document.write( "Question 182861: Find a value for k that will make 4x^2 + 6.4x + k a perfect square. Describe the procedure that you used which requires algebra [that is, not trial and error]. \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #137282 by nerdybill(7384)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! 4x^2 + 6.4x + k \n" ); document.write( ". \n" ); document.write( "Looking at just the terms with 'x': \n" ); document.write( "4x^2 + 6.4x \n" ); document.write( "Factor out 4: \n" ); document.write( "4(x^2 + 1.8x) \n" ); document.write( ". \n" ); document.write( "Take 1/2 of 1.8 and square it, to get: \n" ); document.write( "((1/2)(1.8))^2 = .9^2 = 0.81 \n" ); document.write( ". \n" ); document.write( "Adding it in: \n" ); document.write( "4(x^2 + 1.8x + 0.81) \n" ); document.write( "4x^2 + 6.4x + 3.24 \n" ); document.write( ". \n" ); document.write( "So, k = 3.24 \n" ); document.write( ". \n" ); document.write( "The process above is called \"completing the square\". For additional info see: \n" ); document.write( "http://www.purplemath.com/modules/solvquad3.htm \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |