Question

What are all the values that make x^2 + bx + 144 a perfect square?

Answer 1

b = ±24

Explanation:

Normally to find the number we add to make it a perfect square

We take the coefficient of x

b

Divide by 2

b/2

Then square it

(b/2) ^2

In this case, we are adding 144

(b/2) ^2 = 144

Take the square root of each side

sqrt((b/2) ^2) = sqrt(144)

b/2 = ±12

Multiply each side by 2

b/2*2 = ±12 *2

b = ±24