Q
QuestionMathematics

"Find the value of c that makes the expression a perfect square trinomial. x² + 4x + c Responses A 22 B 44 C 88 D 16"
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Answer

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Step 1:
: Identify the form of the perfect square trinomial.

To make this a perfect square trinomial, we need to find a value of $c$ such that there exists an $a$ and $b$ where the equation holds true.

Step 2:
: Compare the given expression with the perfect square trinomial formula.

By comparing the given expression $x^2 + 4x + c$ with the perfect square trinomial formula $(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, we can see that $a = x$ and $2ab = 4x$.

Step 3:
: Solve for $b$ in terms of $a$.

2ab = 4x \Rightarrow b = \frac{4x}{2a} = \frac{4}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{x} = \frac{2}{x}

Step 4:
: Substitute the value of $b$ into the perfect square trinomial formula.

(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \Rightarrow \left(x + \frac{2}{x}\right)^2 = x^2 + 2 + \frac{4}{x^2}

Step 5:
: Compare the derived expression with the given expression.

By comparing the derived expression with the given expression, we can see that $c = 2$.

Final Answer

The value of $c$ that makes the expression $x^2 + 4x + c$ a perfect square trinomial is $1$.