Looking to score quick marks in Quantitative Aptitude? Quadratic Equation for IBPS Clerk is an important topic in the IBPS Clerk Prelims, usually contributing around 3–5 marks. Questions typically involve solving two quadratic equations, one for x and one for y, and comparing their roots to determine the correct relationship. With basic concepts, factorisation or the quadratic formula, and faster calculations, these questions can often be solved within seconds. This makes quadratic equations a high-scoring topic for candidates aiming to improve their IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude score.
Practice Exam-Level Quadratic Equations for IBPS Clerk Quiz 2026
Practicing exam-oriented quadratic equations for IBPS Clerk builds the speed and analytical accuracy required to score full marks in the Quantitative Aptitude paper.
Below are 30 practice questions featuring standard equations, coefficient multipliers, square roots, and linear pairs, along with complete explanations.
Q1. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = 4 or 7. Equation II gives y = 6 or 7. Therefore, x is always less than or equal to y.
Q2. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = −5 or −7. Equation II gives y = −4 or −5. Both possible values of x are less than or equal to both possible values of y.
Q3. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = 8 or −3. Equation II gives y = −7 or 3. If x = −3 and y = 3, then x < y. If x = −3 and y = −7, then x > y. Therefore, a definite relationship cannot be established.
Q4. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = 1.5 or 2. Equation II gives y = 2.5 or 2. Both possible values of x are less than or equal to both possible values of y.
Q5. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = −2 or −2/3. Equation II gives y = 2 or 4. Since both possible values of x are negative and both possible values of y are positive, x is always less than y.
Q6. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: From Equation I, x = 7 or −7. From Equation II, y = 7. When x = 7, x = y. When x = −7, x < y. Therefore, x ≤ y.
Q7. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = 6 or 8. Equation II gives y = 4 or 6. Both possible values of x are greater than or equal to both possible values of y.
Q8. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = −1.5 or −4. Equation II gives y = −5 or −2. If x = −4 and y = −5, then x > y. If x = −4 and y = −2, then x < y. Therefore, a definite relationship cannot be established.
Q9. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = 3 or 5. Equation II gives y = 5 or 7. Both possible values of x are less than or equal to both possible values of y.
Q10. Compare the values of x and y:
Explanation: Equation I gives x = −6 or 3. Equation II gives y = 9 or −1. If x = −6, then x < y for both possible values of y. But if x = 3 and y = −1, then x > y. Therefore, a definite relationship cannot be established.
Quiz Summary
Quadratic Equation for IBPS Clerk 2026: Exam Pattern & Weightage
Below is the official Prelims exam breakdown for the Quantitative Aptitude section to help you understand where quadratic equations fit into your overall score strategy.
| Exam Section | Total Questions | Total Marks | Target Time per Question | Weightage of Quadratic Equations |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 10 – 20 Seconds | 3 – 5 Questions |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | N/A | N/A |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | N/A | N/A |
When solving a quadratic equation for bank exam prelims, you are provided with two standard algebraic forms:
- Equation I: a_1x^2 + b_1x + c_1 = 0
- Equation II: a_2y^2 + b_2y + c_2 = 0
After finding the roots for both equations, you must select one of the five standard options:
- x > y
- x < y
- x >= y
- x <= y
- x = y or Relationship cannot be established (CND)
Master Sign Trick Table for IBPS Clerk Quadratic Equations
Understanding the relationship between signs in quadratic equations for ibps clerk allows you to determine the signs of the roots before doing any middle-term splitting.
The following table outlines the sign conversion rules for standard quadratic equations (ax^2 + bx + c = 0).
| Equation Signs (b,c) | Form of Equation | Roots Sign (x1,x2) | Dominant Root Sign |
| +b, +c | ax^2 + bx + c = 0 | – , – | Both Negative |
| -b, +c | ax^2 – bx + c = 0 | + , + | Both Positive |
| +b, -c | ax^2 + bx – c = 0 | – , + | Larger Root is Negative |
| -b, -c | ax^2 – bx – c = 0 | + , – | Larger Root is Positive |
3-Step Shortcuts to Solve IBPS Clerk Quadratic Equation Questions
Solving IBPS Clerk quadratic equation questions rapidly requires moving away from the lengthy quadratic formula (x = \frac{-b \pm {b^2 – 4ac}}{2a}) and applying targeted shortcut methods.
