constant term 10

Question

Add the proper constant to the binomial so that the resulting trinomial is a perfect square trinomial. Then factor the trinomial.



x squared + 7x +?___



What is the constant? term?

Answer 1

This is a complete the square problem. To complete the square take one-half the middle coefficient and then square it to make the constant.

 

7/2 = 3.5

 

3.5^2 = 12.25

 

The trinomial is x^2 + 7x + 12.25.

 

The factored form is (x + 3.5)^2 or (x + 3.5)(x + 3.5)

 

You can use the FOIL method to check the work.

 

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