Introduction to Linear Polynomials
Ganita Manjari Part 1 · Chapter 2 · NCERT Solutions
Welcome to Encyclohub’s complete NCERT solutions for Class 9 Maths – Chapter 2: Introduction to Linear Polynomials (Ganita Manjari Part 1).
All questions and solutions are presented clearly so you can understand every concept step by step.
Study Tip:
For graph-based questions, try plotting the points yourself before checking the solution.
Exercise Set 2.1
(i) 2x2 – 5x + 3
(ii) y3 + 2y – 1
(iii) – 9
(iv) 4z – 3
(i) 2x2 – 5x + 3
Highest power of x = 2
So, degree = 2.
(ii) y3 + 2y – 1
Highest power of y = 3
So, degree = 3.
(iii) – 9
This is a constant polynomial (no variable), so its degree is 0.
(iv) 4z – 3
Highest power of z = 1
So, degree = 1.
Degree 1 (linear polynomial): 2x + 3
Degree 2 (quadratic polynomial): x2 − 4x + 1
Degree 3 (cubic polynomial): x3 + 2x2 −x + 5
Coefficients of x2 = 6
Coefficients of x3 = – 3
There is no term containing z.
So, the coefficient of z is 0.
The constant term is the term without any variable.
So, the constant term is –10.
Exercise Set 2.2
(i) x = 0 (ii) x = –1 (iii) x = 2
Given polynomial = 5x − 3
(i) x = 0
5(0) − 3 = 0 − 3 = −3
(ii) x = −1
5(−1) − 3 = −5 − 3 = −8
(iii) x = 2
5(2) − 3 = 10 − 3 = 7
(i) s = 0 (ii) s = –3 (iii) s = 4
Given polynomial = 7s2 – 4s + 6
(i) s = 0
7(0)2 − 4(0) + 6
= 0 − 0 + 6 = 6
(ii) s = −3
7(−3)2 −4(−3) + 6
= 7(9) + 12 + 6
= 63 + 12 + 6 = 81
(iii) s = 4
7(4)2 −4(4) + 6
= 7(16) − 16 + 6
= 112 −16 + 6 = 102
Let Salil’s present age be x years.
Then his mother’s present age = 3x years.
After 5 years,
• Salil’s age = x + 5
• Mother’s age = 3x + 5
According to the question,
(x + 5) + (3x + 5) = 70
4x + 10 = 70
4x = 70 – 10
4x = 60
x = 604 = 15
So,
Mother’s present age = 3 × 15 = 45 years.
Salil’s present age = 15 years.
Let the two integers be 2x and 5x.
Given: their difference is 63
5x − 2x = 63
3x = 63
x = 21
Integers:
2x = 2 × 21 = 42
5x =5 × 21 = 105
Therefore, the two integers are 42 and 105.
Let the number of five-rupee coins be x.
Then, the number of two-rupee coins = 3x.
Total value = ₹88
5x + 2(3x) = 88
5x + 6x = 88
11x = 88
x = 8
So,
Five-rupee coins = 8
Two-rupee coins = 3 × 8 = 24
Therefore,
Ruby has 8 five-rupee coins and 24 two-rupee coins.
Let the shorter piece be x feet.
Then the longer piece is 4x feet.
Total length = 300 feet
x + 4x = 300
5x = 300
x = 60
So,
Shorter piece = 60 feet
Longer piece = 4 × 60 = 240 feet
Therefore, the two pieces are 60 feet and 240 feet long.
Let the width be w cm.
Then the length is 2w + 3 cm.
Perimeter of a rectangle = 2(length + width) = 24
Substituting,
2((2w + 3) + w) = 24
2(3w + 3) = 24
6w + 6 = 24
6w = 18
w = 3
Now, Length =2(3) + 3 = 9
Therefore,
Width = 3 cm
Length = 9 cm
Exercise Set 2.3
Initial amount = ₹500
Monthly addition every month = ₹150
After 1st month = ₹500 + ₹150 = ₹650
After 2nd month = ₹500 + 2 × ₹150
= 500 + 300 = ₹800
After 3rd month = ₹500 + 3 × ₹150
= 500 + 450 = ₹950
After 4th month = ₹500 + 4 × ₹150
= 500 + 600 = ₹1100
and so on….
Amount after nth month, An = 500 + 150n.
This expression gives the amount in the nth month.
Initial members = 120
Members dropping out per hour = 9
After 1 hour = 120 – 9 = 111
After 2 hours = 120 – 2 × 9 = 120 – 18 = 102
After 3 hours = 120 – 3 × 9 = 120 – 27 = 93
Generalizing to the nth hour:
M(n) = 120 − 9n
This expression gives the number of members remaining after n hours.
Length = 13 cm
Let breadth = b
(i) Breadth = 12 cm
Area = 13 × 12 = 156 cm2
(ii) Breadth = 10 cm
Area = 13 × 10 = 130 cm2
(iii) Breadth = 8 cm
Area = 13 × 8= 104 cm2
Linear Pattern:
A = 13b.
For a rectangular box (cuboid):
Volume = length × breadth × height
Given:
Length = 7 cm
Breadth = 11 cm
So,
Volume = 7 × 11 × h = 77h
(i) h = 5 cm
V = 77 × 5 = 385 cm3
(ii) h = 9 cm
V = 77 × 9 = 693 cm3
(iii) h =13 cm
V = 77 × 13 = 1001 cm3
Linear Pattern:
V = 77h
Total pages = 500
Pages read per day = 20
After 15 days, pages read = 20 × 15 = 300
Pages left = 500 − 300 = 200
Linear Pattern:
Let n be the number of days.
Pages left after n days:
P(n) = 500 − 20n
Exercise Set 2.4
(i) Find the height after 7 months.
(ii) Make a table of values for t varying from 0 to 10 months and show how the height, h, increases every month.
(iii) Find an expression that relates h and t, and explain why it represents linear growth.
(i) Initial height = 1.75 ft
Growth per month = 0.5 ft
After 7 months,
Height = 1.75 + (0.5 × 7)
= 1.75 + 3.5 = 5.25 ft
Therefore, height after 7 months is 5.25 feet.
(ii)

