Question

Given the following perfect square trinomial, fill in the missing term.

x2 − 16x + ____

Answer 1

Take one-half of (-16) and square the result to get the missing term to form a perfect square trinomial.

Example:

x^2 - 2x + ___

1/2of (-2) = -1.
(-1)*(-1) = 1

So, x^2 - 2x + ___ becomes x^2 - 2x + __1__

which is (x-1)^2.

Answer 2

Wait..I'm still a little confused. @Directrix

Answer 3

What is the point of confusion?

Answer 4

Okay, you said I have to take one-half of -16..I'm not quite sure how to do that. Im sorry lol I'm really bad in math:/

Answer 5

What is (1/2) * -16?

Multiply (1/2) * (-16)/1.

Or, go to Google and enter ".5 x -16 and see what pops up.-->

Note that (1/2) = .5 because .5 means 5/10 which simplifies to 1/2.

Answer 6

It's -8

Answer 7

Okay, then square the number -8. That means to multiply -8 times -8.
You can, if you like, enter in the Google search box the following: "-8 times -8" and see what you get or check your work. Try it.

Answer 8

I got 64. Is that right?

Answer 9

Yes. That is correct.

Answer 10

Want to work another one?

Answer 11

yes please! so the answer is 64 right?

Answer 12

A big YES on 64. Positive 64.

Answer 13

Okay! Thank you:) can we work on one more?

Answer 14

Post the problem or I will make up one.

Answer 15

Given the following perfect square trinomial, fill in the missing term.

4x2 + ___x + 49

Answer 16

When there is a coefficient in front of the x^2 term, there's extra work. Let me think.

Answer 17

okay that's fine

Answer 18

I need to know if you are beginning to learn to factor, or if you are beyond that and are beginning to solve quadratic equations by completing the square.

Answer 19

I'm learning to factor

Answer 20

4x^2 + ___x + 49
--------------

4x^2 is a perfect square.
49 is a perfect square.

Take the square root of 4x^2.
Take the square root of 49.
Multiply them together.
Double the result.
That is the value of your missing middle term.

Answer 21

so i have to find the square root of 49, multiply that together and that is my answer?

Answer 22

In learning to factor, you will find that there are "special products." I'm talking "Difference of Two Squares" and our friend now "Perfect Square Trinomial." It is good to automate these. (Think memorize these patterns by using them frequently.) I'll look for a refresher chat shortly.

Answer 23

Let's go step-by-step.
I ask. You post what you think.

-->What is the square root of 4x^2? @babybri_

Answer 24

@babybri_ Calling babybri_ :)

Answer 25

Lol I'm sorry, umm hang on

Answer 26

i have to multiply 4 right?

Answer 27

Here's where we left off:

What is the square root of 4x^2?

Hint: the product of what number and itself is equal to 4?
And, the same question for the variable x.
x times what is equal to x^2.