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Algebra I math worksheets

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Structure of quadratic expressions

Learning goals

  • Recognizes quadratic expressions and their key structural parts.
  • Rewrites expressions to reveal factors, zeros, or vertex-related structure.
  • Uses structure to predict useful solving or graphing methods.

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Structure of quadratic expressions 1
Match each expression to its special quadratic structure, then rewrite it using that structure. a) \(x^2+6x+9\) b) \(x^2-9\)

Hints

- Check whether the first and last terms are squares. - For the three-term expression, compare the middle term with twice the product of the square roots of the outer terms. - For the two-term expression, notice the subtraction between two squares.

Solution

1. For part a, \(x^2+6x+9=x^2+2\cdot x\cdot3+3^2\), so it is a perfect-square trinomial and equals \((x+3)^2\). 2. For part b, \(x^2-9=x^2-3^2\), so it is a difference of squares and equals \((x-3)(x+3)\).

Answer

a) Perfect-square trinomial: \((x+3)^2\) b) Difference of squares: \((x-3)(x+3)\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 2
In the square-of-a-sum identity \((A+B)^2=A^2+2AB+B^2\), let \(A=x\) and \(B=2\). What term does \(2AB\) become?

Hints

- Focus only on the middle term \(2AB\). - Substitute the given expressions for \(A\) and \(B\).

Solution

1. Substitute \(A=x\) and \(B=2\) into the middle term \(2AB\). 2. \(2AB=2\cdot x\cdot2=4x\).

Answer

The \(2AB\) term becomes \(4x\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 3
Factor \(x^2-16\) using its special quadratic structure.

Hints

- Write both terms as squares. - Think of two conjugate factors whose product has no middle term.

Solution

1. Recognize \(16=4^2\), so the expression is \(x^2-4^2\). 2. A difference of two squares factors as \((x-4)(x+4)\).

Answer

\((x-4)(x+4)\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 4
Complete the identity: \((x+5)^2=x^2+\square x+25\). What number belongs in the blank?

Hints

- Rewrite the square as a product of two identical binomials. - Identify the products that contribute to the \(x\)-term, then compare its coefficient with the blank.

Solution

1. The middle term of \((x+5)^2\) is \(2\cdot x\cdot5=10x\). 2. Therefore, the missing coefficient is \(10\).

Answer

\(10\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 5
For \(3x^2-5x+2\), identify the degree, the coefficient of \(x^2\), the coefficient of \(x\), and the constant term.

Hints

- Look at the highest power of the variable. - Keep each sign with its coefficient.

Solution

1. The largest exponent of \(x\) is \(2\), so the expression has degree \(2\). 2. The coefficient of \(x^2\) is \(3\), the coefficient of \(x\) is \(-5\), and the constant term is \(2\).

Answer

Degree \(2\); \(x^2\)-coefficient \(3\); \(x\)-coefficient \(-5\); constant \(2\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 6
Which of these expressions are quadratic in \(x\)? Explain your choices. a) \(7x^2+3\) b) \(5x^4-2\) c) \((x+1)(x-1)\)

Hints

- A quadratic expression has degree \(2\) after simplification. - An expression does not need to be expanded to be quadratic. - Consider the leading power produced by the product in part c).

Solution

1. Expression a) has highest power \(x^2\), so it is quadratic. 2. Expression b) has highest power \(x^4\), so it is not quadratic. 3. Expression c) equals \(x^2-1\), so it is quadratic even though it is given in product form.

Answer

a) Quadratic b) Not quadratic c) Quadratic
Structure of quadratic expressions 7
Both expressions have the same value for every real \(x\): \(x^2-6x+9\) and \((x-3)^2\). Which form makes it easier to see that the value can never be negative? Explain.

Hints

- Compare what you can tell immediately from each form. - Think about whether multiplying a real number by itself can produce a negative value.

Solution

1. The form \((x-3)^2\) shows a real number multiplied by itself. 2. A square is never negative, so \((x-3)^2\ge 0\) for every real \(x\).

Answer

\((x-3)^2\), because the square of a real number cannot be negative.
Structure of quadratic expressions 8
Which expression is equivalent to \((2p - q)^2\)? a) \(2p^2 - 2pq + q^2\) b) \(2p^2 - q^2\) c) \(4p^2 - 4pq + q^2\) d) \(4p^2 - q^2\)

Hints

- Use the pattern for the square of a difference. - Square both the coefficient and variable in \(2p\). - Include the middle product term.

Solution

1. Use \((a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2\). 2. Substitute \(a = 2p\) and \(b = q\): \((2p)^2 - 2(2p)(q) + q^2\). 3. Simplify to \(4p^2 - 4pq + q^2\).

Answer

c) \(4p^2 - 4pq + q^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 9
Expand each expression using a binomial identity. For each part, write the identity-form rewrite before the final expansion. a) \(\left(\frac{2}{5}x+10\right)^2\) b) \((1.5a-2b)^2\) c) \((8k+3m)(8k-3m)\)

Hints

- Identify the matching binomial identity. - Square both numerator and denominator of a fractional term. - Recognize conjugate binomials in part c).

Solution

1. a) \(\left(\frac{2}{5}x\right)^2 + 2\left(\frac{2}{5}x\right)(10) + 10^2 = \frac{4}{25}x^2 + 8x + 100\). 2. b) \((1.5a)^2 - 2(1.5a)(2b) + (2b)^2 = 2.25a^2 - 6ab + 4b^2\). 3. c) Use the difference of squares: \((8k)^2 - (3m)^2 = 64k^2 - 9m^2\).

Answer

a) \(\left(\frac{2}{5}x\right)^2+2\left(\frac{2}{5}x\right)(10)+10^2=\frac{4}{25}x^2+8x+100\) b) \((1.5a)^2-2(1.5a)(2b)+(2b)^2=2.25a^2-6ab+4b^2\) c) \((8k)^2-(3m)^2=64k^2-9m^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 10
Use the difference-of-squares identity to calculate each product mentally. For each part, first write the factors in the form \((M+d)(M-d)\), then write \(M^2-d^2\), and finally evaluate. a) \(21\cdot19\) b) \(42\cdot38\) c) \(103\cdot97\)

Hints

- Find the midpoint of each pair of factors. - Express the two factors as equal distances above and below that midpoint. - Keep the difference-of-squares rewrite in your answer before evaluating.

Solution

1. a) \((20+1)(20-1)=20^2-1^2=399\). 2. b) \((40+2)(40-2)=40^2-2^2=1596\). 3. c) \((100+3)(100-3)=100^2-3^2=9991\).

Answer

a) \((20+1)(20-1)=20^2-1^2=399\) b) \((40+2)(40-2)=40^2-2^2=1596\) c) \((100+3)(100-3)=100^2-3^2=9991\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 11
Use the difference-of-squares identity to calculate each value mentally. For each part, write the factorization \((u-v)(u+v)\) before evaluating. a) \(45^2-35^2\) b) \(16^2-24^2\) c) \(101^2-99^2\)

Hints

- Rewrite each difference of squares as a product before doing arithmetic. - Subtract once and add once. - Pay attention to the sign of the first factor in part b).

Solution

1. a) \((45-35)(45+35)=10\cdot80=800\). 2. b) \((16-24)(16+24)=-8\cdot40=-320\). 3. c) \((101-99)(101+99)=2\cdot200=400\).

Answer

a) \((45-35)(45+35)=800\) b) \((16-24)(16+24)=-320\) c) \((101-99)(101+99)=400\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 12
Expand and simplify each binomial square. a) \((x + 12)^2\) b) \((10 - y)^2\) c) \((4a + 3b)^2\) d) \((6m - 5)^2\)

Hints

- Identify the two terms in each binomial. - Square each term and include twice their product. - Use the sign between the terms to determine the sign of the middle term.

