A). r^2+(5/6)r+ B). p^2-7p+

Question

Find the constant term that should be added to the expression to form a perfect square trinomial. Write the resulting perfect square trinomial in factored form

Answer 1

To solve this, you divide the coefficient of the term with the first power of the variable by 2, and then square the result.

 

A) (5/6) ÷ 2 = 5/12.  (5/12)² = 25/144

 

B) -7 ÷ 2 = -7/2.  (-7/2)² = 49/4   (It doesn't actually matter if you use -7 or 7, since squaring either one will give the same result.)

 

 

By the way, if the term with the second power of the variable had a coefficient other than 1, then the method would be slightly different.