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Add the proper constant to each binomial so that the resulting trinomial is a perfect square trinomial. Then factor the trinomial. $$ n^{2}+5 n $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
Add \( \frac{25}{4} \); factor to \( \left(n + \frac{5}{2}\right)^2 \).

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Linear Coefficient

The given binomial is \( n^2 + 5n \). The linear coefficient here is 5. This is the coefficient of the term containing \( n \).
02

Divide the Linear Coefficient by 2

We take the linear coefficient (5) and divide it by 2 to get \( \frac{5}{2} \).
03

Square the Result

To complete the square, we square the result from Step 2. \( \left( \frac{5}{2} \right)^2 = \frac{25}{4} \). This is the constant that needs to be added to the binomial.
04

Form the Perfect Square Trinomial

Add \( \frac{25}{4} \) to the original binomial to form the trinomial \( n^2 + 5n + \frac{25}{4} \). This trinomial is a perfect square trinomial.
05

Factor the Trinomial

The trinomial \( n^2 + 5n + \frac{25}{4} \) factors into \( \left(n + \frac{5}{2}\right)^2 \) because we added \( \frac{25}{4} \), which is the square of \( \frac{5}{2} \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Binomials
A binomial is a polynomial expression consisting of exactly two terms. These terms are typically linked together by either addition or subtraction. In our example, the binomial is \( n^2 + 5n \). The term "binomial" originates from "bi-", meaning two, and "-nomial", relating to terms. This concept makes binomials one of the simpler forms of expressions within algebra. Binomials can take various forms such as:
  • Two variable expressions: \( ax + b \)
  • Squared terms: \( x^2 + 2xy \)
Each binomial has its own identity and set of possible transformations. In our task, we need to convert this binomial into a trinomial that is a perfect square.
The Role of the Linear Coefficient
The linear coefficient is an essential component of any polynomial and specifically a binomial. It is the number that scales the variable without an exponent attached to it. In the given binomial \( n^2 + 5n \), 5 is the linear coefficient. It is crucial because it helps determine how we can transform a binomial into a perfect square trinomial. To find the necessary constant for completing the square, the linear coefficient is divided by 2. In our case:
  • Linear Coefficient: 5
  • Divide by 2: \( \frac{5}{2} \)
This step is foundational because this calculation ultimately influences the entire transformation process.
The Importance of Squaring
Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. This operation is crucial in the process of converting a binomial into a perfect square trinomial. After halving the linear coefficient in the binomial, we next square that result to find the additional constant we need.In our example:
  • Half of the linear coefficient: \( \frac{5}{2} \)
  • Squared: \( \left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{25}{4} \)
This squared value, \( \frac{25}{4} \), is added to the original binomial. By doing this, we ensure the created trinomial represents a perfect square.
Recognizing a Trinomial
A trinomial, as the name suggests, is a polynomial consisting of three distinct terms. In our example, the perfect square trinomial is \( n^2 + 5n + \frac{25}{4} \). When forming a perfect square trinomial, each of the terms has its specific role, aligning often in the format \( a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \).Trinomials are significant because:
  • They allow expression in a single squared binomial: \( (a + b)^2 \)
  • They simplify the solving of equations and enhance understanding of polynomial behavior.
By transforming our original binomial into this trinomial, we can now say it factors neatly into \( \left(n + \frac{5}{2}\right)^2 \), illustrating the elegance and utility of algebraic structures.

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