Solution

1. a) \(x^2 + 24x + 144\). 2. b) \(100 - 20y + y^2\). 3. c) \(16a^2 + 24ab + 9b^2\). 4. d) \(36m^2 - 60m + 25\).

Answer

a) \(x^2 + 24x + 144\) b) \(100 - 20y + y^2\) c) \(16a^2 + 24ab + 9b^2\) d) \(36m^2 - 60m + 25\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 13
Expand and simplify each binomial square. 1) \(\left(a + \frac{2}{3}\right)^2\) 2) \((0.4x - 5)^2\) 3) \(\left(\frac{1}{2}y + \frac{1}{4}z\right)^2\)

Hints

- Identify the two terms in each binomial. - Square both terms and include twice their product. - Square the numerator and denominator of fractional terms.

Solution

1. \(a^2 + 2a\left(\frac{2}{3}\right) + \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^2 = a^2 + \frac{4}{3}a + \frac{4}{9}\). 2. \((0.4x)^2 - 2(0.4x)(5) + 25 = 0.16x^2 - 4x + 25\). 3. \(\left(\frac{1}{2}y\right)^2 + 2\left(\frac{1}{2}y\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}z\right) + \left(\frac{1}{4}z\right)^2 = \frac{1}{4}y^2 + \frac{1}{4}yz + \frac{1}{16}z^2\).

Answer

1) \(a^2 + \frac{4}{3}a + \frac{4}{9}\) 2) \(0.16x^2 - 4x + 25\) 3) \(\frac{1}{4}y^2 + \frac{1}{4}yz + \frac{1}{16}z^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 14
Use \((A+B)^2=A^2+2AB+B^2\) or \((A-B)^2=A^2-2AB+B^2\) to calculate each square efficiently. For every part, write the benchmark decomposition and the identity expansion before giving the numerical value. a) \(21^2\) b) \(49^2\) c) \(10.1^2\) d) \(199^2\)

Hints

- Choose a nearby benchmark that makes the arithmetic easy. - Write the number as a sum or difference from that benchmark. - Keep the identity expansion visible before evaluating the arithmetic.

Solution

1. a) \(21=20+1\), so \((20+1)^2=20^2+2\cdot20\cdot1+1^2=441\). 2. b) \(49=50-1\), so \((50-1)^2=50^2-2\cdot50\cdot1+1^2=2401\). 3. c) \(10.1=10+0.1\), so \((10+0.1)^2=10^2+2\cdot10\cdot0.1+(0.1)^2=102.01\). 4. d) \(199=200-1\), so \((200-1)^2=200^2-2\cdot200\cdot1+1^2=39{,}601\).

Answer

a) \(21=20+1\): \((20+1)^2=20^2+2\cdot20\cdot1+1^2=441\) b) \(49=50-1\): \((50-1)^2=50^2-2\cdot50\cdot1+1^2=2401\) c) \(10.1=10+0.1\): \((10+0.1)^2=10^2+2\cdot10\cdot0.1+(0.1)^2=102.01\) d) \(199=200-1\): \((200-1)^2=200^2-2\cdot200\cdot1+1^2=39{,}601\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 15
Use algebraic transformations to show that each identity is true for all real numbers \(a\) and \(b\). 1) \(a^2+b(2a+b)=(a+b)^2\) 2) \(a^2-b(2a-b)=(a-b)^2\)

Hints

- Distribute the factor outside each set of parentheses. - Pay close attention to the negative sign in the second identity. - Compare the resulting trinomial with a binomial-square pattern.

Solution

1. Distribute on the left: \(a^2+b(2a+b)=a^2+2ab+b^2=(a+b)^2\). 2. Distribute the negative product: \(a^2-b(2a-b)=a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b)^2\). 3. In each case, the expanded left side matches the corresponding binomial-square identity.

Answer

1) \(a^2+b(2a+b)=a^2+2ab+b^2=(a+b)^2\) 2) \(a^2-b(2a-b)=a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b)^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 16
Determine whether the identity is true for all real numbers \(a\) and \(b\). Show your algebra. \((a+b)^2-(a-b)^2=4ab\)

Hints

- Expand each binomial square. - Distribute the subtraction sign across every term in the second trinomial. - Identify which terms cancel.

Solution

1. Expand both squares: \((a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2\) and \((a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2\). 2. Subtract the second trinomial: \(a^2+2ab+b^2-a^2+2ab-b^2\). 3. Combine like terms to obtain \(4ab\). Therefore, the identity is true for all real \(a\) and \(b\).

Answer

The identity is true because \((a+b)^2-(a-b)^2=4ab\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 17
Calculate mentally by using the difference-of-squares identity. For each part, write the factorization before giving the value. a) \(\left(5\frac{1}{2}\right)^2-\left(4\frac{1}{2}\right)^2\) b) \(205^2-5^2\) c) \(8.7^2-1.3^2\)

Hints

- Rewrite every difference of squares as a product first. - One factor is the difference and the other is the sum. - Look for a resulting factor that is easy to multiply mentally.

Solution

1. a) \(\left(5\frac{1}{2}-4\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(5\frac{1}{2}+4\frac{1}{2}\right)=1\cdot10=10\). 2. b) \((205-5)(205+5)=200\cdot210=42{,}000\). 3. c) \((8.7-1.3)(8.7+1.3)=7.4\cdot10=74\).

Answer

a) \(\left(5\frac{1}{2}-4\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(5\frac{1}{2}+4\frac{1}{2}\right)=10\) b) \((205-5)(205+5)=42{,}000\) c) \((8.7-1.3)(8.7+1.3)=74\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 18
Compare \(A\) and \(B\). For each expression, write the difference-of-squares factorization you use, evaluate it, and then determine whether one value is greater or whether they are equal. \(A=55^2-45^2\) \(B=102.5^2-97.5^2\)

Hints

- Factor each expression as \((u-v)(u+v)\). - Keep the factorization visible before multiplying. - Compare the two resulting products.

Solution

1. \(A=(55-45)(55+45)=10\cdot100=1000\). 2. \(B=(102.5-97.5)(102.5+97.5)=5\cdot200=1000\). 3. Therefore, \(A=B\).

Answer

\(A=(55-45)(55+45)=1000\) \(B=(102.5-97.5)(102.5+97.5)=1000\) Therefore, \(A=B\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 19
Write each trinomial as the square of a binomial. a) \(x^2+12x+36\) b) \(25a^2-20ab+4b^2\) c) \(w^2-18w+81\) d) \(49z^2+14z+1\)

Hints

- Find the square roots of the first and last terms. - Check whether the middle term is twice their product. - Use the middle sign to choose a sum or difference.

Solution

1. a) \(x^2+12x+36=x^2+2\cdot x\cdot6+6^2=(x+6)^2\). 2. b) \(25a^2-20ab+4b^2=(5a)^2-2\cdot5a\cdot2b+(2b)^2=(5a-2b)^2\). 3. c) \(w^2-18w+81=w^2-2\cdot w\cdot9+9^2=(w-9)^2\). 4. d) \(49z^2+14z+1=(7z)^2+2\cdot7z\cdot1+1^2=(7z+1)^2\).

Answer

a) \((x+6)^2\) b) \((5a-2b)^2\) c) \((w-9)^2\) d) \((7z+1)^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 20
Write each trinomial as a binomial square. a) \(0.49x^2+1.4xy+y^2\) b) \(a^4-0.6a^2b+0.09b^2\) c) \(1.44u^2-2.4u+1\)

Hints

- Take square roots of the first and last terms. - Verify that twice their product equals the middle term. - Use the sign of the middle term to choose the binomial sign.

