Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
1. Equations & Inequalities
The Quadratic Formula
Problem 64b
Textbook Question
In Exercises 64–65, determine the constant that should be added to the binomial so that it becomes a perfect square trinomial. Then write and factor the trinomial. x^2+ 20x
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1
Identify the coefficient of the linear term in the binomial, which is 20 in the expression x^2 + 20x.
Divide the coefficient of the linear term by 2, then square the result to find the constant that should be added. This is calculated as (20/2)^2.
Add the calculated constant to the original binomial to form a perfect square trinomial. The new expression will be x^2 + 20x + (20/2)^2.
Factor the perfect square trinomial. It can be factored as (x + the square root of the constant)^2.
Write the factored form of the trinomial using the value calculated in step 2.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is a quadratic expression that can be expressed as the square of a binomial. It takes the form (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b², where 'a' and 'b' are real numbers. Recognizing this structure is essential for transforming a given quadratic expression into a perfect square trinomial.
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Completing the Square
Completing the square is a method used to convert a quadratic expression into a perfect square trinomial. This involves adding a specific constant to the expression, which is derived from the coefficient of the linear term. For the expression x² + 20x, the constant to be added is (20/2)² = 100, allowing us to rewrite the expression as (x + 10)².
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Factoring Quadratics
Factoring quadratics involves rewriting a quadratic expression as a product of its linear factors. For a perfect square trinomial like (x + 10)², it can be factored as (x + 10)(x + 10). Understanding how to factor is crucial for simplifying expressions and solving quadratic equations effectively.
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