SOLUTION: For the expression 5x^2+50x which is the correct FIRST STEP to completing the square is A. Add 25^2 which is the constant term NEEDED to complete the square or B. Factor o

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: For the expression 5x^2+50x which is the correct FIRST STEP to completing the square is A. Add 25^2 which is the constant term NEEDED to complete the square or B. Factor o      Log On


   

Question 195228: For the expression 5x^2+50x
which is the correct FIRST STEP to completing the square is
A. Add 25^2 which is the constant term NEEDED to complete the square
or
B. Factor out a 5 so that the coefficient of x^2 is a 1 BEFORE proceeding
I believe the answer to this is A. First add 25^2.
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Nope. To complete the square on



you must first divide by so that the coefficient on is 1. In the case of your problem, if you don't do that you would end up dealing with a coefficient on in the perfect square factorization step.


John