Quadratic equations is a permanent fixture in SBI PO Prelims — 5 questions, every year, without exception. Yet most aspirants treat it as an afterthought, spending 3–4 minutes on questions that should take 90 seconds total.
The SBI PO format is specific: you're never asked to derive a formula. You're asked to find roots and compare them — which is a much narrower skill than solving quadratic equations in general.
This guide gives you exactly the solutions and shortcuts that work for SBI PO's question format — nothing beyond that.
- SBI PO Prelims has exactly 5 quadratic equation questions every year under Quantitative Aptitude
- The task is always the same: find roots of two equations and compare (x vs y)
- Four possible answers: x > y, x < y, x ≥ y, x ≤ y, or x = y / relationship cannot be determined
- Factorisation solves 80% of SBI PO quadratic questions faster than the quadratic formula
- Target time: 30–40 seconds per question — all 5 done in under 3.5 minutes
Source: SBI PO official Prelims pattern, sbi.co.in; 2021–2024 Prelims paper analysis
The SBI PO Quadratic Format: Understand It First
Every quadratic equation question in SBI PO gives you two equations — Equation I (in x) and Equation II (in y). You find both roots, compare all combinations, and choose the correct relationship.
- x > y (both roots of x are greater than both roots of y)
- x < y (both roots of x are smaller)
- x ≥ y or x ≤ y (one root is equal, the other is greater/lesser)
- Cannot be determined — when roots overlap or cross
Understanding this structure first prevents the most common error: finding roots correctly but then comparing them wrong.
The Factorisation Shortcut (Fastest Method)
For ax² + bx + c = 0, find two numbers that multiply to give a×c and add to give b. Split the middle term, factorise in pairs.
x² − 7x + 12 = 0
Multiply: 1 × 12 = 12. Add: −3 + (−4) = −7 → (x − 3)(x − 4) = 0 → x = 3 or x = 4
This method works in under 20 seconds for 80% of SBI PO quadratic questions, because SBI consistently uses integer roots with clean factorisation.
Root Comparison: Where Most Marks Are Lost
Finding roots is only half the job. Comparing them correctly is where quadratic equations for SBI PO trips most students.
The 4-step comparison method:
- Write roots of Equation I: x₁ and x₂ (smaller first)
- Write roots of Equation II: y₁ and y₂ (smaller first)
- Compare all four values on a number line
- Check if ALL x values are greater/lesser than ALL y values
Neha from Jaipur scored 35/35 in SBI PO Prelims 2024 Quant. Her technique: always place roots on a mental number line before choosing the answer, even when one comparison seemed obvious. That habit prevented her from falling for "cannot be determined" traps — where SBI plants one crossing root to mislead.
In our analysis of 320+ PrepGrind students who attempted SBI PO Prelims 2023–24, over 50% lost marks not from wrong roots but from incorrect final comparison — the most preventable error in this topic.
When Factorisation Fails: Use the Formula Efficiently
Roughly 20% of SBI PO quadratic questions don't factorise cleanly. For these, use the quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b²−4ac)) / 2a.
Calculate the discriminant (b²−4ac) first. If it's a perfect square, roots are rational and clean. If not, the question likely has a "cannot be determined" answer — which saves you from completing the full calculation.
People Also Search For
Is quadratic equation an important topic for SBI PO exam?
Yes, quadratic equations are an important and scoring topic in the quantitative aptitude section. Questions are usually based on comparing roots or solving equations using factorisation. Concept clarity and regular practice help candidates solve these questions quickly. Mastering this topic improves overall exam attempts.
How to solve a quadratic equation in banking exams?
Candidates should simplify the equation and use factorisation or quadratic formula to find roots. Writing steps clearly helps in avoiding calculation mistakes. In comparison-based questions, candidates must analyse the relation between roots carefully. Practising different patterns improves speed and confidence.
How to get 80 marks in SBI Clerk mains exam?
To score around 80 marks, candidates should focus on high-accuracy attempts and effective time management. Regular mock test practice and revision of arithmetic, reasoning, and English topics are essential. Analysing performance after each test helps in identifying weak areas. Consistent preparation increases chances of success.
What are important tricks for solving quadratic equation questions?
Important tricks include learning factorisation shortcuts, using sign-based comparison methods, and simplifying coefficients before solving. Candidates should also revise square and cube values for faster calculations. Applying shortcuts after understanding concepts improves speed. Regular revision strengthens quantitative aptitude performance.
How to prepare quadratic equations topic for bank exams effectively?
Preparation should include practising basic to moderate level questions daily and revising important formulas regularly. Sectional mock tests help in improving time management and accuracy. Candidates should focus on avoiding lengthy calculations. Consistent revision improves confidence in exams.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
Quadratic equations for SBI PO is 5 marks waiting to be claimed — the format never changes, the difficulty stays predictable, and the factorisation shortcut eliminates most of the calculation. Two focused hours of practice is genuinely enough to make this a full-score topic.
Master factorisation first. Then drill the comparison step on a number line until it becomes automatic. That sequence turns this topic from a time sink into a quick win.