Here, the height increases by 0.5 ft each month consistently.
(iii) Expression relating h and t:
h = 1.75 + 0.5t.
This represents linear growth because the rate of change (0.5 ft/month) is constant.
(i) Find the value of the phone after 3 years.
(ii) Make a table of values for t varying from 0 to 8 years and show how the value of the phone, v, depreciates with time.
(iii) Find an expression that relates v and t, and explain why it represents linear decay.
(i) Initial value = ₹10,000
Depreciation per year = ₹800
v = 10000 − (800 × 3) = 10000 − 2400 = 7600.
(ii)

Thus, the value decreases by ₹800 each year uniformly.
(iii) Expression relating v and t:
v = 10000 − 800t.
This represents linear decay because the rate of change is constant ₹800 per year.
(i) Find the population of the village after 6 years.
(ii) Make a table of values for t varying from 0 to 10 years and show how the population, P, increases every year.
(iii) Find an expression that relates P and t, and explain why it represents linear growth.
(i) Initial population = 750
Increase per year = 50
After 6 years = 750 + (50 × 6)
= 750 + 300 = 1050
Therefore, the population after 6 years is 1050.
(ii)

Thus, the population increases by 50 people every year consistently.
(iii) Expression relating P and t:
P = 750 + 50t
This expression represents linear growth because the rate of change is constant (+50 per year).
(i) Write an equation that models the remaining balance b(x) after using the scheme for x days. Explain why it represents linear decay.
(ii) After how many days will the balance run out?
(iii) Make a table of values for x varying from 1 to 10 days and show how the balance b(x), reduces with time.
(i) Initial balance = ₹600
Daily reduction = ₹15
b(x) = 600 − 15x
This is a linear decay because the balance decreases at a constant rate of ₹15 per day.
(ii) Set balance to zero:
600 − 15x = 0
15x = 600
x = 40
Thus, the balance runs out after 40 days.
(iii)

