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 70; page 57.

p^2 + 14p

Divide 14 by 2 and square the quotient.

(14/2)^2 = (7)^2 = 49.

The number that should be added to complete the square is 49.

Is this OK so far?

I must now factor.

p^2 + 7p + 49 = 49

(p + 7)(p + 7) = 49

(p + 7)^2 = 49

The number I need is 49. The factored form I want is (p + 7)^2.

You say?

Note: The question did not say to solve for p.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,627

Re: Find Number & Factor

Yes, what you have done is correct.

Note: The question did not say to solve for p.

 

That's because the original was p^2 + 14p but it wasn't equal to anything so there wasn't actually an equation to solve.

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

mathxyz

Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 1,053

Re: Find Number & Factor

Yes, what you have done is correct.

Note: The question did not say to solve for p.

 

That's because the original was p^2 + 14p but it wasn't equal to anything so there wasn't actually an equation to solve.

Bob

Sullivan did not say to solve for the variable in this exercise. Like you said, the problem is not an equation