NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Introduction to Linear Polynomials – step-by-step answers to every exercise and in-text question of the chapter, as per the latest NCERT syllabus for 2027. Read them online or download the free question-answer PDF.
A polynomial in one variable is an algebraic expression built from a single letter and its whole-number powers; the highest power is its degree. This chapter stays with degree 1 — the linear polynomials — and shows that one idea runs through all of them: equal steps in the input produce equal steps in the output, which is exactly why their graphs are straight lines.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Introduction to Linear Polynomials PDF
All the answers are on this page below. The PDF also explains every answer – why it is right and how to check it – so download it for revision.
| Chapter | Download | |
|---|---|---|
| Solutions PDF | Introduction to Linear Polynomials | View PDF |
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Introduction to Linear Polynomials – Questions and Answers
All 65 questions of the chapter (textbook pages 16 – 40) are answered below, in the order of the book – in-text questions, activities and the end-of-chapter exercises. Each answer is written the way you would write it in the exam.
Think and Reflect — Page 17Section 2.1 Introduction
The expression is the total cost of the garden in Example 2, 200l + 160w + 50lw.
| Part | What it is here |
|---|---|
| Terms | 200l, 160w, 50lw |
| Variables | l (length in m) and w (width in m) |
| Coefficients | 200 of l, 160 of w, 50 of lw |
| Constant term | none — every term contains a variable |
Example 1 gave 4x + 5y + 3. Example 2 gives 200l + 160w + 50lw. Two differences matter.
- The highest power. In 4x + 5y + 3 every variable appears to the power 1 and no term mixes the two letters. In 200l + 160w + 50lw the term 50lw multiplies the two variables together, so that term has degree 1 + 1 = 2.
- The constant. 4x + 5y + 3 has the constant term 3 (the free pens). The garden expression has no constant — if the garden shrinks to nothing, the cost is 0.
In-text Questions — Page 17Section 2.1 Introduction (Example 3)
The wire is the perimeter, so for every such rectangle
length + width = 10
So any pair of positive lengths adding to 10 works. A few more:
| Length (cm) | 9 | 8 | 6.5 | 6 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width (cm) | 1 | 2 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
| Area (cm²) | 9 | 16 | 22.75 | 24 | 25 |
Think and Reflect — Page 17Section 2.1 Introduction (Example 3)
The expression is the area of the bent-wire rectangle, 10x − x².
| Part | What it is here |
|---|---|
| Terms | 10x and −x² |
| Variable | x only (the length in cm) |
| Coefficients | 10 of x, −1 of x² |
| Constant term | none (it is 0) |
| Degree | 2 — the highest power of x present |
Similarity: both are algebraic expressions — sums of terms, each term a number multiplying letters.
Differences:
| Example 1: 4x + 5y + 3 | Example 3: 10x − x² | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of variables | two (x, y) | one (x) |
| Highest power | 1 | 2 |
| Constant term | 3 | none |
| Univariate polynomial? | no — two variables | yes, of degree 2 |
Exercise Set 2.1 — Pages 18–19Section 2.1 Introduction
(i) 2x² – 5x + 3
(ii) y³ + 2y – 1
(iii) – 9
(iv) 4z – 3
The degree is the highest power of the variable that actually appears.
| Polynomial | Powers present | Degree | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| (i) 2x² − 5x + 3 | 2, 1, 0 | 2 | quadratic |
| (ii) y³ + 2y − 1 | 3, 1, 0 | 3 | cubic |
| (iii) −9 | 0 only | 0 | constant |
| (iv) 4z − 3 | 1, 0 | 1 | linear |
Any expression in one variable whose highest power is the required number will do. For example:
Degree 2 (quadratic): x² − 4x + 1
Degree 3 (cubic): 2x³ + x − 5
Read the number attached to each power, together with the sign in front of it.
Coefficient of x² = 6
Coefficient of x³ = −3
There is no z term written, so its coefficient is
Coefficient of z = 0
The constant term is the one with no x in it.
Constant term = −10
Think and Reflect — Page 19Section 2.2 Linear Polynomials (Example 4)
The perimeter of a square of side x is the linear polynomial 4x.
| Side x (cm) | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perimeter 4x (cm) | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| Increase | — | +2 | +2 | +2 | +2 |
Each extra 0.5 cm of side adds 2 cm to the perimeter, every single time.
