SOLUTION: Is this trinomial a perfect square? x² - 6x - 9 Please show work as to how it is or isn't. I asked this question last week but work wasn't shown. I need it explained to me so I c

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons -> SOLUTION: Is this trinomial a perfect square? x² - 6x - 9 Please show work as to how it is or isn't. I asked this question last week but work wasn't shown. I need it explained to me so I c      Log On


   

Question 173323: Is this trinomial a perfect square?
x² - 6x - 9
Please show work as to how it is or isn't. I asked this question last week but work wasn't shown. I need it explained to me so I can understand. PLEASE HELP!!
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
No, it is guaranteed NOT to be a perfect square because the coefficient on the constant term is negative. Perfect square trinomials ALWAYS have a positive constant term.

%28x-a%29%28x-a%29=x%5E2-2ax%2Ba%5E2

%28x%2Ba%29%28x%2Ba%29=x%5E2%2B2ax%2Ba%5E2

See?