I need to find the trinomial value of k which makes a perfect square. The problem is x2 - 6x + k

I hope this will help
My name is Lea

Hi Lea,

Part of solving algebra problems is seeing patterns and relationships. A trinomial that is a perfect square is of the form

(x + a)2 = x2 + 2a x + a2

The pattern to see here is the relationship between the the coefficient of x, 2a, and the constant term, a2; if you divide the coefficient of x by 2 and then square it you get the constant term. In your example the coefficient of x is -6 so the constant term is (-6/2)2 = 9.

Cheers,
Penny
Go to Math Central