Question

Which value of a makes the following equation true
(x+a)^2=x^2+16x+64

Answer 1

The value of a is 8.

Explanation:

In the expression, x² + 16x + 64, 64 is a perfect square of 8 so if you factorize it, you will get :

x² + 16x + 64

= x² + 8x + 8x + 64

= x(x + 8) + 8(x + 8)

= (x + 8)²

(x + a)² = (x + 8)²

a = 8