What is the missing constant term in the perfect square that starts with x^2 + 14^x

Mathematics · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

Answered on

Given:

x^2 + 14x + __

Determine the missing constant to make the perfect square.

Solution:

In order to determine the missing constant, we divide the constant of the 2nd term by 2, and square the quotient, since perfect square solutions are often expressed in the form, a^2 + 2ab+b^2, hence we know that a is x, and in order to get b, we must divide the 2nd term by 2.

= 14/2

= 7

= (7)^2

= 49

Expanded form: x^2 + 14x + 49

Factored form: (x  + 7)^2

Final answer:

Expanded form: x^2 + 14x + 49

Factored form: (x  + 7)^2