Think and Reflect — Page 19Section 2.2 Linear Polynomials (Example 5)
The amount for m matches is the linear polynomial 200 + 50m. Set it equal to 750 — that turns the polynomial into a linear equation.
50m = 750 − 200 = 550
m = 550 ÷ 50 = 11 matches
Check: 200 + 50 × 11 = 200 + 550 = 750. ✓
Think and Reflect — Page 20Section 2.2 Linear Polynomials
Yes. The machine takes in a length x and returns the area of the rectangle that the 20 cm wire then makes.
= 60 − 36
= 24 cm²
Check by the shape: if the length is 6 cm, the width is 10 − 6 = 4 cm, and 6 × 4 = 24 cm². ✓
| Input x (cm) | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output 10x − x² (cm²) | 16 | 24 | 24 | 16 |
| Step | — | +8 | 0 | −8 |
Exercise Set 2.2 — Page 21Section 2.2 Linear Polynomials
(i) x = 0
(ii) x = –1
(iii) x = 2
Substitute each value in turn.
(ii) 5(−1) − 3 = −5 − 3 = −8
(iii) 5(2) − 3 = 10 − 3 = 7
(i) s = 0
(ii) s = –3
(iii) s = 4
(ii) 7(−3)² − 4(−3) + 6
= 7(9) + 12 + 6
= 63 + 12 + 6 = 81
(iii) 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 is 3x years.
(x + 5) + (3x + 5) = 70
4x + 10 = 70
4x = 60
x = 15
Salil is 15 years old and his mother is 45 years old.
Check: in 5 years they will be 20 and 50, and 20 + 50 = 70. ✓
The ratio 2 : 5 lets both numbers be written with one letter. Let them be 2k and 5k.
3k = 63
k = 21
2k = 42, 5k = 105
Check: 105 − 42 = 63 ✓ and 42 : 105 = 2 : 5 (divide both by 21). ✓
Let the number of five-rupee coins be f. Then the number of two-rupee coins is 3f.
Value of the five-rupee coins = 5f
6f + 5f = 88
11f = 88
f = 8
Ruby has 8 five-rupee coins and 24 two-rupee coins (32 coins in all).
Check: 24 × ₹2 = ₹48 and 8 × ₹5 = ₹40; ₹48 + ₹40 = ₹88. ✓
Let the shorter piece be x feet. Then the longer piece is 4x feet.
5x = 300
x = 60
The pieces are 60 feet and 240 feet.
Check: 60 + 240 = 300 ✓ and 240 = 4 × 60. ✓
Let the width be w cm. Then the length is (2w + 3) cm.
2[(2w + 3) + w] = 24
2(3w + 3) = 24
6w + 6 = 24
6w = 18
w = 3
Width = 3 cm, length = 2(3) + 3 = 9 cm.
Check: perimeter = 2(9 + 3) = 24 cm ✓ and 9 is three more than twice 3. ✓
Think and Reflect — Page 22Section 2.3 Exploring linear patterns
Stages 1 to 4 of Fig. 2.4 use 1, 3, 5 and 7 tiles. Each new stage adds two tiles — one to each column — so the next three stages use 9, 11 and 13 tiles.
| Stage | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of square tiles | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 |
Sequence up to Stage 7: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13.
Think and Reflect — Page 22Section 2.3 Exploring linear patterns
Forward — stage given, tiles wanted. Substitute in 2n − 1.
n = 26: 2(26) − 1 = 52 − 1 = 51 tiles
Backward — tiles given, stage wanted. Now 2n − 1 becomes a linear equation.
2n − 1 = 47 → 2n = 48 → n = 24
So Stage 11 has 21 tiles and Stage 24 has 47 tiles.
Think and Reflect — Page 23Section 2.3 Exploring linear patterns (Example 7)
Bela starts with ₹100 and spends ₹5 a day, so after n days she has ₹(100 − 5n).
The money runs out when the amount left is zero.
5n = 100
n = 20 days
Think and Reflect — Page 23Section 2.3 Exploring linear patterns (Example 8)
For a journey of n km (with n ≥ 2) the fare is ₹25 + 15(n − 2) = ₹(15n − 5).
