JAMB Mathematics Past Questions & Answers - Page 248

1,236.

What must be added to 4x2 - 4 to make it a perfect square?

A.

\(\frac{-1}{x^2}\)

B.

\(\frac{1}{x^2}\)

C.

1

D.

-1

Correct answer is B

(2x \(\frac{-1}{4}\)2 = 4x2 + \(\frac{1}{x^2}\) - 4

what must be added is +\(\frac{1}{x^2}\)

1,237.

If x + \(\frac{1}{x}\) = 4, find x2 + \(\frac{1}{x^2}\)

A.

16

B.

14

C.

12

D.

9

Correct answer is B

x + \(\frac{1}{x}\) = 4, find x2 + \(\frac{1}{x^2}\)

= (x + \(\frac{1}{x}\))2 = x2 + \(\frac{1}{x^2}\) + 2

x2 + \(\frac{1}{x^2}\) = ( x + \(\frac{1}{x^2}\))2 - 2

= (4)2 - 2

= 16 - 2

= 14

1,238.

Divide x3 - 2x2 - 5x + 6 by (x - 1)

A.

x2 - x - 6

B.

x2 - 5x + 6

C.

x2 - 7x + 6

D.

x2 - 5x - 6

Correct answer is A

Step 1: Just multiply each of the options by ( x - 1 ) 

Step 2: Then collect like terms to derive the same equation found in the question.

 

Hope this helps!

1,239.

If a2 + b2 = 16 and 2ab = 7.Find all the possible values of (a - b)

A.

3, -3

B.

2, -2

C.

1, -1

D.

3, -1

Correct answer is A

a2 + b2 = 16 and 2ab = 7

To find all possible values = (a - b)2 + b2 - 2ab

Substituting the given values = (a - b)2

= 16 - 7

= 9

(a - b) = \(\pm\)9

= \(\pm\)3

OR a - b = 3, -3

1,240.

Factorize 9(x + y)2 - 4(x - y)2

A.

(x + y)(5x + y)

B.

(x + y)2

C.

(x + 5y)(5x + y)

D.

5(x + y)2

Correct answer is C

9(x + y)2 - 4(x - y)2

Using difference of two squares which says

a2 - b2 = (a + b)(a - b) = 9(x + y)2 - 4(x - y)2

= [3(x + y)]2 - [2(x - y)]-2

= [3(x + y) + 2(x - y) + 2(x - y)][3(x + y) - 2(x - y)]

= [3x +3y + 2x - 2y][3x + 3y - 2x + 2y]

= (5x + y)(x + 5y)