Therefore, the balance decreases by ₹15 each day uniformly, confirming linear decay.
Exercise Set 2.5
When x = 10, y = 400, then
10a + b = 400 …………… (1)
When x = 14, y = 500, then
14a + b = 500 …………… (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2),
(14a + b) − (10a + b) = 500 − 400
14a + b – 10a – b = 100
4a = 100
a = 1004 = 25
Substituting a = 25 in (1),
10(25) + b = 400
250 + b = 400
b = 400 – 250 = 150.
Hence, a = 25 and b = 150.
When x = 10, y = 800, then
10a + b = 800 ……….. (1)
When x = 15, y = 1100, then
15a + b = 1100 …………. (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2),
(15a + b) − (10a + b) = 1100 − 800
5a = 300
a = 60
Substituting a = 60 in (1),
10(60) + b = 800
600 + b = 800
b = 200
Hence, a = 60 and b = 200.
Hint: When °C = 0, °F = 32 and when °C = 100, °F = 212. Use this information to find a and b, and thus, the linear relationship between °C and °F.
Using the given linear relation,
C = aF + b
When F = 32, C = 0, then
32a + b = 0 ………. (1)
When F = 212, C = 100, then
212a + b = 100 …………. (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2),
(212a + b) − (32a + b) = 100−0
180a = 100
a = 100180 = 59
Substitute a = 59 in (1),
32 × 59 + b = 0
1609 + b = 0
b = -1609
Thus, a = 59 and b = -1609
Linear relationship: C = 95F − 1609.
Exercise Set 2.6
(i) y = 4x, y = 2x, y = x
(ii) y = – 6x, y = – 3x, y = – x
(iii) y = 5x, y = –5x
(iv) y = 3x – 1, y = 3x, y = 3x + 1
(v) y = –2x – 3, y = –2x, y = 2x + 3
(i) y = 4x, y = 2x, y = x
Observation:
1. All lines pass through because b = 0.
2. Larger a → steeper line.
(ii) y = –6x, y = –3x, y = –x
Observation:
1. All lines pass through the origin.
2. Negative a → lines slope downward.
3. Larger magnitude of a → steeper downward slope.
(iii) y = 5x, y = –5x
Observation:
1. Both lines pass through the origin.
2. Same steepness, opposite direction (mirror images).
(iv) y = 3x – 1, y = 3x, y = 3x + 1
Observation:
1. Same slope (a = 3) → parallel lines.
2. Different b shifts line up/down.
(v) y = –2x – 3, y = –2x, y = 2x + 3
Observation:
1. First two lines are parallel (same slope 2).
2. Third line has a different slope → different direction.
3. b controls vertical position.
End-of-chapter Exercises
A polynomial of degree 3 has the general form:
ax3 + bx2 + cx + d (a ≠ 0)
Given that the coefficient of the x2 term is –7, so b = -7
One valid example is:
x3 − 7x2 − 10x − 8.
(i) 5x2 – 3x + 7 if x = 1
(ii) 4t3 – t2 + 6 if t = a
(i) 5x2 – 3x + 7 if x = 1
= 5(1)2 – 3(1) + 7
= 5 – 3 + 7
= 12 – 3 = 9.
(ii) 4t3 – t2 + 6 if t = a
= 4(a)3 – (a)2 + 6
= 4a3 – a2 + 6
Let the number be y.
According to the question,
52 × a + 23 = -712
5a2 = -712 – 23
5a2 = -7 -812
5a2 = -1512
a = -1512 × 25 = -3060 = -12
Therefore, the number is -12.
Let the smaller number be x.
Then the other (positive) number is 5x.
After adding 21 to both:
First number = x + 21
Second number = 5x + 21
According to the question,
5x + 21 = 2(x + 21)
5x + 21 = 2x + 42
5x – 2x = 42 – 21
3x = 21
x = 213 = 7
Therefore,
Smaller number = x = 7
Larger number = 5x = 35
Initial amount = ₹800
Monthly saving = ₹250
Let t = number of months
A = 800 + 250t
(i) After 6 months
A = 800 + 250 × 6
= 800 + 1500 = 2300
(ii) After 2 years (24 months)
A = 800 + 250 × 24
= 800 + 6000 = 6800
Linear Pattern:

