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Mathematics 17 Online
OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

what value added to x^2-8x would complete the square? a. 64 b. 16 c. -16 d. -4

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

(x + a)^2 = x^2 + 2*a*x + a^2 so in the question, what is the value of a?

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

I think so

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

So what is a in this case?

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

x?

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

No, x is the variable in the equation. (x+a)^2 in which a is a constant. so what is the value of a?

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

8

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

Good so u see the constant there....it is actually -8. Since 2a=-8, what is the value of a?

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

1

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

@superdavesuper

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

No, a is not equal to 1 in this case

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

oh ok

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

So if u know a, then the value to add to complete the square is a^2

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

16?

OpenStudy (superdavesuper):

BINGO!! :) good job!

OpenStudy (omgthatgirl):

thanks

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