15n = 135
n = 9 km
Check the other way: for 9 km the meter charges ₹25 for the first 2 km and ₹15 for each of the remaining 7 km: 25 + 15 × 7 = 25 + 105 = ₹130. ✓
Exercise Set 2.3 — Pages 23–24Section 2.3 Exploring linear patterns
She begins with ₹500 and adds ₹150 at the end of each month.
| End of month n | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount (₹) | 650 | 800 | 950 | 1100 | 1250 | … |
From the second month onwards the balances are ₹800, ₹950, ₹1100, ₹1250, … — each ₹150 more than the one before.
Check: n = 2 gives 500 + 300 = ₹800. ✓
| After n hours | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Members left | 111 | 102 | 93 | 84 | 75 | … |
Check: n = 3 gives 120 − 27 = 93. ✓
With the length fixed at 13 cm, area = 13 × breadth.
(ii) 13 × 10 = 130 cm²
(iii) 13 × 8 = 104 cm²
| Breadth b (cm) | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area A = 13b (cm²) | 104 | 130 | 156 |
| Step for ∆b = 2 | — | +26 | +26 |
Length × breadth = 7 × 11 = 77 cm², and that base is fixed. So volume = 77 × height.
(ii) 77 × 9 = 693 cm³
(iii) 77 × 13 = 1001 cm³
| Height h (cm) | 5 | 9 | 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume V = 77h (cm³) | 385 | 693 | 1001 |
| Step for ∆h = 4 | — | +308 | +308 |
Pages left = 500 − 300 = 200 pages
| Day n | 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pages left | 500 | 400 | 300 | 200 | 100 | 0 |
Think and Reflect — Page 24Section 2.4 Linear growth and linear decay (Example 9)
The cost function is C(d) = 100 + 60d.
= 100 + 900
= ₹1000
Now run the machine backwards.
60d = 600
d = 10 km
Think and Reflect — Page 25Section 2.4 Linear growth and linear decay (Example 10)
The height after t months is h(t) = 3 − 0.5t.
= 3 − 2.5
= 0.5 m
Exercise Set 2.4 — Pages 25–26Section 2.4 Linear growth and linear decay
(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) Seven months of growth at 0.5 ft a month adds 3.5 ft.
= 1.75 + 3.5
= 5.25 feet
(ii)
| Month t | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height h (ft) | 1.75 | 2.25 | 2.75 | 3.25 | 3.75 | 4.25 | 4.75 | 5.25 | 5.75 | 6.25 | 6.75 |
(iii)
(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)
= 10000 − 2400
= ₹7600
(ii)
| Year t | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value v (₹) | 10000 | 9200 | 8400 | 7600 | 6800 | 6000 | 5200 | 4400 | 3600 |
(iii)
(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)
= 750 + 300
= 1050 people
(ii)
| Year t | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population P | 750 | 800 | 850 | 900 | 950 | 1000 | 1050 | 1100 | 1150 | 1200 | 1250 |
(iii)
(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)
It is linear decay because b(x + 1) − b(x) = −15 for every x: a fixed amount is removed over equal intervals, and the coefficient of x is negative. The graph would be a straight line falling from (0, 600).
(ii) The balance runs out when b(x) = 0.
15x = 600
x = 40 days
(iii)
| Day x | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance b(x) (₹) | 585 | 570 | 555 | 540 | 525 | 510 | 495 | 480 | 465 | 450 |
Think and Reflect — Page 27Section 2.5 Linear Relationships (Example 11)
150 = the fixed monthly fee, in rupees
Exercise Set 2.5 — Page 27Section 2.5 Linear Relationships
Substitute the two observations into y = ax + b.
500 = 14a + b …(2)
Subtracting (1) from (2) removes b:
a = 25
From (1): b = 400 − 10(25) = 400 − 250 = 150
Check: x = 10 gives 250 + 150 = ₹400 ✓ and x = 14 gives 350 + 150 = ₹500. ✓
1100 = 15a + b …(2)
(2) − (1):
a = 60
From (1): b = 800 − 10(60) = 800 − 600 = 200
Check: 60(15) + 200 = 900 + 200 = ₹1100. ✓
(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.)