Solution

1. a) The outer terms are \((0.7x)^2\) and \(y^2\), and \(2\cdot0.7x\cdot y=1.4xy\). Thus the expression is \((0.7x+y)^2\). 2. b) The outer terms are \((a^2)^2\) and \((0.3b)^2\), and \(-2\cdot a^2\cdot0.3b=-0.6a^2b\). Thus the expression is \((a^2-0.3b)^2\). 3. c) The outer terms are \((1.2u)^2\) and \(1^2\), and \(-2\cdot1.2u\cdot1=-2.4u\). Thus the expression is \((1.2u-1)^2\).

Answer

a) \((0.7x+y)^2\) b) \((a^2-0.3b)^2\) c) \((1.2u-1)^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 21
Use the indicated binomial structure to expand or simplify each expression. Write the identity-form step before the final result. a) Square of a sum: \((3x+4)^2\) b) Square of a difference: \((7-2b)^2\) c) Difference of squares: \((5k+1)(5k-1)\)

Hints

- Match each expression to a square of a sum, square of a difference, or difference of squares. - Square both the coefficient and variable factor in a monomial. - Include twice the product in a binomial square.

Solution

1. a) \((3x+4)^2=(3x)^2+2\cdot3x\cdot4+4^2=9x^2+24x+16\). 2. b) \((7-2b)^2=7^2-2\cdot7\cdot2b+(2b)^2=49-28b+4b^2\). 3. c) \((5k+1)(5k-1)=(5k)^2-1^2=25k^2-1\).

Answer

a) \((3x)^2+2(3x)(4)+4^2=9x^2+24x+16\) b) \(7^2-2(7)(2b)+(2b)^2=49-28b+4b^2\) c) \((5k)^2-1^2=25k^2-1\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 22
Factor each expression using a binomial identity. a) \(m^2+12m+36\) b) \(25n^2-40n+16\) c) \(49-9p^2\)

Hints

- Check whether the first and last terms are perfect squares. - For a three-term expression, compare the middle term with twice the product of the square roots of the outer terms. - For two square terms separated by subtraction, think about the product of conjugates that would expand back to the expression.

Solution

1. For part a, \(m^2+12m+36=m^2+2\cdot m\cdot6+6^2=(m+6)^2\). 2. For part b, \(25n^2-40n+16=(5n)^2-2\cdot5n\cdot4+4^2=(5n-4)^2\). 3. For part c, \(49-9p^2=7^2-(3p)^2=(7-3p)(7+3p)\).

Answer

a) \((m+6)^2\) b) \((5n-4)^2\) c) \((7-3p)(7+3p)\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 23
The diagram partitions a square into four rectangles. Use the labeled side lengths to write the area of each part. Then express the total area in two ways and find a quadratic identity.
Figure for problem 554964

Hints

- Each small rectangle's area is the product of its two side lengths. - Add the four smaller areas. - Find the full side length from the labeled parts of an edge.

Solution

1. The four rectangle areas are \(x^2\), \(2x\), \(2x\), and \(4\). 2. Their total is \(x^2+2x+2x+4=x^2+4x+4\). 3. The whole square has side length \(x+2\), so its area is also \((x+2)^2\). 4. Therefore \((x+2)^2=x^2+4x+4\).

Answer

Rectangle areas: \(x^2\), \(2x\), \(2x\), \(4\) Identity: \((x+2)^2=x^2+4x+4\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 24
The expressions \((x+3)(x-2)\) and \(x^2+x-6\) are equivalent. a) Which form makes it easiest to read the value at \(x=0\)? Give that value. b) Which form makes it easier to tell whether the value is positive or negative at \(x=1\) and at \(x=4\)? Explain without expanding.

Hints

- Think about which term remains when \(x=0\). - Can you determine the sign of a product from the signs of its factors? - Two equal expressions can make different features easier to notice.

Solution

1. The expanded form has constant term \(-6\), giving value \(-6\) at \(x=0\). 2. The factored form shows the signs directly. At \(x=1\), the factors are \(4\) and \(-1\), so the value is negative. At \(x=4\), the factors are \(7\) and \(2\), so the value is positive. 3. The expanded and factored forms reveal different useful information without changing the expression.

Answer

a) Expanded form; value \(-6\). b) Factored form; negative at \(x=1\), positive at \(x=4\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 25
The number inside one small rectangle is its area. Find the unknown side length \(?\), then write the full rectangle's area as an expanded polynomial.
Figure for problem 560307

Hints

- The area of a small rectangle is its width times its height. - Use the known corner area to find the missing side piece first. - Add the pieces along each outside edge to get the full side lengths.

Solution

1. The upper-right rectangle has area \(12\) and width \(3\), so its height is \(12\div3=4\). 2. The full side lengths are \(x+3\) and \(x+4\). 3. The full area is \((x+3)(x+4)=x^2+3x+4x+12=x^2+7x+12\).

Answer

Unknown side length \(4\); area \(x^2+7x+12\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 26
A smaller square has been removed from the middle of a larger square. Write the remaining border's area as a difference of two square areas. Then simplify it.
Figure for problem 560308

Hints

- Find each square's area from its labeled side length. - The remaining area is what belongs to the large square but not the small one. - Combine like terms only after finding the difference.

Solution

1. The larger square has area \((x+2)^2\); the smaller has area \(x^2\). 2. The border area is \((x+2)^2-x^2\). 3. Expanding and subtracting gives \(x^2+4x+4-x^2=4x+4\).

Answer

\((x+2)^2-x^2=4x+4\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 27
Find the smallest possible value of \(3(x+2)^2-5\) for real \(x\), and state when it occurs. Use the expression's structure instead of expanding it.

Hints

- Which part of the expression can never be negative? - Consider how its size affects the whole expression. - Check whether your proposed smallest value can actually occur.

Solution

1. The square \((x+2)^2\) is never negative, so \(3(x+2)^2\ge0\). 2. Its smallest value is \(0\), which occurs when \(x+2=0\), or \(x=-2\). 3. Subtracting \(5\) gives a minimum value of \(-5\).

Answer

Minimum \(-5\), when \(x=-2\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 28
Mia writes \((x-4)^2=x^2-16\). Explain her mistake and give the correct expansion.

Hints

- Write the squared expression as a product of two identical binomials. - Try \(x=0\). Does Mia's equation hold for that value? - Multiply the two binomials term by term to find an expansion that always works.

Solution

1. Squaring \((x-4)\) means multiplying \((x-4)(x-4)\), not taking a difference of two squares. 2. Multiplication gives \(x^2-4x-4x+16=x^2-8x+16\). 3. Mia omitted the two mixed products and used the wrong sign for the constant term.

Answer

\((x-4)^2=x^2-8x+16\). The original answer misses the mixed term and incorrectly treats a squared difference as a difference of squares.
Structure of quadratic expressions 29
Lukas claims, “The square of a sum always equals the sum of the squares,” and writes \((a + b)^2 = a^2 + b^2\). a) Test his formula using \(a = 3\) and \(b = 4\). b) Lukas notes that the formula works for \(a = 5\) and \(b = 0\). Explain why this one example does not prove the formula is true for all values.

Hints

- Evaluate the quantity inside parentheses before squaring. - Interpret the word “always” as a claim about every allowable input. - Distinguish an example from a counterexample.

Solution

1. a) The left side is \((3 + 4)^2 = 49\), while the right side is \(3^2 + 4^2 = 25\). Since \(49 \ne 25\), the formula is false. 2. b) A universal formula must work for every allowable pair of values. One successful example cannot prove a universal statement, while the counterexample in part a) is enough to disprove it.

