SOLUTION: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following a perfect square trinomial: x^2 + 7x Multiple choice: a)49 b)49/2 c)7/2 d)49/4 Thank you for your help

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following a perfect square trinomial: x^2 + 7x Multiple choice: a)49 b)49/2 c)7/2 d)49/4 Thank you for your help      Log On


   

Question 69503: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following a perfect square trinomial:
x^2 + 7x
Multiple choice:
a)49
b)49/2
c)7/2
d)49/4
Thank you for your help
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, Nate:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the constant term that should be added to make the following a perfect square trinomial:
x^2 + 7x
Square (1/2) the coefficient of the x term.
(7/2)^2 = 49/4
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Cheers,
Stan H.

Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(x + k)^2 = x^2 + 2k*x + k^2
2k = 7
k = 3.5
k^2 = 3.5^2 = 12.25 = 49/4
x^2 + 7x + 49/4