Here °F is the input and °C the output. The two fixed points give:
100 = 212a + b …(2) (water boils)
(2) − (1):
a = 100/180 = 5/9
From (1): b = −32a = −32 × 5/9 = −160/9
°C = (5/9)°F − 160/9 = (5/9)(°F − 32)
Check: °F = 32 gives (5/9)(0) = 0 °C ✓; °F = 212 gives (5/9)(180) = 100 °C. ✓
Think and Reflect — Page 28Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships
| x | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| y | 3 | 15 |
The line is y = 2x + 1, so double each x and add 1.
| x | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| y = 2x + 1 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 25 | 41 |
So (1, 3), (2, 5), (5, 11), (7, 15), (9, 19), (12, 25) and (20, 41) all lie on the line.
In-text Questions — Page 29Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships (Examples 13, 14)
In every listed point the y-coordinate is −2 times the x-coordinate.
| x | −3 | −2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| y | 6 | 4 | 0 | −2 | −4 | −6 |
| y ÷ x | −2 | −2 | — | −2 | −2 | −2 |
(Hint: In order to graph y = ½x, we could take the points (0, 0) and (4, 2). Can you verify that these lie on the line?)
Verifying the hint’s two points on y = ½x:
(4, 2): ½ × 4 = 2 ✓
Both satisfy the equation, so both lie on the line — and two points are all a straight line needs.
Convenient points for the three lines:
| Line | Point 1 | Point 2 | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = ½x | (0, 0) | (4, 2) | ½ |
| y = x | (0, 0) | (4, 4) | 1 |
| y = 2x | (0, 0) | (4, 8) | 2 |
In-text Questions — Page 31Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships (Fig. 2.9)
(Hint: You may also plot the equations y = 3x and y = ⅓x on the same axes.)
Three conclusions, all visible at once when the lines share axes.
- Every line y = ax passes through the origin (0, 0), whatever a is.
- All of them rise from left to right, since a > 0.
- The bigger a is, the steeper the line. Taking y = x as the reference: if a > 1 the line is steeper than y = x; if a < 1 it is less steep.
In-text Questions — Page 33Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships (Fig. 2.11)
The picture mirrors the previous one, with one crucial change of sign.
- Every line y = −ax still passes through the origin.
- All of them now fall from left to right, because the slope −a is negative — these are pictures of linear decay.
- Steepness is decided by the size of a, not its sign: if a > 1 the line falls more steeply than y = −x; if a < 1 it falls more gently.
Think and Reflect — Page 33Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships
| y = 3x + 1 | y = −3x + 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Slope | +3 | −3 |
| y-intercept | 1, at (0, 1) | 1, at (0, 1) |
| Direction | rises to the right (growth) | falls to the right (decay) |
| Cuts the x-axis at | (−⅓, 0) | (⅓, 0) |
| Steepness | the same — both change y by 3 for a 1-unit change in x | |
Think and Reflect — Page 35Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships (Fig. 2.13)
(Hint: In these equations a = 2, and b takes the values –1, 1 and 5, respectively.)
Yes. With a = 2 fixed and b = −1, 1, 5 the three lines are parallel: same tilt, different heights.
| Line | Slope a | y-intercept b | Cuts the y-axis at |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = 2x − 1 | 2 | −1 | (0, −1) |
| y = 2x + 1 | 2 | 1 | (0, 1) |
| y = 2x + 5 | 2 | 5 | (0, 5) |
Exercise Set 2.6 — Page 36Section 2.6 Visualising linear relationships
(i) y = 4x, y = 2x, y = x
Each has b = 0, so plot the origin and one more point.
| Line | Points used | a (slope) | b (y-intercept) |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = 4x | (0, 0), (1, 4) | 4 | 0 |
| y = 2x | (0, 0), (2, 4) | 2 | 0 |
| y = x | (0, 0), (4, 4) | 1 | 0 |
Role of a and b: here b = 0, so all three lines pass through the origin. Only a changes: the larger a is (4 > 2 > 1), the steeper the line. All the slopes are positive, so all three lines rise from left to right.
(ii) y = – 6x, y = – 3x, y = – x
| Line | Points used | a (slope) | b |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = −6x | (0, 0), (1, −6) | −6 | 0 |
| y = −3x | (0, 0), (1, −3) | −3 | 0 |
| y = −x | (0, 0), (3, −3) | −1 | 0 |
Role of a and b: b = 0, so all three pass through the origin. All the slopes are negative, so the lines fall from left to right (linear decay). The bigger the size of a (6 > 3 > 1), the steeper the fall.