Answer

a) The left side is \(49\), and the right side is \(25\), so the formula is false. b) One special case does not prove a statement for all values. The counterexample \(a = 3\), \(b = 4\) disproves the formula.
Structure of quadratic expressions 30
Fill in each blank. Use monomials with positive coefficients when a monomial is required. a) \((x+\square)^2=x^2+12x+\square\) b) \((\square-4y)^2=25x^2-\square+16y^2\) c) \((\square+0.1)^2=\square+0.4a+0.01\)

Hints

- Compare each expression with a binomial-square pattern. - Use the middle term to determine a missing binomial term. - The first and last terms of the expansion are squares.

Solution

1. The middle term is \(2\cdot x\cdot6=12x\), and \(6^2=36\). Thus, \((x+6)^2=x^2+12x+36\). 2. Since the first square is \(25x^2\), the first term is \(5x\). The middle term is \(2\cdot5x\cdot4y=40xy\). Thus, \((5x-4y)^2=25x^2-40xy+16y^2\). 3. The middle term requires \(2\cdot u\cdot0.1=0.4a\), so \(u=2a\). Then \(u^2=4a^2\). Thus, \((2a+0.1)^2=4a^2+0.4a+0.01\).

Answer

a) \((x+6)^2=x^2+12x+36\) b) \((5x-4y)^2=25x^2-40xy+16y^2\) c) \((2a+0.1)^2=4a^2+0.4a+0.01\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 31
Check each expansion. Correct every error. 1) \((x - 6)^2 = x^2 - 36\) 2) \((2a + 5)^2 = 4a^2 + 10a + 25\) 3) \((0.5y - 4)^2 = 0.25y^2 - 4y + 16\)

Hints

- Check the two square terms and the doubled product term. - Verify whether the factor \(2\) appears in the middle term. - Track the sign of the middle term.

Solution

1. The middle term is missing, and the constant term must be positive: \((x - 6)^2 = x^2 - 12x + 36\). 2. The middle term is \(2(2a)(5) = 20a\), so \((2a + 5)^2 = 4a^2 + 20a + 25\). 3. The expansion is correct because \(2(0.5y)(4) = 4y\).

Answer

1) Incorrect; \(x^2 - 12x + 36\) 2) Incorrect; \(4a^2 + 20a + 25\) 3) Correct
Structure of quadratic expressions 32
Factor each expression using a binomial identity. a) \(9x^2 + 12xy + 4y^2\) b) \(25a^4 - 40a^2b + 16b^2\) c) \(49z^2 - 81\)

Hints

- Identify perfect-square first and last terms. - Check whether the middle term is twice the product of their square roots. - A difference of two squares factors into conjugates.

Solution

1. a) The first and last terms are \((3x)^2\) and \((2y)^2\), and the middle term is \(2(3x)(2y)\). Thus, \((3x + 2y)^2\). 2. b) The first and last terms are \((5a^2)^2\) and \((4b)^2\), and the middle term is \(-2(5a^2)(4b)\). Thus, \((5a^2 - 4b)^2\). 3. c) This is a difference of squares: \((7z + 9)(7z - 9)\).

Answer

a) \((3x + 2y)^2\) b) \((5a^2 - 4b)^2\) c) \((7z + 9)(7z - 9)\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 33
Fill in the blanks so that each identity is true. a) \(x^2+12x+\square=(x+\square)^2\) b) \(16a^2-\square=(4a-7)(4a+7)\) c) \(25-20y+\square=(\square-\square)^2\)

Hints

- Match each expression to a binomial identity. - Use the doubled product to determine missing terms. - Check the first and last terms as perfect squares.

Solution

1. The middle term \(12x\) is \(2\cdot x\cdot6\), so the completed identity is \(x^2+12x+36=(x+6)^2\). 2. Use the difference of squares: \((4a-7)(4a+7)=16a^2-49\). 3. Since \(25=5^2\) and \(-20y=-2\cdot5\cdot2y\), the completed identity is \(25-20y+4y^2=(5-2y)^2\).

Answer

a) \(x^2+12x+36=(x+6)^2\) b) \(16a^2-49=(4a-7)(4a+7)\) c) \(25-20y+4y^2=(5-2y)^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 34
A square parcel has side length \(s\,\text{ft}\), where \(s>5\). A redesign increases one dimension by \(5\,\text{ft}\) and decreases the other by \(5\,\text{ft}\). a) Write an area expression for the original square and the redesigned rectangle. b) Rewrite the redesigned area using the difference-of-squares identity, then compare the two areas. Which shape has greater area, and by how many square feet?

Hints

- Use length times width for each area. - Recognize a product of a sum and a difference. - Compare \(s^2\) with \(s^2 - 25\).

Solution

1. The square has area \(s^2\,\text{ft}^2\). 2. The rectangle has dimensions \(s + 5\) and \(s - 5\), so its area is \((s + 5)(s - 5)\,\text{ft}^2\). 3. Using the difference of squares, \((s + 5)(s - 5) = s^2 - 25\). 4. Therefore, the square has \(25\,\text{ft}^2\) more area.

Answer

a) Square: \(s^2\,\text{ft}^2\) Rectangle: \((s+5)(s-5)\,\text{ft}^2\) b) \((s+5)(s-5)=s^2-25\) The square has \(25\,\text{ft}^2\) more area.
Structure of quadratic expressions 35
Nadège claims \((x + 5)^2 = x^2 + 25\). a) Use \(x = 1\) to show that the claim is not true in general. b) Find the value of \(x\) for which the equation is true. c) Use a binomial identity to explain what is missing from Nadège's expansion.

Hints

- Substitute the given test value into both sides first. - Compare the complete square of a binomial with the proposed two-term expression. - After expanding correctly, determine when the missing contribution becomes zero.

Solution

1. At \(x = 1\), the left side is \(36\), and the right side is \(26\), so the claim is false in general. 2. Expand the left side: \(x^2 + 10x + 25 = x^2 + 25\). Thus, \(10x = 0\), so \(x = 0\). 3. Nadège omitted the middle term \(2(x)(5) = 10x\).

Answer

a) \(36 \ne 26\) b) \(x = 0\) c) The missing term is \(10x\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 36
The expression \(Q(x)=2(x-3)^2-50\) can be written in different forms. a) Expand \(Q(x)\) into standard polynomial form. b) Use a difference-of-squares identity to write \(Q(x)\) as a product of factors. c) Which form makes it easy to see why \(Q(8)=0\)? Explain without solving an equation.

Hints

- Expand the squared binomial before combining the other terms. - Look for two squared quantities after taking out the outside factor. - Try substituting the given input into each form. Which form needs the least calculation?

Solution

1. Expand the square: \(Q(x)=2(x^2-6x+9)-50=2x^2-12x-32\). 2. First write \(Q(x)=2((x-3)^2-25)\). The difference of squares gives \(Q(x)=2((x-3)-5)((x-3)+5)=2(x-8)(x+2)\). 3. The factored form shows that \(x=8\) makes the factor \(x-8\) zero, so \(Q(8)=0\).

Answer

a) \(2x^2-12x-32\) b) \(2(x-8)(x+2)\) c) The factored form, because \(x=8\) makes one factor zero.
Structure of quadratic expressions 37
Use the identity \((x + a)(x + b) = x^2 + (a + b)x + ab\). a) Expand \((x + 12)(x - 3)\) using the identity. b) Expand \((x - 5)(x - 4)\), then check your result by substituting \(x = 10\). c) Find \(c\) in \((x + 3)(x + c) = x^2 + 10x + 21\). Briefly justify your answer.

