SOLUTION: Find the value of d such that u2-12u+d is a perfect square

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Find the value of d such that u2-12u+d is a perfect square      Log On


   

Question 146425: Find the value of d such that

u2-12u+d
is a perfect square
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You are looking for the perfect square such that,
%28u%2Ba%29%5E2=u%5E2-12u%2Bd
When you expand the left hand side, you get,
%28u%2Ba%29%5E2=u%5E2%2B2au%2Ba%5E2
In your example,
2au=-12u
a=-6
When you match up values,
d=a%5E2
d=%28-6%29%5E2
d=36