Shortcut 1: The Direct Sign Elimination Rule
- Both Constants Negative (c_1 < 0, c_2 < 0): If the constant terms in both equations are negative, the roots for both variables will contain one positive and one negative value. In all such cases, the answer is immediately x = y or Relationship cannot be established (CND).
- Opposite Sign Combinations: If Equation I yields (+, +) roots (from -b, +c) and Equation II yields (-,-) roots (from +b, +c), then x > y holds true instantly without solving for numbers.
Shortcut 2: Middle-Term Splitting & Sign Swap
To solve ax² + bx + c = 0 without using the quadratic formula:
- Multiply the coefficient a by the constant c to get ac.
- Find two factors p and q such that:
- p + q = b
- p × q = ac
- Change the signs of p and q to get −p and −q.
- Divide both values by the coefficient a.
Final Roots:
Roots = (−p/a, −q/a)
Example:
For 2x² + 7x + 3 = 0:
- a × c = 2 × 3 = 6
- Factors of 6 with sum 7 are 6 and 1.
- Change their signs: −6 and −1.
- Divide by a = 2.
Roots = (−6/2, −1/2) = (−3, −1/2)
Shortcut 3: Coefficient Cross-Multiplication for Comparison
Instead of dividing by coefficients a_1 and a_2 and dealing with decimals:
- Multiply the roots of x by a_2 (the y^2 coefficient).
- Multiply the roots of y by a_1 (the x^2 coefficient).
- Compare the resulting integer values directly.
Conclusion
Mastering quadratic equations for the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam relies heavily on pattern recognition, sign tricks, and daily speed practice. By applying sign elimination rules and middle-term factor shortcuts, you can comfortably solve all 5 questions in under 2 minutes, saving critical time for Data Interpretation and Word Problems. For a comprehensive test series, full-length prelims mocks, and subject-wise quizzes, practice on the PracticeMock platform to track your real-time performance and speed metrics.
Quadratic Equation for IBPS Clerk 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to solve quadratic equation for IBPS Clerk fast?
To solve quadratic equations fast for IBPS Clerk, use sign tricks to predict root signs instantly. Apply middle-term factorization instead of the standard formula and cross-multiply coefficients to compare roots without calculating decimals.
What is the sign trick for quadratic equations for bank exam?
The sign trick determines root signs directly. For -b, +c, roots are (+,+); for +b, +c, roots are (-,-); for +b, -c, roots are (-,+); and for -b, -c, roots are (+,-).
When is the answer CND in IBPS Clerk quadratic equation questions?
The answer is CND (Cannot be Determined) whenever both constant terms are negative (c_1 < 0, c_2 < 0) or when comparing roots shows that one root of x is greater than y while another is smaller.
What is the weightage of quadratic equations for IBPS Clerk?
Quadratic equations carry a weightage of 3 to 5 marks in the IBPS Clerk Prelims Quantitative Aptitude section. Solving these 5 questions takes under 2 minutes with proper shortcut rules.
What is the difference between x^2 = 36 and x = {36} in bank exams?
For x^2 = 36, x has two values (+6 and -6). For x = {36}, x has only one positive value (+6), as square root radicals represent non-negative values.
- Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Topic Tests and Mini Mocks
- Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material
Free Mock Tests for the Upcoming Exams
- IBPS PO Free Mock Test
- RBI Grade B Free Mock Test
- IBPS SO Free Mock Test
- NABARD Grade A Free Mock Test
- SSC CGL Free Mock Test
- IBPS Clerk Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB PO Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB Clerk Free Mock Test
- RRB NTPC Free Mock Test
- SSC MTS Free Mock Test
- SSC Stenographer Free Mock Test
- GATE Mechanical Free Mock Test
- GATE Civil Free Mock Test
- RRB ALP Free Mock Test
- SSC CPO Free Mock Test
- AFCAT Free Mock Test
- SEBI Grade A Free Mock Test
- IFSCA Grade A Free Mock Test
- RRB JE Free Mock Test
- Free Banking Live Test
- Free SSC Live Test