Hints

- In the identity, examine how \(a\) and \(b\) determine the middle coefficient and constant term. - For the check, evaluate the original and expanded forms separately. - In part c), find a number that adds to \(3\) to make \(10\) and multiplies by \(3\) to make \(21\).

Solution

1. For a), \(a = 12\) and \(b = -3\), so \((x + 12)(x - 3) = x^2 + 9x - 36\). 2. For b), \((x - 5)(x - 4) = x^2 - 9x + 20\). At \(x = 10\), the original product is \((10 - 5)(10 - 4) = 30\), and the expanded form is \(10^2 - 9 \cdot 10 + 20 = 30\). 3. For c), the middle coefficient requires \(3 + c = 10\), and the constant term requires \(3c = 21\). Both give \(c = 7\).

Answer

a) \(x^2 + 9x - 36\) b) \(x^2 - 9x + 20\); the check gives \(30 = 30\) c) \(c = 7\), because \(3 + 7 = 10\) and \(3 \cdot 7 = 21\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 38
Fill in each blank so the identity is true. a) \((a+\square)^2=a^2+14a+49\) b) \((\square-4)^2=9x^2-24x+16\) c) \((2y+\square)^2=\square+20y+25\)

Hints

- Match the first and last terms to perfect squares. - Use the middle term to confirm the two binomial terms. - Remember that the middle term is twice the product.

Solution

1. Since \(49=7^2\) and \(2\cdot a\cdot7=14a\), the missing term is \(7\). 2. Since \(9x^2=(3x)^2\) and \(-2\cdot3x\cdot4=-24x\), the missing term is \(3x\). 3. Since \(25=5^2\), the missing binomial term is \(5\), and the first term of the expansion is \((2y)^2=4y^2\).

Answer

a) \((a+7)^2=a^2+14a+49\) b) \((3x-4)^2=9x^2-24x+16\) c) \((2y+5)^2=4y^2+20y+25\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 39
Fill in the missing terms so each identity is true. 1) \((\square+3)^2=x^2+6x+9\) 2) \((2a-\square)^2=4a^2-2ab+\frac{1}{4}b^2\) 3) \(\left(\frac{1}{3}m+\square\right)^2=\square+\frac{2}{3}mn+n^2\)

Hints

- Match the expression to \(A^2\pm2AB+B^2\). - Use the square terms to identify the binomial terms. - Use the middle term to verify your choices.

Solution

1. The first term must be \(x\), since \(x^2\) is the first square and \(2\cdot x\cdot3=6x\). 2. The missing term is \(\frac{1}{2}b\), since \(2\cdot2a\cdot\frac{1}{2}b=2ab\). 3. The binomial term is \(n\), and the first square is \(\left(\frac{1}{3}m\right)^2=\frac{1}{9}m^2\).

Answer

1) \((x+3)^2=x^2+6x+9\) 2) \(\left(2a-\frac{1}{2}b\right)^2=4a^2-2ab+\frac{1}{4}b^2\) 3) \(\left(\frac{1}{3}m+n\right)^2=\frac{1}{9}m^2+\frac{2}{3}mn+n^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 40
A square garden bed has a side length of \(2.5\,\text{ft}\). Its area is \(s^2\). a) Calculate the area by writing the side length as \(2+0.5\) and using \((A+B)^2\). b) Calculate the same area by writing the side length as \(3-0.5\) and using \((A-B)^2\). c) Compare the two methods. Which is easier to do mentally? Briefly explain.

Hints

- Use the area formula for a square. - Apply the appropriate binomial-square identity to each decomposition. - Compare the mental arithmetic required by the two methods.

Solution

1. a) \((2+0.5)^2=2^2+2 \cdot 2 \cdot 0.5+(0.5)^2=4+2+0.25=6.25\), so the area is \(6.25\,\text{ft}^2\). 2. b) \((3-0.5)^2=3^2-2 \cdot 3 \cdot 0.5+(0.5)^2=9-3+0.25=6.25\), so the area is \(6.25\,\text{ft}^2\). 3. Both decompositions give the same area. A valid comparison may favor either method if the reasoning is clear; the two calculations have similar complexity.

Answer

a) \(6.25\,\text{ft}^2\) b) \(6.25\,\text{ft}^2\) c) Answers may vary; both methods are similarly efficient when justified.
Structure of quadratic expressions 41
Use grouping and binomial identities to expand and simplify each product. For each part, show the grouped difference-of-squares form before expanding completely. 1) \((x+y+3)(x+y-3)\) 2) \((a-b+c)(a-b-c)\) 3) \((7+m+n)(7-m-n)\)

Hints

- Identify the repeated expression in each pair of factors. - Rewrite each product in the form \((A+B)(A-B)\). - Expand any remaining binomial square and distribute a preceding negative sign carefully.

Solution

1. Group the repeated expression: \(((x+y)+3)((x+y)-3)=(x+y)^2-9=x^2+2xy+y^2-9\). 2. Write the product as \(((a-b)+c)((a-b)-c)=(a-b)^2-c^2=a^2-2ab+b^2-c^2\). 3. Write the product as \((7+(m+n))(7-(m+n))=49-(m+n)^2=49-m^2-2mn-n^2\).

Answer

1) \(((x+y)+3)((x+y)-3)=(x+y)^2-9=x^2+2xy+y^2-9\) 2) \(((a-b)+c)((a-b)-c)=(a-b)^2-c^2=a^2-2ab+b^2-c^2\) 3) \((7+(m+n))(7-(m+n))=49-(m+n)^2=49-m^2-2mn-n^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 42
Expand and simplify each polynomial product. Show a useful grouping step before the final expansion. a) \((r+s+t+u)(r+s-t-u)\) b) \((10-x+2y)(10+x-2y)\)

Hints

- Group repeated sums or differences into a single expression. - Look for the structure \((A+B)(A-B)\). - When subtracting a binomial square, distribute the negative sign to every term.

Solution

1. a) Group the terms as \(((r+s)+(t+u))((r+s)-(t+u))\). Then \((r+s)^2-(t+u)^2\). 2. Expand both squares: \(r^2+2rs+s^2-(t^2+2tu+u^2)=r^2+2rs+s^2-t^2-2tu-u^2\). 3. b) Rewrite the factors as \((10-(x-2y))(10+(x-2y))\). Then the product is \(100-(x-2y)^2\). 4. Expand and simplify: \(100-(x^2-4xy+4y^2)=100-x^2+4xy-4y^2\).

Answer

a) \(((r+s)+(t+u))((r+s)-(t+u))=(r+s)^2-(t+u)^2\) \(=r^2+2rs+s^2-t^2-2tu-u^2\) b) \((10-(x-2y))(10+(x-2y))=100-(x-2y)^2\) \(=100-x^2+4xy-4y^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 43
Simplify \((r-s+t)(r+s-t)\) by completing these steps. Write each requested rewrite, not only the final expansion. 1. Rewrite the second factor using the grouped expression \((s-t)\). 2. Rewrite the first factor so the same grouped expression appears after a minus sign. 3. Apply a binomial identity and expand completely.

Hints

- Check the signs when placing an expression after a minus sign. - Look for the form \((A-B)(A+B)\). - Expand the remaining binomial square and distribute the negative sign.

Solution

1. The second factor is \(r+(s-t)\). 2. The first factor is \(r-(s-t)\), since \(r-(s-t)=r-s+t\). 3. Apply the difference-of-squares identity: \((r-(s-t))(r+(s-t))=r^2-(s-t)^2\). 4. Expand and simplify: \(r^2-(s^2-2st+t^2)=r^2-s^2+2st-t^2\).

