Math Is Fun Forum

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Find Number & Factor

Determine the number that should be added to complete the square of the expression. Then factor the expression.

Problem 74; page 57.

x^2 + (1/3)x

[(1/3) ÷ 2]^2 = (1/6)^2 = 1/36.

I now have x^2 + (1/6)x + (1/36) = (1/36).

The number I want is (1/36).

Now I factor x^2 + (1/6)x + 1/36.

(x + 1/6)(x + 1/6) = 1/36

(x + 1/6)^2

Answer:

The number that should be added to complete the square is 1/36.

The factored form is (x + 1/6)^2.

You say?

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,627

Re: Find Number & Factor

That's it done nicely.

Bob

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mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Re: Find Number & Factor

That's it done nicely.

Bob

Thanks. This is one is slightly tricky because of the fraction.