Chapter 11: Problem 34
Add the proper constant to each binomial so that the resulting trinomial is a perfect square trinomial. Then factor the trinomial. $$ y^{2}-y+ $$ _____
Short Answer
Expert verified
Add \(\frac{1}{4}\) to get \((y - \frac{1}{2})^2\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the binomial structure
The given expression is a binomial of the form \( y^{2} - y \). To make it a perfect square trinomial, we need to add a constant term \( c \) to transform it into \( y^{2} - y + c \).
02
Determine the constant term
A perfect square trinomial is of the form \((b)^2 - 2ab + (a)^2\). In this case, \((2a)^2 = 2\times 1\times a = 1\). So, \(a = \frac{1}{2}\). The constant term should be \((\frac{1}{2})^2 = \frac{1}{4}\).
03
Add the constant to the binomial
The correct constant to add to the binomial \( y^{2} - y \) is \( \frac{1}{4} \). Thus, the trinomial becomes \( y^{2} - y + \frac{1}{4} \).
04
Verify and factor the trinomial
Check the obtained trinomial \( y^{2} - y + \frac{1}{4} \). It can be factored as \((y - \frac{1}{2})^2\) because \((y - \frac{1}{2})(y - \frac{1}{2}) = y^{2} - y + \frac{1}{4} \).
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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 mathematical expression that consists of two distinct terms connected by either a plus (+) or minus (-) operator. For example, in the exercise given, the binomial is \(y^2 - y\). Binomials are often used as the starting point in algebra for creating more complex expressions, such as trinomials.
The structure of a binomial is fundamentally simple, consisting of a variable raised to a power and another variable term. This simplicity can make binomials an excellent foundation for understanding more complex algebraic concepts.
The structure of a binomial is fundamentally simple, consisting of a variable raised to a power and another variable term. This simplicity can make binomials an excellent foundation for understanding more complex algebraic concepts.
- The given binomial \(y^2 - y\) includes a squared term \(y^2\) and a linear term \(-y\).
- The process of manipulating a binomial, like adding a constant to form a trinomial, is a standard part of polynomial operations.
Factoring Explained
Factoring is a valuable mathematical process that simplifies expressions by breaking them down into products of simpler factors. When it comes to the trinomial formed by the completion of a perfect square, factoring is necessary to verify if the transformation was successful.
After converting the binomial to a trinomial by adding the required constant term, the next step is to check if this trinomial can indeed be factored back into a binomial squared. For example, the trinomial \( y^2 - y + \frac{1}{4} \) can be factored as \((y - \frac{1}{2})^2\).
After converting the binomial to a trinomial by adding the required constant term, the next step is to check if this trinomial can indeed be factored back into a binomial squared. For example, the trinomial \( y^2 - y + \frac{1}{4} \) can be factored as \((y - \frac{1}{2})^2\).
- This means the expression \( (y - \frac{1}{2})(y - \frac{1}{2}) \) equals back the trinomial \( y^2 - y + \frac{1}{4} \).
- Factoring helps verify the solution because it shows that the perfect square trinomial is indeed the square of a binomial.
Grasping Trinomials
Trinomials are algebraic expressions composed of three terms. An essential form of trinomials in algebra is the perfect square trinomial. A perfect square trinomial can be expressed as the square of a binomial.
The process involves identifying the binomial, finding the constant that makes it a perfect square trinomial, and then confirming it through factoring. For instance, in this exercise, beginning with the binomial \(y^2 - y\) leads to the trinomial \( y^2 - y + \frac{1}{4} \) by incorporating the constant term.
The process involves identifying the binomial, finding the constant that makes it a perfect square trinomial, and then confirming it through factoring. For instance, in this exercise, beginning with the binomial \(y^2 - y\) leads to the trinomial \( y^2 - y + \frac{1}{4} \) by incorporating the constant term.
- A perfect square trinomial has the form \((a)^2 - 2ab + (b)^2\) which confirms it can be expressed as \((a-b)^2\).
- The middle term, often the trickiest part, should satisfy the condition \(-2ab\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are terms derived from the original binomial.
Role of the Constant Term
The constant term is crucial in transforming a binomial into a perfect square trinomial. In the given example, the constant term added is \(\frac{1}{4}\). This term is calculated to ensure the complete trinomial matches the structure of a perfect square.
When a binomial needs to be converted into a perfect square trinomial, the constant term is derived from the square of half the coefficient of the linear term in the binomial. For \(-y\), the coefficient is \(-1\), so you divide it by 2 to get \(-\frac{1}{2}\) and square it to achieve \( \frac{1}{4} \).
When a binomial needs to be converted into a perfect square trinomial, the constant term is derived from the square of half the coefficient of the linear term in the binomial. For \(-y\), the coefficient is \(-1\), so you divide it by 2 to get \(-\frac{1}{2}\) and square it to achieve \( \frac{1}{4} \).
- The constant ensures that the trinomial aligns with perfect square trinomial rules.
- Without the correct constant term, the trinomial cannot be accurately expressed as the square of a binomial.