Question 378452: My problem is I do not know how to work this out. It is completing the square find the value of c such that w^2-10w+c is the perfect square. I am confused and do not know how to work it out. I hope you can show me so I will understand.
Thank you
Answer by solver91311(24713)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Consider ^2\ =\ a^2\ +\ 2ab\ +\ b^2)
If you compare this to your problem, the  part is the same as your  part, the  part is the same as your  part, and finally, the  part is the same as your  part.
So if you take the center term apart, in my example the two parts would be  and  , and in your problem they would be  and  . So to find  in my example, you would divide by 2. Let's do the same for your problem,  . The last term in my example is , so the last term, or , in your problem has to be ^2\ =\ 25) .
There is your rule: Divide the coefficient on the first degree term by 2 and square the result to get the value of the constant that completes the perfect square.
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
|
|
|
