Answers to first 5 of 15 – Self assessment questions on Quadratic equations: Question 1

(a)(i) What must be added to the expression x² – 5x to make it a perfect square? Click here to get the questions

Solution

x² – 5x

Since the coefficient of x² is 1, we say that what must be added is the square of half of the coefficient of x, which is -5

Half the coefficient and square it as follows

-5*^1/₂ = -⁵/₂

Square of the halved coefficient is (^-5/₂)² = ²⁵/₄

Thus, ²⁵/₄ must be added toto make it a perfect square

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