Answer

1. \(r+(s-t)\) 2. \(r-(s-t)\) 3. \(r^2-(s-t)^2=r^2-s^2+2st-t^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 44
Expand and simplify each polynomial product. Show the grouped subexpression you use before the final expansion. a) \((m+2n+3p)(m-2n-3p)\) b) \((4u+v-5w)(4u-v+5w)\)

Hints

- Group the nonmatching terms into one expression. - Rewrite each product in the form \((A+B)(A-B)\). - Distribute the negative sign after expanding the grouped square.

Solution

1. a) Group the factors as \((m+(2n+3p))(m-(2n+3p))\). This equals \(m^2-(2n+3p)^2\). 2. Expand and simplify: \(m^2-(4n^2+12np+9p^2)=m^2-4n^2-12np-9p^2\). 3. b) Group the factors as \((4u+(v-5w))(4u-(v-5w))\). This equals \(16u^2-(v-5w)^2\). 4. Expand and simplify: \(16u^2-(v^2-10vw+25w^2)=16u^2-v^2+10vw-25w^2\).

Answer

a) \((m+(2n+3p))(m-(2n+3p))=m^2-(2n+3p)^2\) \(=m^2-4n^2-12np-9p^2\) b) \((4u+(v-5w))(4u-(v-5w))=16u^2-(v-5w)^2\) \(=16u^2-v^2+10vw-25w^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 45
For a number close to \(10\), use \((10+a)^2=100+20a+a^2\). When \(a\) is small, omitting \(a^2\) gives the approximation \((10+a)^2\approx100+20a\). 1. Use the approximation to estimate \(10.2^2\) and \(10.02^2\). 2. Calculate both exact values. 3. Find the absolute error of each estimate. 4. Explain why the error for \(10.02^2\) is much smaller.

Hints

- Identify \(a\) by comparing each number with \(10+a\). - Compare the complete binomial-square formula with the approximation. - The absolute error comes from the term that was omitted.

Solution

1. For \(10.2^2\), \(a=0.2\), so the estimate is \(100+20 \cdot 0.2=104\). For \(10.02^2\), \(a=0.02\), so the estimate is \(100+20 \cdot 0.02=100.4\). 2. The exact values are \((10+0.2)^2=100+4+0.04=104.04\) and \((10+0.02)^2=100+0.4+0.0004=100.4004\). 3. The absolute errors are \(|104.04-104|=0.04\) and \(|100.4004-100.4|=0.0004\). 4. The omitted term is exactly \(a^2\). Since \(0.02^2\) is much smaller than \(0.2^2\), the second error is much smaller.

Answer

1) \(104\) and \(100.4\) 2) \(104.04\) and \(100.4004\) 3) \(0.04\) and \(0.0004\) 4) The error equals the omitted term \(a^2\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 46
Investigate the approximation \((1-a)^2\approx1-2a\). 1. Find the approximate and exact values of \(0.99^2\). Use the binomial-square identity for the exact value. 2. Find the absolute error of the approximation. 3. Use \((1-a)^2=1-2a+a^2\) to explain why, for \(a\ne0\), the approximation \(1-2a\) is always less than the exact value.

Hints

- Write \(0.99\) in the form \(1-a\). - Compare the full identity with the shortened approximation. - Recall the sign of the square of a nonzero real number.

Solution

1. Since \(0.99=1-0.01\), let \(a=0.01\). The approximation is \(1-2 \cdot 0.01=0.98\). The exact value is \((1-0.01)^2=1-0.02+0.0001=0.9801\). 2. The absolute error is \(|0.9801-0.98|=0.0001\). 3. The exact value minus the approximation is \((1-2a+a^2)-(1-2a)=a^2\). For real \(a\ne0\), \(a^2>0\), so the exact value is greater by \(a^2\).

Answer

1) Approximate value: \(0.98\); exact value: \(0.9801\) 2) \(0.0001\) 3) The exact value exceeds the approximation by \(a^2>0\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 47
Fill in the blanks to make each identity true. a) \((\square-3y)(\square+3y)=16x^2-\square\) b) \((5a+\square)^2=\square+30a+9\) c) \((4-\square)(4+\square)=16-0.25z^2\)

Hints

- Match each statement to a binomial identity. - Use square roots of the first and last terms to identify missing factors. - Check the middle term in part b) using twice the product.

Solution

1. Since \(16x^2=(4x)^2\) and \((3y)^2=9y^2\), \((4x-3y)(4x+3y)=16x^2-9y^2\). 2. Since \(9=3^2\) and \(2\cdot5a\cdot3=30a\), \((5a+3)^2=25a^2+30a+9\). 3. Since \(0.25z^2=(0.5z)^2\), \((4-0.5z)(4+0.5z)=16-0.25z^2\).

Answer

a) \((4x-3y)(4x+3y)=16x^2-9y^2\) b) \((5a+3)^2=25a^2+30a+9\) c) \((4-0.5z)(4+0.5z)=16-0.25z^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 48
Fill in the blanks to complete each difference-of-squares identity. a) \((\square-5)(\square+5)=4k^2-\square\) b) \(100x^2-\square=(\square-9y)(\square+9y)\) c) \(\square-1=(0.1z-\square)(0.1z+\square)\)

Hints

- Compare each statement with \(A^2-B^2=(A-B)(A+B)\). - Take square roots of the visible square terms. - Check decimal place value when squaring \(0.1\).

Solution

1. Since \(4k^2=(2k)^2\) and \(5^2=25\), \((2k-5)(2k+5)=4k^2-25\). 2. Since \(100x^2=(10x)^2\) and \((9y)^2=81y^2\), \(100x^2-81y^2=(10x-9y)(10x+9y)\). 3. Since \((0.1z)^2=0.01z^2\) and \(1=1^2\), \(0.01z^2-1=(0.1z-1)(0.1z+1)\).

Answer

a) \((2k-5)(2k+5)=4k^2-25\) b) \(100x^2-81y^2=(10x-9y)(10x+9y)\) c) \(0.01z^2-1=(0.1z-1)(0.1z+1)\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 49
Let \(T=(x+5)^2-(x-5)^2\). a) Find the simplified result in two ways: 1. Expand both squares and subtract. 2. Factor the difference of squares directly, then simplify. b) Explain why the \(x^2\)-terms disappear in the final result.

Hints

- In the expansion method, distribute the subtraction sign across the entire second trinomial. - In the factoring method, treat each binomial as one complete term. - Compare the like terms produced by the two expansions.

Solution

1. Expanding gives \((x^2+10x+25)-(x^2-10x+25)=20x\). 2. Factoring gives \(((x+5)-(x-5))((x+5)+(x-5))=10\cdot2x=20x\). 3. In the expanded method, both squares contain the same \(x^2\)-term. Subtraction produces \(x^2-x^2=0\).

Answer

a) Expansion method: \((x^2+10x+25)-(x^2-10x+25)=20x\) Difference-of-squares method: \(((x+5)-(x-5))((x+5)+(x-5))=10(2x)=20x\) b) The \(x^2\)-terms disappear because the two expanded squares contain equal \(x^2\)-terms that are subtracted.
Structure of quadratic expressions 50
Let \(T=(n+1)^2-(n-1)^2\). a) Expand both squares and simplify their difference. b) Factor the difference of squares directly and simplify. c) Use your result to calculate \(101^2-99^2\) mentally.

Hints

- In part a), distribute the subtraction sign across the second trinomial. - In part b), treat each binomial as one complete term. - For part c), identify the number midway between \(101\) and \(99\).

Solution

1. a) \((n^2+2n+1)-(n^2-2n+1)=4n\). 2. b) \(((n+1)-(n-1))((n+1)+(n-1))=2\cdot2n=4n\). 3. c) Here \(n=100\), so \(101^2-99^2=4\cdot100=400\).