(iii) y = 5x, y = –5x
| Line | Points used | a | b |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = 5x | (0, 0), (1, 5) | 5 | 0 |
| y = −5x | (0, 0), (1, −5) | −5 | 0 |
Role of a and b: b = 0 for both, so both lines pass through the origin. The slopes 5 and −5 have the same size but opposite signs: the lines are equally steep, one rising (growth) and the other falling (decay).
(iv) y = 3x – 1, y = 3x, y = 3x + 1
| Line | Points used | a | b |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = 3x − 1 | (0, −1), (1, 2) | 3 | −1 |
| y = 3x | (0, 0), (1, 3) | 3 | 0 |
| y = 3x + 1 | (0, 1), (1, 4) | 3 | 1 |
Role of a and b: a = 3 is the same for all three, so the lines are parallel (equally steep). Changing b (−1, 0, 1) only shifts the line up or down, so they cut the y-axis at (0, −1), (0, 0) and (0, 1).
(v) y = –2x – 3, y = –2x, y = 2x + 3
| Line | Points used | a | b |
|---|---|---|---|
| y = −2x − 3 | (0, −3), (−2, 1) | −2 | −3 |
| y = −2x | (0, 0), (2, −4) | −2 | 0 |
| y = 2x + 3 | (0, 3), (1, 5) | 2 | 3 |
Role of a and b: y = −2x − 3 and y = −2x have the same a = −2, so they are parallel; b = −3 and 0 decide where they cut the y-axis. y = 2x + 3 has a different slope, +2, so it is not parallel to them and cuts both.
End-of-Chapter Exercises — Pages 36–39Chapter 2 Introduction to Linear Polynomials
Other correct answers: 4x³ − 7x², −x³ − 7x² + 1, 2x³ − 7x² − 3x.
(i) 5x² – 3x + 7 if x = 1
(ii) 4t³ – t² + 6 if t = a
(i) Substitute x = 1.
= 5 − 3 + 7
= 9
(ii) Substitute t = a. The input is a letter, so the output is an expression.
= 4a³ − a² + 6
Let the number be x. The description translates directly into a linear equation.
(5/2)x = −7/12 − 2/3
= −7/12 − 8/12
= −15/12 = −5/4
x = (−5/4) × (2/5)
x = −10/20 = −1/2
Check: (5/2)(−1/2) = −5/4; and −5/4 + 2/3 = −15/12 + 8/12 = −7/12. ✓
Let the smaller number be x. The other is 5x. After adding 21 they become x + 21 and 5x + 21.
Since 5x + 21 is the larger of the two, it must be the one that is twice the other.
5x + 21 = 2x + 42
3x = 21
x = 7
The numbers are 7 and 35.
Check: adding 21 gives 28 and 56, and 56 = 2 × 28. ✓
Let n be the number of months. The amount is A = 800 + 250n.
(ii) 2 years = 24 months, so n = 24:
800 + 250(24) = 800 + 6000 = ₹6800
| Month n | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount (₹) | 800 | 1050 | 1300 | 1550 | 2300 | 3800 | 6800 |
Let the tens digit be t and the units digit be u.
Reversed number = 10u + t
Sum = 11t + 11u = 11(t + u) = 143
t + u = 143 ÷ 11 = 13
Also the digits differ by 3, so the two digits add to 13 and differ by 3:
The two numbers are 85 and 58.
Check: 85 + 58 = 143 ✓ and 8 − 5 = 3. ✓
(i) y = –3x + 4
(ii) 2y = 4x + 7
(iii) 5y = 6x – 10
(iv) 3y = 6x – 11.
Are any of the lines parallel?
First put every equation in the form y = ax + b by dividing through by the coefficient of y. Then a is the slope and b the y-intercept, and the line cuts the y-axis at (0, b).
| Equation | In the form y = ax + b | Slope a | y-intercept b | Cuts y-axis at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (i) y = −3x + 4 | y = −3x + 4 | −3 | 4 | (0, 4) |
| (ii) 2y = 4x + 7 | y = 2x + 7/2 | 2 | 7/2 = 3.5 | (0, 3.5) |
| (iii) 5y = 6x − 10 | y = (6/5)x − 2 | 6/5 = 1.2 | −2 | (0, −2) |
| (iv) 3y = 6x − 11 | y = 2x − 11/3 | 2 | −11/3 | (0, −11/3) |
Two convenient points for each line:
| Line | Point A | Point B |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | (0, 4) | (2, −2) |
| (ii) | (0, 3.5) | (2, 7.5) |
| (iii) | (0, −2) | (5, 4) |
| (iv) | (1, −5/3) | (4, 13/3) |
Parallel lines: yes — (ii) and (iv).
