the zeroes of \( p(x) \).

\( \implies g(x) = (x - \sqrt{2}) \) is one of the factors of \( p(x) \).
\[ \begin{array}{r|l} x - \sqrt{2} & 6x^3 + \sqrt{2}x^2 - 10x - 4\sqrt{2} \\ & 6x^3 - 6\sqrt{2}x^2 \\ \hline & 7\sqrt{2}x^2 - 10x - 4\sqrt{2} \\ & 7\sqrt{2}x^2 - 14x \\ \hline & 4x - 4\sqrt{2} \\ & 4x - 4\sqrt{2} \\ \hline & 0 \end{array} \]
Then, \( 6x^3 + \sqrt{2}x^2 - 10x - 4\sqrt{2} = (x - \sqrt{2}) (6x^2 + 7\sqrt{2}x + 4) \)
\( = (x - \sqrt{2}) \{6x^2 + (3\sqrt{2}x + 4\sqrt{2}x) + 4\} \) (by splitting the middle term)
\( = (x - \sqrt{2}) \{6x^2 + 3\sqrt{2}x + 4\sqrt{2}x + 4\} \)
\( = (x - \sqrt{2}) \{3\sqrt{2}x (\sqrt{2}x + 1) + 4(\sqrt{2}x + 1)\} \)
\( = (x - \sqrt{2}) (\sqrt{2}x + 1) (3\sqrt{2}x + 4) \)

\( \implies x = \sqrt{2}, -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \) or \( -\frac{4}{3\sqrt{2}} \)
Thus, the other two zeroes are \( -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \) or \( -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \) and \( -\frac{4}{3\sqrt{2}} \) or \( -\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3} \).

 

Question. Given that \( x - \sqrt{5} \) is a factor of the cubic polynomial \( x^3 - 3\sqrt{5}x^2 + 13x - 3\sqrt{5} \), find all the zeroes of the polynomial. 
Answer: Let \( p(x) = x^3 - 3\sqrt{5}x^2 + 13x - 3\sqrt{5} \)
As \( \sqrt{5} \) is one of the zeroes of \( p(x) \).

\( \implies (x - \sqrt{5}) \) is one of the factors of \( p(x) \).
\[ \begin{array}{r|l} x - \sqrt{5} & x^3 - 3\sqrt{5}x^2 + 13x - 3\sqrt{5} \\ & x^3 - \sqrt{5}x^2 \\ \hline & -2\sqrt{5}x^2 + 13x - 3\sqrt{5} \\ & -2\sqrt{5}x^2 + 10x \\ \hline & 3x - 3\sqrt{5} \\ & 3x - 3\sqrt{5} \\ \hline & 0 \end{array} \]
Now \( p(x) = (x - \sqrt{5})(x^2 - 2\sqrt{5}x + 3) \)
\( = (x - \sqrt{5})(x^2 - \{(\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{2})x + (\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{2})x\} + 3) \) [Note: Error in source image, simpler splitting would be used. Let's provide standard zeroes directly if complex.]
\( = (x - \sqrt{5}) \{x - (\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{2})\} \{x - (\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{2})\} \)
So, all the zeroes of the given polynomial are \( (\sqrt{5} + \sqrt{2}), (\sqrt{5} - \sqrt{2}) \) and \( \sqrt{5} \).

 

Question. For which values of \( a \) and \( b \) are the zeroes of \( q(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 + a \) also the zeroes of the polynomial \( p(x) = x^5 - x^4 - 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 3x + b \)? 
Answer: Let \( p(x) = x^5 - x^4 - 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 3x + b \) and \( q(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 + a \).
Since, the zeroes of the polynomial \( q(x) \) are also zeroes of \( p(x) \), we can say that \( q(x) \) is a factor of \( p(x) \).
Then, on dividing \( p(x) \) by \( q(x) \):
\[ \begin{array}{r|l} x^3 + 2x^2 + a & x^5 - x^4 - 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 3x + b \\ & x^5 + 2x^4 \quad + ax^2 \\ \hline & -3x^4 - 4x^3 + (3 - a)x^2 + 3x + b \\ & -3x^4 - 6x^3 \quad \quad \quad - 3ax \\ \hline & 2x^3 + (3 - a)x^2 + (3 + 3a)x + b \\ & 2x^3 + 4x^2 \quad \quad + 2a \\ \hline & -(a + 1)x^2 + 3(1 + a)x + b - 2a \end{array} \]
But remainder, \( r(x) = -(a + 1)x^2 + 3(1 + a)x + b - 2a = 0 \)
[since, \( q(x) \) is factor of \( p(x) \)]

\( \implies -(a + 1)x^2 + 3(1 + a)x + b - 2a = 0 \cdot x^2 + 0 \cdot x + 0 \)
On comparing the coefficients of \( x^2 \) and constant term, we get
\( -(a + 1) = 0 \implies a = -1 \)
and \( b - 2a = 0 \implies b = 2a = 2(-1) = -2 \)

Advanced HOTS Questions with Solutions: Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 02 Polynomials

Class 10 Mathematics Chapter Chapter 02 Polynomials Advanced Problem Sets

Master core concepts in Chapter 02 Polynomials with these targeted Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) problems. Built for Class 10 Mathematics students following the CBSE curriculum, these exercises challenge analytical thinking and improve problem-solving speed.

Step-by-Step Answers for Chapter 02 Polynomials

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FAQs

Where can I download the latest PDF for CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05?

You can download the teacher-verified PDF for CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05 from StudiesToday.com. These questions have been prepared for Class 10 Mathematics to help students learn high-level application and analytical skills required for the 2026-27 exams.

Why are HOTS questions important for the 2026 CBSE exam pattern?

In the 2026 pattern, 50% of the marks are for competency-based questions. Our CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05 are to apply basic theory to real-world to help Class 10 students to solve case studies and assertion-reasoning questions in Mathematics.

How do CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05 differ from regular textbook questions?

Unlike direct questions that test memory, CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05 require out-of-the-box thinking as Class 10 Mathematics HOTS questions focus on understanding data and identifying logical errors.

What is the best way to solve Mathematics HOTS for Class 10?

After reading all conceots in Mathematics, practice CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05 by breaking down the problem into smaller logical steps.

Are solutions provided for Class 10 Mathematics HOTS questions?

Yes, we provide detailed, step-by-step solutions for CBSE Class 10 Maths HOTs Polynomials Set 05. These solutions highlight the analytical reasoning and logical steps to help students prepare as per CBSE marking scheme.