Answer

a) \((n^2+2n+1)-(n^2-2n+1)=4n\) b) \(((n+1)-(n-1))((n+1)+(n-1))=2(2n)=4n\) c) With \(n=100\), \(101^2-99^2=4(100)=400\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 51
A shortcut for squaring numbers that end in \(1\) uses \((10a+1)^2=100a^2+20a+1\). 1. Prove the identity for every real number \(a\). 2. Use it to calculate \(31^2\) and \(61^2\). 3. Derive a similar identity for \((10a+2)^2\), then use it to calculate \(32^2\).

Hints

- Expand each binomial square. - Write a number such as \(31\) as \(10a+1\). - Combine the two equal middle products when deriving the identity.

Solution

1. Expand: \((10a+1)^2=100a^2+20a+1\). 2. For \(31^2\), use \(a=3\): \(100\cdot3^2+20\cdot3+1=900+60+1=961\). For \(61^2\), use \(a=6\): \(100\cdot6^2+20\cdot6+1=3600+120+1=3721\). 3. \((10a+2)^2=100a^2+40a+4\). With \(a=3\), \(32^2=100\cdot9+40\cdot3+4=1024\).

Answer

1. \((10a+1)^2=(10a)^2+2(10a)(1)+1^2=100a^2+20a+1\), proving the identity. 2. \(31^2=100(3)^2+20(3)+1=961\) \(61^2=100(6)^2+20(6)+1=3721\) 3. \((10a+2)^2=(10a)^2+2(10a)(2)+2^2=100a^2+40a+4\) \(32^2=100(3)^2+40(3)+4=1024\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 52
Numbers just below a multiple of \(10\) can be squared efficiently by writing them as a difference. a) Use \((A-B)^2=A^2-2AB+B^2\) to calculate \(19^2\) and \(39^2\). b) Derive and simplify a formula for \((10n-1)^2\). c) Use the formula to calculate \(89^2\) mentally.

Hints

- Use the nearest greater multiple of \(10\). - Write the number as \(10n-1\). - Apply the difference-square identity term by term.

Solution

1. a) \(19^2=(20-1)^2=400-40+1=361\), and \(39^2=(40-1)^2=1600-80+1=1521\). 2. b) \((10n-1)^2=100n^2-20n+1\). 3. c) For \(89^2\), use \(n=9\): \(100\cdot9^2-20\cdot9+1=8100-180+1=7921\).

Answer

a) \(19^2=361\); \(39^2=1521\) b) \((10n-1)^2=100n^2-20n+1\) c) \(89^2=7921\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 53
Let \(T=x^2-12x+36\). a) Evaluate \(T\) for \(x=0\), \(x=6\), and \(x=10\). b) Rewrite \(T\) as the square of a binomial. c) Explain why \(T\) cannot be negative for any rational number \(x\). Find the value of \(x\) at which \(T\) reaches its minimum.

Hints

- Compare the trinomial with \(A^2-2AB+B^2\). - Recall that the square of a real number is nonnegative. - Find when the quantity inside the square equals \(0\).

Solution

1. a) \(T(0)=36\), \(T(6)=36-72+36=0\), and \(T(10)=100-120+36=16\). 2. b) \(x^2-12x+36=(x-6)^2\). 3. c) A square is always nonnegative, so \((x-6)^2\ge0\). Its minimum value is \(0\), reached when \(x-6=0\), or \(x=6\).

Answer

a) \(36\), \(0\), and \(16\) b) \(T=(x-6)^2\) c) The minimum value is \(0\) at \(x=6\), and \(T\) is never negative.
Structure of quadratic expressions 54
Complete each task about perfect-square trinomials. 1) Write \(\frac{1}{16}m^2+\frac{1}{2}mn+n^2\) as a product of two equal factors. 2) Which terms can replace the blank so that \(0.04p^2+\square+0.25q^2\) is a binomial square? 3) Determine whether \(x^2+5x+6\) is a binomial square. Justify your answer.

Hints

- Find the square roots of the outer terms. - A perfect-square trinomial has a middle term equal to twice the product of its binomial terms. - All three terms must fit the same binomial-square pattern.

Solution

1. The outer terms are \(\left(\frac{1}{4}m\right)^2\) and \(n^2\), and \(2\cdot\frac{1}{4}m\cdot n=\frac{1}{2}mn\). Thus the expression is \(\left(\frac{1}{4}m+n\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}m+n\right)\). 2. The binomial terms are \(0.2p\) and \(0.5q\). Their doubled product is \(0.2pq\), so either \(0.2pq\) or \(-0.2pq\) makes a binomial square. 3. If \(x^2+5x+6=(x+c)^2\), then \(2c=5\), so \(c=2.5\). The constant would have to be \(c^2=6.25\), not \(6\). Therefore, the trinomial is not a binomial square.

Answer

1) \(\left(\frac{1}{4}m+n\right)\left(\frac{1}{4}m+n\right)\) 2) \(0.2pq\) or \(-0.2pq\) 3) No. A middle term of \(5x\) would require a constant term of \(6.25\), not \(6\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 55
Add \((a+b)^2\) and \((a-b)^2\), then simplify. Explain what happens to the terms containing the product \(ab\).

Hints

- Expand both binomial squares. - Combine corresponding like terms. - Compare the signs of the two mixed-product terms.

Solution

1. Expand the sum: \((a+b)^2+(a-b)^2=(a^2+2ab+b^2)+(a^2-2ab+b^2)\). 2. Combine like terms: \(2a^2+2b^2=2(a^2+b^2)\). 3. The terms \(2ab\) and \(-2ab\) cancel, so the final expression contains no \(ab\)-term.

Answer

\((a+b)^2+(a-b)^2=2a^2+2b^2=2(a^2+b^2)\). The \(ab\)-terms cancel.
Structure of quadratic expressions 56
Prove the identity for every real number \(x\): \((2x+3)^2+(3x-2)^2=13(x^2+1)\)

Hints

- Expand each binomial square separately. - Combine like terms and notice which linear terms cancel. - Factor the final polynomial.

Solution

1. Expand both squares: \((2x+3)^2=4x^2+12x+9\) and \((3x-2)^2=9x^2-12x+4\). 2. Add and combine like terms: \(4x^2+12x+9+9x^2-12x+4=13x^2+13\). 3. Factor out \(13\): \(13x^2+13=13(x^2+1)\). Therefore, the identity is true.

Answer

Expand the left side: \((2x+3)^2+(3x-2)^2=(4x^2+12x+9)+(9x^2-12x+4)=13x^2+13=13(x^2+1)\). Therefore, the left side equals the right side for every real \(x\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 57
Tim writes: \(39^2=(40-1)^2=40^2-1^2=1600-1=1599\). a) Explain his error. b) Calculate \(39^2\) correctly using the square-of-a-difference identity. c) Calculate \(1005^2\) efficiently using a binomial-square identity.

Hints

- A binomial square has three terms after expansion. - Identify the missing middle product in Tim’s work. - For \(1005\), use a nearby multiple of \(1000\).

Solution

1. a) Tim omitted the middle term \(-2AB\) from \((A-B)^2=A^2-2AB+B^2\). 2. b) \((40-1)^2=40^2-2\cdot40\cdot1+1^2=1600-80+1=1521\). 3. c) \((1000+5)^2=1000^2+2\cdot1000\cdot5+5^2=1{,}000{,}000+10{,}000+25=1{,}010{,}025\).

Answer

a) He omitted the middle term \(-2AB\). b) \(1521\) c) \(1{,}010{,}025\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 58
A rectangle has perimeter \(28\,\text{cm}\) and area \(48\,\text{cm}^2\). Let its side lengths be \(a\) and \(b\). Without finding \(a\) and \(b\) separately, use the identity \((a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2\) to find \(a^2+b^2\), then find the diagonal length \(d\).