(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.
(i) Put x = 313.
= (9/5)(40) + 32
= 72 + 32
= 104 °F
(ii) Put y = 158 and work backwards.
158 − 32 = (9/5)(x − 273)
126 = (9/5)(x − 273)
x − 273 = 126 × (5/9) = 70
x = 70 + 273 = 343 K
Check: (9/5)(343 − 273) + 32 = (9/5)(70) + 32 = 126 + 32 = 158 °F. ✓
In words: work = force × distance. With the force fixed at 3 units,
w = 3d
This is a linear equation in the two variables w and d, with slope 3 and constant term 0.
| Distance d (units) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work w = 3d (units) | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
(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) A linear polynomial has the form p(x) = ax + b. The two points give two equations.
a(3) + b = 11 …(2)
(2) − (1): 2a = 6, so a = 3
From (1): b = 5 − 3 = 2
(ii) The graph cuts the y-axis where x = 0 and the x-axis where p(x) = 0.
p(x) = 0: 3x + 2 = 0 → x = −2/3 → (−2/3, 0) on the x-axis
(iii)
Verification: p(1) = 3 + 2 = 5 ✓ and p(3) = 9 + 2 = 11. ✓
(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).
(iii) p(x) + q(x) = (a + c)x + (b + d) = 6x + 4
so a + c = 6 and b + d = 4
with b = 5 this gives d = −1
(ii) p(x) − q(x) = (a − c)x + (b − d) is 0 at x = 3
3(a − c) + (5 − (−1)) = 0
3(a − c) + 6 = 0, so a − c = −2
Now solve a + c = 6 and a − c = −2.
Then c = 6 − 2 = 4
(ii) Complete the following table.
| Stage Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … | n |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of matchsticks |
(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) Stage 4 has four hexagons in the chain and Stage 5 has five.
Stage 5: 21 + 5 = 26 matchsticks
(ii)
| Stage number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … | n |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of matchsticks | 6 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 26 | … | 5n + 1 |
(iii)
(iv)
(v) Set the rule equal to 200.
5n = 199
n = 199/5 = 39.8
Since n must be a whole number, no — 200 matchsticks cannot form a stage of this pattern. Stage 39 uses 196 and Stage 40 uses 201.
(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.
Finding p(x): the two points give two equations.
6a + b = 11 …(2)
(2) − (1): 4a = 8, so a = 2
From (1): b = 3 − 4 = −1
Finding q(x): parallel means the same slope, so c = 2. Then use the point (4, −1).
8 + d = −1
d = −9
Where they meet the x-axis (set each polynomial to 0):
2x − 9 = 0 → x = 9/2 → (9/2, 0)
Factorise, and the answer falls out.
f(−1) = a(−1 + 1) = a × 0 = 0 for every a
Every such line passes through the point (−1, 0) — they all cut the x-axis at the same place.
They also share:
- slope = y-intercept = a, so each line meets the y-axis at (0, a);
- positive slope (as a > 0), so every line rises from left to right (linear growth).
Chapter 2 of 8 – Maths
- Previous: Chapter 1 Orienting Yourself the Use of Coordinates
- Next: Chapter 3 The World of Numbers
- All chapters: NCERT Solutions Class 9 Maths
Also for This Chapter
NCERT Solutions Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Introduction to Linear Polynomials – Overview
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | Maths |
| Chapter | 2 – Introduction to Linear Polynomials |
| Textbook pages | 16 – 40 |
| Questions solved | 65 |
| Session | 2027 |
| Format | Full answers on this page + PDF |
NCERT Solutions Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 – FAQs
Where can I download NCERT Solutions Class 9 Maths Chapter 2 Introduction to Linear Polynomials PDF?
Read every answer on this page, or download the free PDF from the table at the top.
Is this for the 2027 session?
Yes, it follows the latest NCERT Class 9 Maths book for 2027.
How many questions are solved in NCERT Class 9 Maths Chapter 2?
All 65 questions of the chapter (textbook pages 16 – 40) – the in-text questions, activities and the end-of-chapter exercises.
How should I use these solutions?
Read the chapter in the NCERT book first, attempt the questions yourself, then check your answers here.