300 apples are distributed equally among a certain number of students. Had there been 10 more students, each would have received one apple less. Find the number of students.
Let the total number of students be x
According to the question
taking LCM
cross multiplying
Using the splitting middle term – the middle term of the general equation is divided in two such values that:
Product = a.c
For the given equation a = 1 b = 10 c = – 3000
= 1. – 3000 = – 3000
And either of their sum or difference = b
= 10
Thus the two terms are 60 and – 50
Difference = 60 – 50 = 10
Product = 60. – 50 = – 3000
x2 + 60x – 50x – 3000 = 0
x(x + 60) – 50(x + 60) = 0
(x + 60) (x – 50) = 0
(x – 50) = 0 or (x + 60) = 0
x = 50 or x = – 60
x cannot be negative thus total number of students = 50