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Quadratic Equations : Making a Perfect Square

What must be added to each of the following expressions to obtain a perfect square?

a) x^2 + 5x
b) a^2 + 2ka
c) c^2 - 4c

Solution Preview

a) x^2 + 5x

The coefficient of x is 5. Half of this is 5/2

x^2 + 5x + (5/2)^2 = (x + ...

Solution Summary

The constant that needs to be added to turn an expression into a perfect square is found.