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What value of k will make 4x^2 - 20x + k the square of a binomial?

 Jul 16, 2016
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Firstly, k must be a square number(1, 4, 9, ... etc.)

Next, we will analyze the second term of the trinomial.

-20x = \(2\times 2x\times (\text{Something})\)

\((\text{Something})= -5\)

Next, we will find the square of that (Something).

\(\boxed{(-a)^2=a^2}\\ (-5)^2=5^2=25\)

Therefore k = 25.

 

4x^2 - 20x + 25 = \((2x)^2-2\times 2x \times (-5)+(-5)^2=(2x-5)^2\)

 Jul 17, 2016

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