Question
Can some one help me complete the square in this question?
x^2+(13/2)x=13
x^2+(13/2)x=13
Answers
Reiny
If the coefficient of the square term is 1, which it is in your case,
take 1/2 of the x term coefficient , square it, then add it to both sides of your equation.
1/2 of 13/2 = 13/4
(13/4)^2 = 169/16
so ...
x^2 + (13/2)x + <b>169/16</b> = 13 + <b>169/16</b>
can you see the perfect square on the left?
I am sure you can finish it now.
take 1/2 of the x term coefficient , square it, then add it to both sides of your equation.
1/2 of 13/2 = 13/4
(13/4)^2 = 169/16
so ...
x^2 + (13/2)x + <b>169/16</b> = 13 + <b>169/16</b>
can you see the perfect square on the left?
I am sure you can finish it now.