x^2 + 5x + 25/4 is a perfect square trinomial?

EricPowell

In my pre-calculus math class right now we are learning how to convert the standard form of a quadratic equation to general form. There are just some questions that are about filling in the missing number to make the equation, what I assume to be, a perfect square trinomial. Is that what the question is asking?

The textbook gives the answer as being 25/4. I have no idea how I would go about accomplishing that.

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2) Find a number that makes the expression a perfect square of the form (x+h)^2.

e) x² + 5x + __



3. The attempt at a solution
I would think that I would have to find a perfect square whose root adds to 5 when multiplied by two. And I can not think of any such number.

SammyS

Hello EricPowell. Welcome to PF !

Where did you get the 25/4 that's in the title of this thread?

EricPowell

NEVERMIND
Well now I feel silly...I never thought of thinking of 5/2 as being half of 5. 5/2² is 25/4.


Thank you for your efforts to help me though!

Mark44

And you want to write that as (5/2)², not 5/2², which is equal to 5/4.