SOLUTION: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following expression a perfect-square trinomial. x^2 + 7x

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following expression a perfect-square trinomial. x^2 + 7x      Log On


   

Question 774877: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following expression a perfect-square trinomial. x^2 + 7x
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Take 1/2 of the coefficient of the +x+ term
and square it
+x%5E2+%2B+7x+%2B+%28+7%2F2+%29%5E2+
+x%5E2+%2B+7x+%2B+49%2F4+
add 49/4 to make it a perfect square trinomial
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check:
+%28+x+%2B+7%2F2+%29%5E2+
+x%5E2+%2B+7x+%2B+49%2F4+
OK