Let the two-digit number have:
Tens digit = x
Units digit = y
So the number = 10x + y
Digits differ by 3:
∴ x − y = 3 …………. (1)
Interchanged number = 10y + x
Sum of both numbers:
(10x + y) + (10y + x) = 143
11x + 11y = 143
x + y = 13 …………… (2)
Adding (1) and (2),
2x = 16
x = 8
Substituting x = 8 in (2),
8 + y = 13
y = 13 – 8
y = 5
Original number = 10x + y = 10(8) + (5) = 80 + 5 = 85.
Interchanged number = 10y + x = 10(5) + 8 = 50 + 8 = 58.
(i) y = –3 x + 4
(ii) 2y = 4x + 7
(iii) 5y = 6x – 10
(iv) 3y = 6x – 11
Are any of the lines parallel?
(i) y = –3 x + 4
Comparing with y = ax + b
Slope a = – 3
y-intercept b = 4
Cuts y-axis at (0, 4)
(ii) 2y = 4x + 7
Divide by 2,
y = 2x + 72
Cuts y-axis at (0, 72)
Slope a = 2
y-intercept b = 72
(iii) 5y = 6x – 10
Divide by 5,
y = 65x − 2
Cuts y-axis at (0, –2)
Slope a = 65
y-intercept b = −2
(iv) 3y = 6x − 11
Divide by 3,
y = 2x − 113
Cuts y-axis at (0, -113)
Slope a = 2
y-intercept b = -113
Parallel lines: (ii) and (iv) both have slope = 2, so they are parallel to each other.
(i) Find the temperature of the liquid in Fahrenheit if the temperature of the liquid is 313 K.
(ii) If the temperature is 158 °F, then find the temperature in Kelvin.
Given the relation: y = 95 (x – 273) + 32
(i) When x = 313K
y = 95 (313 – 273) + 32
y = 95 × 40 + 32
y = 9 × 8 + 32
y = 72 + 32 =
y = 104° F
(ii) When y = 158° F
158 = 95 (x – 273) + 32
158 − 32 = 95 (x – 273)
126 = 95 (x – 273)
126 × 59 = (x – 273)
14 × 5 = x – 273
70 = x – 273
x = 70 + 273
x = 343 K
Given,
Work done = Force × Distance
Let work be w and distance be d.
So,
w = Fd
Given F = 3,
w = 3d
This is the required linear equation.
If d = 2 units, then
w = 3 × 2 = 6 units
Verification:
Taking values of d:

Plotting the points (0, 0),(1, 3),(2, 6),(3, 9) on the graph paper and joining them to get a straight line.
On the graph, the point corresponding to d = 2 is (2, 6), which lies on the line.
Hence, the work done is 6 units, verified.

(i) Find the polynomial p(x).
(ii) Find the coordinates where the graph of p(x) cuts the axes.
(iii) Draw the graph of p(x) and verify your answers.
(i) Let p(x) = ax + b
Since the graph passes through (1, 5)
a + b = 5 …….. (1)
Since the graph passes through (3, 11)
3a + b = 11 ………. (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2),
3a + b – (a + b) = 11 – 5
3a + b – a – b = 6
2a = 6
a = 3
Substituting x = 3 in (1),
3 + b = 5
b = 5 – 3
b = 2
Thus, p(x) = 3x + 2
(ii) Points where the graph cuts the axes:
y-axis: Put x = 0
p(0) = 3(0) + 2
p(0) = 2 ⇒(0, 2)
x-axis: Put p(x) = 0
3x + 2 = 0
3x = – 2
x = -23 ⇒ (-23, 0)
(iii)