Hints

- Translate the perimeter and area into equations involving \(a+b\) and \(ab\). - Use the identity \((a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2\). - Relate \(a^2+b^2\) to the square of the diagonal.

Solution

1. If the side lengths are \(a\) and \(b\), then \(a+b=14\) and \(ab=48\). 2. Use \((a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2\): \(14^2=a^2+b^2+2\cdot 48\). 3. Since \(d^2=a^2+b^2\), \(196=d^2+96\), so \(d^2=100\). 4. Therefore, \(d=10\,\text{cm}\).

Answer

\(a^2+b^2=100\,\text{cm}^2\) \(d=10\,\text{cm}\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 59
A two-digit whole number ending in \(5\) can be written as \(10x + 5\), where \(x\) is its tens digit. a) Expand and simplify \((10x + 5)^2\). b) Factor \(100x\) from the first two terms of your result. c) Use the formula to explain why \(35^2\) can be found by multiplying \(3\) by \(4\) and then placing \(25\) at the end to get \(1225\).

Hints

- Interpret the square as a product of two identical binomials. - Identify the common factor in the first two terms. - Multiplying by \(100\) shifts a whole number two places to the left.

Solution

1. a) \((10x + 5)^2 = 100x^2 + 100x + 25\). 2. b) Factor the first two terms: \(100x(x + 1) + 25\). 3. c) For \(35\), \(x = 3\). Then \(x(x + 1) = 3 \cdot 4 = 12\), so \(100 \cdot 12 + 25 = 1225\).

Answer

a) \(100x^2 + 100x + 25\) b) \(100x(x + 1) + 25\) c) For \(x = 3\), \(3 \cdot 4 = 12\), and \(100 \cdot 12 + 25 = 1225\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 60
Complete each task. 1) Fill in the blanks to make a true identity: \((4x+\square)^2=\square+40xy+\square\). 2) Write \(25a^2-10a+1\) in the form \((\square-\square)^2\). 3) Show algebraically that \((x-7)^2=(7-x)^2\) for every real number \(x\).

Hints

- Match each expression to \(A^2\pm2AB+B^2\). - Use the first and last square terms to identify the binomial terms. - For part 3, expand both sides and compare the results.

Solution

1. In \((A+B)^2=A^2+2AB+B^2\), let \(A=4x\). Since \(2\cdot4x\cdot B=40xy\), \(B=5y\). Thus, \((4x+5y)^2=16x^2+40xy+25y^2\). 2. Since \(25a^2=(5a)^2\), \(1=1^2\), and \(-2\cdot5a\cdot1=-10a\), the expression is \((5a-1)^2\). 3. Expanding gives \((x-7)^2=x^2-14x+49\) and \((7-x)^2=49-14x+x^2=x^2-14x+49\). Therefore the expressions are equal for every real \(x\).

Answer

1) \((4x+5y)^2=16x^2+40xy+25y^2\) 2) \((5a-1)^2\) 3) Both sides simplify to \(x^2-14x+49\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 61
Use \((n-k)(n+k)=n^2-k^2\) for factors equally spaced from a common midpoint. a) Calculate \(21\cdot19\) and \(52\cdot48\). b) Explain why \((n-k)(n+k)\) is less than \(n^2\) when \(k\ne0\). Give the difference in terms of \(k\). c) Verify the shortcut: to calculate \(35\cdot45\), square the midpoint \(40\) and subtract the square of the distance \(5\). Justify the shortcut generally.

Hints

- Find the midpoint of each pair of factors. - Find each factor’s distance from that midpoint. - Compare \(n^2-k^2\) with \(n^2\).

Solution

1. a) \(21\cdot19=(20+1)(20-1)=400-1=399\). Also, \(52\cdot48=(50+2)(50-2)=2500-4=2496\). 2. b) \((n-k)(n+k)=n^2-k^2\). For real \(k\ne0\), \(k^2>0\), so the product is exactly \(k^2\) less than \(n^2\). 3. c) \(35\cdot45=(40-5)(40+5)=40^2-5^2=1600-25=1575\). In general, factors equally spaced by \(k\) from midpoint \(n\) have product \(n^2-k^2\).

Answer

a) \(21\cdot19=399\); \(52\cdot48=2496\) b) The product is \(k^2\) less than \(n^2\). c) \(35\cdot45=1575\); the shortcut follows from \((n-k)(n+k)=n^2-k^2\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 62
The side lengths of two squares add to \(22\,\text{cm}\). The area of the larger square is \(88\,\text{cm}^2\) greater than the area of the smaller square. Find both side lengths.

Hints

- Represent the two side lengths with variables. - Translate the area difference into a difference of squares. - Use the given sum to find the difference of the side lengths. - Solve the resulting pair of linear equations.

Solution

1. Let \(x\) be the larger side length and \(y\) the smaller side length. Then \(x+y=22\) and \(x^2-y^2=88\). 2. Factor the area difference: \((x-y)(x+y)=88\). 3. Since \(x+y=22\), \(22(x-y)=88\), so \(x-y=4\). 4. Solve the linear system \(x+y=22\) and \(x-y=4\) by adding the equations: \(2x=26\), so \(x=13\). Then \(y=9\).

Answer

The side lengths are \(13\,\text{cm}\) and \(9\,\text{cm}\).
Structure of quadratic expressions 63
Fill in the missing term, then write each completed trinomial as a binomial square. a) \(x^2+10x+\square=(\square)^2\) b) \(4a^2-\square+9=(\square)^2\) c) \(\square+24y+16=(\square)^2\)

Hints

- Express the middle term as twice a product. - Use the square roots of known outer terms. - Expand your completed binomial square to verify it.

Solution

1. Since \(10x=2\cdot x\cdot5\), the missing term is \(25\): \(x^2+10x+25=(x+5)^2\). 2. The outer terms are \((2a)^2\) and \(3^2\), so the middle term is \(2\cdot2a\cdot3=12a\): \(4a^2-12a+9=(2a-3)^2\). 3. Since \(16=4^2\) and \(24y=2\cdot3y\cdot4\), the missing first term is \(9y^2\): \(9y^2+24y+16=(3y+4)^2\).

Answer

a) \(x^2+10x+25=(x+5)^2\) b) \(4a^2-12a+9=(2a-3)^2\) c) \(9y^2+24y+16=(3y+4)^2\)
Structure of quadratic expressions 64
Show that this identity is true for all real numbers \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\): \((a+b+c)^2+(a+b-c)^2-(a-b+c)^2-(a-b-c)^2=8ab\). Rewrite the left side step by step until it equals \(8ab\).

Hints

- Look for pairs of expressions that differ only in the sign of one term. - Can you reduce the four squares to two simpler expressions first? - Which terms disappear when the two grouped results are subtracted?

Solution

1. Group the first two squares using \(u=a+b\): \((u+c)^2+(u-c)^2=2u^2+2c^2=2(a+b)^2+2c^2\). 2. Group the last two squares using \(v=a-b\): \((v+c)^2+(v-c)^2=2v^2+2c^2=2(a-b)^2+2c^2\). 3. Subtract these results: \(2(a+b)^2-2(a-b)^2=2\big((a+b)^2-(a-b)^2\big)\). 4. Since \((a+b)^2-(a-b)^2=4ab\), the left side equals \(8ab\).

Answer

Grouping pairs gives \(2(a+b)^2+2c^2-2(a-b)^2-2c^2\). This simplifies to \(2\big((a+b)^2-(a-b)^2\big)=2(4ab)=8ab\).

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