Question:

At which of the following points, the quadratic polynomial \(p(x) = - 3x + 18x^2 - 1\) intersects the positive x-axis ?

Show Hint

Always read the constraint "positive x-axis" carefully.
Both potential answers \(\left(-\frac{1}{6}, 0\right)\) and \(\left(\frac{1}{3}, 0\right)\) are present in the options, but only one is positive!
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
  • \(\left(\frac{1}{6}, 0\right)\)
  • \(\left(-\frac{1}{3}, 0\right)\)
  • \(\left(-\frac{1}{6}, 0\right)\)
  • \(\left(\frac{1}{3}, 0\right)\)
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the point where the quadratic polynomial \(p(x) = 18x^2 - 3x - 1\) intersects the positive x-axis.
Any point on the x-axis has a y-coordinate (or value of the polynomial) equal to zero.
Therefore, we must find the roots of the equation \(p(x) = 0\) and select the positive root.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
For a quadratic polynomial \(ax^2 + bx + c\), the intersections with the x-axis are found by solving:
\[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \]
We can solve this quadratic equation using factorization (splitting the middle term).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Write down the quadratic equation:
\[ 18x^2 - 3x - 1 = 0 \]

• Identify the product and sum needed for splitting the middle term:
Product = \(18 \times (-1) = -18\)
Sum = \(-3\)

• The factors of \(-18\) that add up to \(-3\) are \(-6\) and \(+3\).

• Rewrite the middle term using these factors:
\[ 18x^2 - 6x + 3x - 1 = 0 \]

• Factor by grouping:
\[ 6x(3x - 1) + 1(3x - 1) = 0 \]
\[ (6x + 1)(3x - 1) = 0 \]

• Set each factor to zero to find the roots:
\[ 6x + 1 = 0 \implies x = -\frac{1}{6} \]
\[ 3x - 1 = 0 \implies x = \frac{1}{3} \]

• Since we are looking for the intersection with the positive x-axis, we select the positive value:
\[ x = \frac{1}{3} \]

• Thus, the coordinates of the point of intersection are:
\[ \left(\frac{1}{3}, 0\right) \]


Step 4: Final Answer:
The polynomial intersects the positive x-axis at the point \(\left(\frac{1}{3}, 0\right)\).
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