SOLUTION: Explain how to find the constant that must be added to make a binomial into a perfect square trinomial.

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Question 953126: Explain how to find the constant that must be added to make a binomial into a perfect square trinomial.
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Sample equation: 2x%5E2%2B16x-96=0
Separate variable and constants(move the number to the other side)
2x%5E2%2B16x=96
Divide each side by the coefficient of the squared term.
x%5E2%2B8x=48
Take 1/2 the coefficient of the x term (note the sign) and square it. Add this square to each side of the equation (1/2)(8)=4; squared=16
x%5E2%2B8x%2B16=48%2B16 Write the left side in squared form (use the sign noted earlier)
%28x%2B4%29%5E2=64 Find the square root of each side and solve.
x+4= plus/minus 8
x=4 or x=-12