SOLUTION: Find the value of "a" such that y^2 - 18y + a is a perfect square.

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Question 38723: Find the value of "a" such that
y^2 - 18y + a
is a perfect square.
Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A perfect square should be a set of values square. An example: (x+1)^2
y%5E2+-+18y+%2B+a First, determine a value times the leading coefficient that give you factors that add up to (-18)
y%5E2+-+18y+%2B+81 pick 81 because the factors: -9,-9 give you the answer
%28y%5E2+-+9y%29+%2B+%28-9y+%2B+81%29
y%28y+-+9%29+-+9%28y+-+9%29
%28y+-+9%29%28y+-+9%29
a+=+81