Amira is solving the equation x^2-6x = 1. Which value must be added to both sides of the equation to make the left side a perfect square trinomial?

1 Answer
Jan 13, 2016

The value to add on both sides is 9

Explanation:

The perfect square trinomial is

(a+-b)^2=a^2+-2ab+b^2

x^2-6x=1

x^2-2*3x=1

then

2ab=2*3*x=2*x*3

a=x
b=3

then we must add

b^2=3^2=9

x^2-6xcolor(green)(+9)=1color(green)(+9)

x^2-6x+9=10