Question

In the quadratic equation x2 - 8x + a = 0; what is the value, a, in order to form a perfect square?

Answer 1

Have you considered \((a+b)^{2} = a^{2} + 2ab + b^{2}\) ?

Answer 2

can you explain the problem plz cause i dont really get it @tkhunny

Answer 3

That is the action of a perfect square. That's how they work.

You have the first two pieces. How do you find the third?

Answer 4

Explore it a little:

\((x-1)^{2} = x^{2} - 2x + 1\)

\((x-2)^{2} = x^{2} - 4x + 4\)

\((x-3)^{2} = x^{2} - 6x + 9\)

Are we getting close?

\((x-4)^{2} =\) ??

Answer 5

im still confuse to be honest im sorry