How to solve
Add and subtract (b/2)² to build a perfect square trinomial.
Steps
- Take half of the x-coefficient: d = b/2.
- Write (x + d)².
- Adjust the constant: e = c − d².
Example
Write x² + 6x + 5 in vertex form.
- d = 3, d² = 9.
- x² + 6x + 5 = (x + 3)² − 4.
Answer: (x+3)^2-4
How to type answers
- Keep the squared form — do not expand
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