A bus has x rows, and each row contains x + 5 seats. If the bus has 500 seats in total, how many rows does it have?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 20
The total-seat condition gives x(x + 5) = 500. Thus, x² + 5x − 500 = 0 = (x − 20)(x + 25), so x = 20 or x = −25. Since the number of rows cannot be negative, the valid answer is 20 rows. In such word problems, reject roots that are not meaningful in the given context.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
20
Why is this the correct answer?
The total-seat condition gives x(x + 5) = 500. Thus, x² + 5x − 500 = 0 = (x − 20)(x + 25), so x = 20 or x = −25. Since the number of rows cannot be negative, the valid answer is 20 rows. In such word problems, reject roots that are not meaningful in the given context.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Quadratic Equations. Topic: Word Problems and Applications.
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