GSEB Std 10 (SSC) • 2023 • 3 Marks

Quadratic Equations: Sum of Squares of Consecutive Positive Integers

Official examination question with verified M1/A1 mark scheme and step-by-step mathematical reasoning.

Problem Statement

Find two consecutive positive integers, sum of whose squares is $365$.

Verified Solution & Marking Scheme

Formulate Quadratic Equation
Let the two consecutive positive integers be $x$ and $x + 1$ ($x > 0$): $x^2 + (x + 1)^2 = 365$ $x^2 + x^2 + 2x + 1 = 365 \implies 2x^2 + 2x - 364 = 0 \implies x^2 + x - 182 = 0$
Factorize Quadratic
$x^2 + 14x - 13x - 182 = 0 \implies x(x + 14) - 13(x + 14) = 0$ $(x - 13)(x + 14) = 0$ Since integers are positive, $x \neq -14$. Thus $x = 13$.
State Both Integers
The two integers are $13$ and $13 + 1 = 14$.
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