NCERT Mathematics, Class 10, textbook pages 38–48

How to help your child with Class 10 Maths Chapter 4, Quadratic Equations, at home

Solving quadratics by factorising and the formula, explained for parents: a 45-minute study session, a quick challenge, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

ax² + bx + c = 0x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2aD = b² − 4ac

NCERT Class 10 Maths Chapter 4 Quadratic Equations: what it teaches

Your teen forms quadratic equations from situations, solves them by factorising and by the quadratic formula, and uses the discriminant b² − 4ac to know how many real roots exist.

Why it matters later. Quadratics appear in Class 11 complex numbers, physics and calculus.

See it: this chapter in pictures

x² − 5x + 6 = 0(x − 2)(x − 3) = 0x = 2 or 3
Split the middle term.
2x² + x − 6 = 0x = (−1 ± 7)/4x = 1.5 or −2
The formula always works.
x² + 4x + 5D = 16 − 20 = −4no real roots
Check D before solving.

You need

  • a calculator
  • word-problem cards

Tonight’s 45 minutes

  1. A rectangle has area 528 m² and length 1 more than twice the breadth. Form the equation.
  2. Solve x² − 5x + 6 = 0 by factorising (2, 3).
  3. Use the formula on 2x² + x − 6 = 0 (1.5, −2).
  4. Find the discriminant of x² + 4x + 5 and interpret (negative: no real roots).

Words to use

  • quadratic
  • roots
  • factorise
  • quadratic formula
  • discriminant

Watch for

  • Dividing both sides by x and losing a root. Move all terms to one side and factorise.
  • Sign errors in the formula. Write b² − 4ac separately first.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

YouDiscriminant negative. So?

Your childNo real roots.

A game for this week: Root detective

  1. Write quadratics on cards.
  2. Players predict the number of real roots with the discriminant.
  3. Then solve.
  4. Points for both.

A 5-day plan, 45 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Explain-back.
  2. Day 2Worked examples.
  3. Day 3Practice set.
  4. Day 4Real-life problem.
  5. Day 5Mixed quiz.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Area problems.
  • Projectile height.
  • Business break-even.
  • Speed and time problems.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

Roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0?

2 and 3.

Discriminant of x² + 4x + 5?

−4: no real roots.

Roots of 2x² + x − 6 = 0?

1.5 and −2.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Forms quadratics from situations.
  • Solves by factorising and formula.
  • Uses the discriminant.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Mathematics (Class 10). See the full Class 10 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What is the quadratic formula?

x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a.

What does the discriminant tell us?

Positive: two roots; zero: one repeated root; negative: no real roots.

Is completing the square required?

The formula is derived by completing the square; check your school’s focus.