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19 votes
19 votes
What number should be added to both sides of the equation to complete the square? x^2-40x=0

What number should be added to both sides of the equation to complete the square? x-example-1
User Amok
by
2.7k points

2 Answers

11 votes
11 votes

Answer:

400

Explanation:

When completing the square, all you need to do is take half the coefficient of x, and square it.

In this case the coefficient of x is -40, and half of that is -20. -20 squared is 400, and that is what you need to add to both sides.

Note that when completing the square, you'll always be adding a positive number unless coefficient you're working with is an imaginary or complex number.

User Syakur Rahman
by
2.9k points
29 votes
29 votes

Answer:

+40

Explanation:

User Sam Brightman
by
3.6k points