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Completing the square

Im having trouble understanding why

x^2 + 6x + (6/2)^2

Simplifies to:

(x + 6/2)^2

Its part of an equation when completing the square

Reply 1

F1Z$3Y

6/2 = 3

so equation is: x^2 + 6x + 3^2

= x^2 + 6x + 9

= (x + 3)^2 + 9 - 9

= (x + 3)^2

Because 3 = 6/2

(x + 3)^2 = (x + 6/2)^2

I wrote out a lot of steps which I doubt you'd need to write out :tongue:

. Hopefully it makes sense now. :smile:

Reply 2

TenOfThem

Original post by picklesmartyn

Im having trouble understanding why

x^2 + 6x + (6/2)^2

Simplifies to:

(x + 6/2)^2

Its part of an equation when completing the square

Because

(x+a)^2 = x^2 + 2ax + a^2

Reply 3

picklesmartyn

Thanks guys

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Completing the square

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