Verification:
1. The line passes through both given points.
2. It cuts the y-axis at (0, 2).
3. It cuts the x-axis at (-23,0).
(i) p(0) = 5.
(ii) The polynomial p(x) – q(x) cuts the x-axis at (3, 0).
(iii) The sum p(x) + q(x) is equal to 6x + 4 for all real x.
Find the polynomials p(x) and q(x).
p(x) = ax + b, q(x) = cx + d
Use p(0) = 5
p(0) = b = 5
So,
p(x) = ax + 5
Use p(x) + q(x) = 6x + 4
(ax + 5) + (cx + d) = 6x + 4
(a + c)x + (5 + d) = 6x + 4
Equate coefficients:
a + c = 6
5 + d = 4
⇒d = −1
So,
q(x) = cx − 1
Since p(x) − q(x) cuts the x-axis at (3, 0), so:
p(3) − q(3) = 0
(3a + 5) − (3c − 1) = 0
3a + 5 − 3c + 1 = 0
3a − 3c + 6 = 0
a − c = −2
We have:
a + c = 6
a − c = −2
Add:
2a = 4
⇒a = 2
Then:
c = 4
Therefore, p(x) = 2x + 5
q(x) = 4x − 1

(i) Draw the next two stages of the pattern. How many matchsticks will be required at these stages?
(ii) Complete the following table.

(iii) Find a rule to determine the number of matchsticks required for the nth stage.
(iv) How many matchsticks will be required for the 15th stage of the pattern?
(v) Can 200 matchsticks form a stage in this pattern? Justify your answer.
(i) A hexagon uses 6 matchsticks.
Each new hexagon shares one side, so only 5 additional matchsticks are needed.
Stage 4: 16 + 5 = 21 matchsticks
Stage 5: 21 + 5 = 26 matchsticks
(ii)

(iii) Rule for nth stage = 6 + (n − 1) × 5 = 5n + 1.
(iv) Matchsticks for 15th stage = 5 × 15 + 1 = 76
(v) 5n + 1 = 200
5n = 200 – 1
5n = 199
n = 1995 = 39.8
Since n is not a whole number, 200 matchsticks cannot form a stage.
(i) The graph of p(x) passes through the points (2, 3) and (6, 11).
(ii) The graph of q(x) passes through the point (4, –1).
(iii) The graph of q(x) is parallel to the graph of p(x).
Find the polynomials p(x) and q(x). Also, find the coordinates of the point where these lines meet the x-axis.
(i) Starting with p(x) = ax + b.
Since the line passes through (2, 3) and (6, 11).
Slope, a = 11 -36 -2 = 84 = 2
Now,
3 = 2(2) + b
b = 3 – 4
b = –1
∴ p(x) = 2x – 1
(ii) Given that q(x) is parallel to p(x), so slopes are equal.
c = 2
Thus, q(x) = 2x + d
It passes through (4, −1):
−1 = 2(4) + d
⇒−1 = 8 + d
⇒d = −9
q(x) = 2x − 9
(iii) x-intercepts
For p(x):
2x − 1 = 0
⇒ x = 12
Point: (12,0)
For q(x):
2x − 9 = 0
⇒ x = 92
Point: (92,0)
f(x) = ax + a, a > 0
or f(x) = a(x + 1)
Common properties:
1. Slope:
Slope = a.
Since a > 0, all lines have positive slope.
2. y-intercept:
Putting x = 0:
f(0) = a
So, the y-intercept is (0, a).
Since a > 0, all lines cut the y-axis above the origin.
3. x-intercept:
Put f(x) = 0:
ax + a = 0
a (x + 1) = 0
Since a ≠ 0,
x + 1 = 0
⇒x = −1
So, all lines pass through the fixed point (−1, 0).
Quick Revision
Chapter 2 focuses on linear polynomials, their values, linear patterns, linear growth and decay, equations of the form y = ax + b, slopes, intercepts, graphs, and applications of linear relationships.
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