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

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


   

Question 103662: Find the constant term that should be added to make the following expression a perfect-square trinomial. x^2 + 2x
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let's compare it.
%28x%2Ba%29%5E2=x%5E2%2Bhighlight%282ax%29%2Ba%5E2Perfect square.
Your equation is
x%5E2%2Bhighlight%282x%29
The highlighted portion gives you
2ax=2x
2ax%2F2x=2x%2F2x
a=1
So your a%5E2 term that you need to add to make it a perfect square is
a%5E2+=+1